Come On Down, You've Just Won a New Car!...

Ok, maybe not, but that is what it feels like.

Background...

So here's the deal, Joe and I wanted to replace his commuter car (mazda 626, 5 seats) with something that could fit our whole family (7-8 seats). He has a work truck which he uses most of the time, and only needs an around town car once in a while. We were thinking that if our Sienna ever broke down and needed to be fixed it would be nice to have another vehicle the fits us all.

On with the story...(prices and fees have been changed to protect the Innocent)

Now is a good time to buy a car, if you need one and can afford one. The dealers are getting desperate to sell, sell, sell! And they will make you a good deal if you work for it. I started by looking online at different dealer's web sites. I then called, yes you heard me, I called the dealerships. I got them to quote and promise things over the phone. Now I will tell you now that the salesmen will tell you things over the phone to get you to drive on in, thinking that once you're there, you will buy, buy, buy! They are sure that you will make an impromptu decision and pay more than you want because you will fall in love with such said car and will have to have it. Don't play their game! Walk out! Example..

You tell all the salesmen that you want payments of $100 a month. Now lets say that one salesman promised over the phone that he could get your payments under $150 a month, but in person wants you to pay $185 a month because that's the best his manager can do....but because he feels sooo bad about telling you $150 over the phone, he will just scratch that and write $149. Sounds good, right? He did what he promised right? Good cop, bad cop. Walk away!

Now that the salesman knows you will not "fall in love" with his car, he will be more reasonable in the future. Let me remind you that during this, you are talking with other salesmen too. There are so many cars out there, that one will end up in your price range if you wait for it. That being said don't pass up a good deal when it hits you over the head...

Lets say, that after a few days that salesman calls you back and says that he has a car that will meet your needs perfectly, and he can get you in it for $115 a month. Hmm...you think...sounds good, but can I trust him now? No, but go anyway. He now knows that you won't be bullied, and if he wants to sell you a car he will have to meet you at your terms. Can you trust him? No, he's trying to make money, but he can trust you and he knows you'll walk away. Don't be bullied! They will try to make you feel guilty about not paying more! Guilt is a powerful selling tool, don't let them use it. They sell cars, people buy cars, it's a rotating door everyday. If you don't buy it, someone else will. Good for them, they can pay the high monthly premiums! Remember that car dealerships are there to "make money", they won't sell their cars for less then they paid, and they won't sell for no profit.

In any case, after much car shopping (and a story similar to this one, but much longer), we bought a car....(drum roll please)

A used Honda Odyssey! It's wonderful!

And for those of you that are wondering if we got a good deal?...let me just say that we got about 5 thousand off blue book price, and 10 years off our life span. lol thank goodness this only has to happen once every few years!