Purchasing a car at a dealership

[Jenksismyhero]

So now that I finally have a job it's time for a new car. I'm looking at a 2009 or maybe 2010 Ford Escape, but have never gone car shopping before. Anyone

 

(1) have any experience with this model? If so what do you think? I test drove about 4 "compact" suv's this last weekend and this was the one I was most impressed with (Escape, Equinox, Sportage, Xterra...no interest in the CR-V or Rav-4). It's got the perfect mix for commute driving on the weekdays and hauling/off-roading on the weekends. It's basically a small version of the explorer, which i wanted, but my fiance thinks is too big for her.

 

(2) any advice to share about how to get the best deal at a dealership and/or things to avoid or be aware of. I made it pretty clear up front i wasn't buying, so I didn't really get into much talk about prices. It seems like most places were willing to work with me though. The vehicles i'm looking at are ~24-26k on the webpages, but with a sticker price on the lot about ~2-3k less and they kept telling me they'd work with me. I'm hoping to spend no more than 20k. I dunno how realistic it is for them to drop 4-6k off the price, but I'm hoping they will.

[Palehosefan]

I'll piggy back the question, with one of my own. I'm in the same boat as you.

 

I'm about to purchase a GMC Terrain. It's MSRP is 28,325, and I'm trying to figure out what offer I should make and what offer I should stick to for the "out the door" price.

 

Also, since I have been looking at smaller SUV's for a while, I would recommend looking at the Equinox one more time. You might be able to get them down to closer to 20k, but keep the 22/32 mileage.

Edited December 1, 2009 by Palehosefan

[BigSqwert]

I'm looking at a 2009 or maybe 2010 Ford Escape

*awaits response from NorthsideSox72*

[Jenksismyhero]

I'll piggy back the question, with one of my own. I'm in the same boat as you.

 

I'm about to purchase a GMC Terrain. It's MSRP is 28,325, and I'm trying to figure out what offer I should make and what offer I should stick to for the "out the door" price.

 

Also, since I have been looking at smaller SUV's for a while, I would recommend looking at the Equinox one more time. You might be able to get them down to closer to 20k, but keep the 22/32 mileage.

 

Ha. Yeah I'm actually going to test drive a Terrain this weekend if I can. I really like the look and all of the standard features. Prob is it's a new model and I've been advised that new models can be really hit or miss. Might get screwed if no one buys them and they drop the line after a year or two. Plus if I get a new Ford I get the 0% for 60. GMC isn't offering any kind of financing.

 

I'm just not a fan of the equinox look. Too cross-overy for me. I want an suv that looks like an suv but isn't a tank. Plus it's Chevy.

 

The Escape gets 18/24 (the v6 4x4), which is essentially what i get now. I thought about the hybrid with that 41 mpg city, but i need to get a v6. I'm tired of having little to no power.

[NorthSideSox72]

*awaits response from NorthsideSox72*

Heh.

 

I have the 2008 Escape Hybrid. I even posted a whole spiel about my math in deciding whether or not to go for the Hybrid, back then, somewhere in the Buster.

 

I do like the FEH a lot. I'm surprised how much I like it. Its given me basically no issues - the only thing is, on occasion, something happens behind the dashboard that sounds like its percolating coffee. Weird. Otherwise, its been great.

 

Anyway, for me, the hybrid equation worked out nicely. By the time I got my tax credit in March of 2009, the difference had already paid for itself - 15 months pay back period. But that was also covering 2008, when gas prices got truly insane. The math would be different for you, as I'd say its more likely you will average like $3 a gallon for gas over time (instead of $3.50 or $4), and also importantly, I am not sure if the FEH has reached the production threshold where the credits are gone.

 

Leaving aside the hybrid/non-hybrid part, the Escape is the same car, and I've liked it a lot. Can't speak about the V6 though. My car before that was a Saturn VUE V6 AWD, which had the Honda-made Red Line engine in it (265 HP), and was very fast for an SUV. So the FEH was notably slower, but honestly, I just don't care about that, and its never caused me a problem. I'm not drag racing - my wife uses it to commute with the baby.

 

If you have other specific questions on the Escape, let me know.

 

ETA: Forgot to add, mine is the AWD version of the Hybrid, which i thought was a good idea for Chicago (and my camping trips). Just note that the AWD version subtracts a few MPG clicks on either hybrid or non-hybrid.

 

[Palehosefan]

Ha. Yeah I'm actually going to test drive a Terrain this weekend if I can. I really like the look and all of the standard features. Prob is it's a new model and I've been advised that new models can be really hit or miss. Might get screwed if no one buys them and they drop the line after a year or two. Plus if I get a new Ford I get the 0% for 60. GMC isn't offering any kind of financing.

 

I'm just not a fan of the equinox look. Too cross-overy for me. I want an suv that looks like an suv but isn't a tank. Plus it's Chevy.

 

The Escape gets 18/24 (the v6 4x4), which is essentially what i get now. I thought about the hybrid with that 41 mpg city, but i need to get a v6. I'm tired of having little to no power.

 

Yep, I understand about the Equinox look. Just something about it I didn't really see myself in.

 

I think the Terrain is here to stay. The gas mileage and look are fantastic, and it has some really nice features. Rearview back-up camera comes standard, and it has a really smooth, quiet ride, and it has the most rear-passenger legroom in the class. I'm 6'2 and I had PLENTY of room sitting in the backseat.

 

I also worried about it being a new model, but I also realized that it's the first fuel-efficient SUV from GMC, which is one of the 5 "keystone" companies that GM is focusing it's renewed strategy on.

[Jenksismyhero]

Heh.

 

I have the 2008 Escape Hybrid. I even posted a whole spiel about my math in deciding whether or not to go for the Hybrid, back then, somewhere in the Buster.

 

I do like the FEH a lot. I'm surprised how much I like it. Its given me basically no issues - the only thing is, on occasion, something happens behind the dashboard that sounds like its percolating coffee. Weird. Otherwise, its been great.

 

Anyway, for me, the hybrid equation worked out nicely. By the time I got my tax credit in March of 2009, the difference had already paid for itself - 15 months pay back period. But that was also covering 2008, when gas prices got truly insane. The math would be different for you, as I'd say its more likely you will average like $3 a gallon for gas over time (instead of $3.50 or $4), and also importantly, I am not sure if the FEH has reached the production threshold where the credits are gone.

 

Leaving aside the hybrid/non-hybrid part, the Escape is the same car, and I've liked it a lot. Can't speak about the V6 though. My car before that was a Saturn VUE V6 AWD, which had the Honda-made Red Line engine in it (265 HP), and was very fast for an SUV. So the FEH was notably slower, but honestly, I just don't care about that, and its never caused me a problem. I'm not drag racing - my wife uses it to commute with the baby.

 

If you have other specific questions on the Escape, let me know.

 

ETA: Forgot to add, mine is the AWD version of the Hybrid, which i thought was a good idea for Chicago (and my camping trips). Just note that the AWD version subtracts a few MPG clicks on either hybrid or non-hybrid.

 

 

Two things appear to be the "main" complaints:

 

(1) how's the wind noise? I didn't really notice it on the streets. On the highway I did, but no more than any other car I've had/been in.

 

(2) how's the passenger fold down seat situation? It looked a bit clunky having to fold up the bottom of the seat, take off the head rests and fold down the back of the seat. The KIA sportage it was a one lever, 2 second motion. I don't think this is a major negative, since I don't see a big difference in a 10 second process versus a 2, but wondered if that became tiresome after a while.

 

And how is it in the snow.? I'll be getting the 4wd version. I'm not crazy about the automatic 4wd (just another automatic function that will eventually breakdown), but I've heard it handles really well in snow/off road conditions. I'm not planning to do jeep trails with it, but it would be nice to get off road a little.

[G&T]

I'm pretty certin its consumer reports that gives you the invoice price for a car. It costs like $10 but can save you hundreds or thousands. Know that they are only looking to make a small percentage above that price. That's the only way to get a good deal.

[southsider2k5]

Check with your own bank about financing before you go in so you don't have to play that game at the dealership.

[FlaSoxxJim]

Check with your own bank about financing before you go in so you don't have to play that game at the dealership.

 

^^ Very good advice.

[CrimsonWeltall]

Find out what the dealer paid invoice for the vehicle using sites like Edmunds.

 

Look for people online talking about how much they paid for 09/10 Escapes.

 

Go to a bunch of dealerships and get quotes. You have a bunch of money and you want to buy soon, gimme your best price now.

 

Don't like what you're hearing? WALK. They will call you and prices will magically improve.

 

If they stop budging on the price of the new vehicle, try to get them to give you more for your trade-in.

 

Go for the new 09 instead of the 10 unless it has significant upgrades. They want to unload those.

 

[NorthSideSox72]

Two things appear to be the "main" complaints:

 

(1) how's the wind noise? I didn't really notice it on the streets. On the highway I did, but no more than any other car I've had/been in.

 

(2) how's the passenger fold down seat situation? It looked a bit clunky having to fold up the bottom of the seat, take off the head rests and fold down the back of the seat. The KIA sportage it was a one lever, 2 second motion. I don't think this is a major negative, since I don't see a big difference in a 10 second process versus a 2, but wondered if that became tiresome after a while.

 

And how is it in the snow.? I'll be getting the 4wd version. I'm not crazy about the automatic 4wd (just another automatic function that will eventually breakdown), but I've heard it handles really well in snow/off road conditions. I'm not planning to do jeep trails with it, but it would be nice to get off road a little.

Wind noise seems no better or worse than most cars. I mean, its not a Lexus, but its plenty quiet. Much quieter than my Saturn had been.

 

The fold-down is indeed a bit of a pain, you are correct (forgot about that). It works fine, but its a little time-consuming. Its done that way to make more room for storage in the back when the seats are still up, so that's the payoff. I don't mind the extra 10 seconds, because its very rare we do that anyway. If you plan to do that a lot for some reason, maybe its an issue.

 

 

[SoxFan562004]

Find out what the dealer paid invoice for the vehicle using sites like Edmunds.

 

Look for people online talking about how much they paid for 09/10 Escapes.

 

Go to a bunch of dealerships and get quotes. You have a bunch of money and you want to buy soon, gimme your best price now.

 

Don't like what you're hearing? WALK. They will call you and prices will magically improve.

 

If they stop budging on the price of the new vehicle, try to get them to give you more for your trade-in.

 

Go for the new 09 instead of the 10 unless it has significant upgrades. They want to unload those.

This sums it up very well. With all the info the public has available to them, you should go in knowing exactly what you think is fair to play, tell them that number and don't b.s. with them

[southsider2k5]

ANother thing you will catch is that they try to negotiate everything as a package, and will give you a per month payment. Do NOT negotiate like that. Make them give you the cash price, the whole time.

[CrimsonWeltall]

Confessions of a Car Salesman

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/artic...62/article.html

 

This is a really good, though long, article from a reporter who decided to be a car salesman at a couple of different type dealerships and his experience on the inside, with how salesmen are trained to sell, how management works, and where they'll try to screw you.

[EvilMonkey]

Get financing arranged somewhere else first, if possible. Never tell them what your 'ranage' is for monthly payments. Always negotiate sale price, seperate of trade in. AFTER you get sales price, then talk financing. If they ask to look at your trade in before they give you a dollar amount, get your keys back before you start talking any sales figures. if not, you will find them talking a long time to get back to you. Walk if you don't like what you hear at any time. Come prepared with dealer costs from online, and a reasonable idea of the dealer trade in value of your car. And this may sound like one you wouldn't forget, but drive the car first if you have to order it or get it from a different lot. You can drive a similar model to see if you like the general feel of the car, but make sure you drive the one you will be purchasing before you sign anything. And in fairness to the dealers, remember, they DO need to make a profit. It just doesn't have to be as huge as they would like.

[RockRaines]

Confessions of a Car Salesman

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/artic...62/article.html

 

This is a really good, though long, article from a reporter who decided to be a car salesman at a couple of different type dealerships and his experience on the inside, with how salesmen are trained to sell, how management works, and where they'll try to screw you.

Car salesmen are the reason that people dont trust me when I first meet them in a meeting. I HATE how dirty you feel after you buy a car because you know somehow they ripped you off.

 

The best advice is above, get your financing on a price you want to pay, and others have paid, and if they cant give you that price, walk. The finance guy at the dealership is the guy that makes them the most money.

Edited December 2, 2009 by RockRaines

[southsideirish71]

Car salesmen are the reason that people dont trust me when I first meet them in a meeting. I HATE how dirty you feel after you buy a car because you know somehow they ripped you off.

 

The best advice is above, get your financing on a price you want to pay, and others have paid, and if they cant give you that price, walk. The finance guy at the dealership is the guy that makes them the most money.

 

This is a line I remember from Season One of Criminal Minds...

 

"Agent Hotchner explains the car salesman's philosophy of "reciprocity;" they drop the price and the buyer feels obligated to do something for them. "

 

[JPN366]

Buy a Mustang, they're sweet.

[Jenksismyhero]

I read the edmunds thing and it had some great advice. It's a little dated though (9% interest?!). Anymore it seems the dealers are being more competitve with each other to sell the car, for anything, just to get them off the lot.

 

I'm looking at a 2010 Escape with an "internet price" of $27,798. The incentives/rebates right now are $1,000 promotion discount, $500 recent grad discount, and 0% financing for 60 months. So, right there I'm down to $26,298. According to edmunds, the invoice price is closer to $23-24,000, which is about my max of what I want to pay. I plan to basically ask the guy/gal what their price is, tell him i've checked with a few other dealers for the same car and been quoted at $23,500 or so and see what he can do.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Jenksismybitch

[SnB]

Confessions of a Car Salesman

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/artic...62/article.html

 

This is a really good, though long, article from a reporter who decided to be a car salesman at a couple of different type dealerships and his experience on the inside, with how salesmen are trained to sell, how management works, and where they'll try to screw you.

well that entertained me for awhile.

 

We just bought a car from carmax a couple weeks ago. It was a really good experience.

[RockRaines]

I read the edmunds thing and it had some great advice. It's a little dated though (9% interest?!). Anymore it seems the dealers are being more competitve with each other to sell the car, for anything, just to get them off the lot.

 

I'm looking at a 2010 Escape with an "internet price" of $27,798. The incentives/rebates right now are $1,000 promotion discount, $500 recent grad discount, and 0% financing for 60 months. So, right there I'm down to $26,298. According to edmunds, the invoice price is closer to $23-24,000, which is about my max of what I want to pay. I plan to basically ask the guy/gal what their price is, tell him i've checked with a few other dealers for the same car and been quoted at $23,500 or so and see what he can do.

Make sure you do that in person, on the phone they arent excited enough to think they've got the sale. Drive the car, then tell them the price you want it for, if they cant do it, make sure you walk directly out. Dont stop. Make them call you.

[CrimsonWeltall]

JIMB,

 

Do you have a trade-in?

[Jenksismyhero]

I do. An old beater of a pontiac sunfire that my fiance has had since college. It's got some dents and dings, so I'm not expecting much. KBB says $1200-1600, so I'll be happy with $1500.

[RockRaines]

I do. An old beater of a pontiac sunfire that my fiance has had since college. It's got some dents and dings, so I'm not expecting much. KBB says $1200-1600, so I'll be happy with $1500.

They'll offer 500.