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Folks are funny, eh? Some must have just too much money.....

catch22catch22
edited August 2012 in Off-Topic
I am in the process of buying a newer vehicle to replace a worn out mini-van.
'Course, the internet is a wonderful tool for this search.
Friday, while in the area of a very large dealership; I did a drive-through to look at the inventory.
I spotted a vehicle similar to what I have been looking for and walked to the vehicle for closer look. It was the same vehicle they have had for one month, but had been moved to a different location. Meanwhile, "Don, the salesperson, 50-ish" cruised up in a golf car. "Hi and Hi." "Are you interested in this one", he asked. I stated that I did not find one option I wanted listed on the window sticker. "No, that is not on this one", he stated. I asked, "what is the price on this vehicle?" He glanced towards the windshield and read back to me, $23,995. He then noted that the price was part of some strange number/alpha code on the windshield along with the year of the vehicle. This dealership still plays the old game of hide the price, so that you must contact a salesperson. The first thing I have not liked about this place. I told him that I have been looking around for a few months and that the price was a bit high, as an identical vehicle (same options, mileage and condition) was currently available just 25 miles away at the price of $19,700. I let him read the printout of this other vehicle. He next stated, "Do you want to take it for a drive?". I replied, "Is this price fixed?". "No he stated", but did not even begin to provide any type of offer for a better price. I walked away, after a final glance at the vehicle and his face. He drove away in the golfcart, likely headed into his AC climatic controlled nest to count his money.

I suppose Don is already in too high of a tax bracket from his commissions YTD, and wants to keep things that way. Perhaps Don is just not plugged into his true job calling. I wish him well.

Within a one hour drive of our house allows me to have access to lots of vehicles; so, I will find what I want.

With exception of our two current vehicles; we have purchased vehicles in the greater Detroit metro area and have reduced our costs an average of 17% over the years. We don't mind driving a few hours roundtrip to save $5,000.

Regards,
Catch

Comments

  • scott
    edited August 2012
    Friends and family have had success at Carmax and you can search cars available at locations on their website.
  • catch22catch22
    Hi scott,
    Thank you. I use that site, too. Also use Kelly Bluebook. Very nice tools to set years, make, model and distance from any given zipcode.
    Take care,
    Catch
  • MikeMMikeM
    Hi catch. You may already have a way of determing fair value for a used car but the site I always go to is Edmunds.com. You just add the car you are interested in- add any options- mileage- ect... and it will spit out a "fair value" price depending if you are dealing with a dealer or a private seller. It will also give fair value for your trade in if you have one.

    I've used edmunds. many times over the last 15 years. I bring the print out with me as I deal.
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