Posted by Susannah at sdn-ap-006scfairp0305.dialsprint.net on June 08, 2003 at 20:05:33:
In Reply to: thanks posted by shitty speller...DEAL WITH IT! on June 08, 2003 at 19:54:18:
: most likely going with a dealer by the way
Make sure you don't let them dick you around. You might negotiate what you think is an awesome price, and then they sic the finance guy on you to tell you you don't "qualify" for their low interest rate (sometimes you don't, but they can almost ALWAYS do better than what they first throw at you). Gap insurance is useless unless you're not getting a good deal on the car, or you're financing it for a ridiculous amount of time. And don't get me started on undercarriage coating. ;)
Basically, don't get caught staring at the pinstripes (just watched Catch Me If You Can, and now feel compelled to use that metaphor).
I've never paid more than $200 above invoice for a new car, or $200 below Edmunds TMV for a used one. My last purchase was a '99 Camry for $2000 below Edmunds TMV. I'm a bitch on wheels when it comes to cars, and I research the hell out of the specs before I buy anything.
Do your homework. Know what car you want before you look, and know everything about it - including all engine types (many come in 4 or 6 cylinder models, with varying standard equipment). It's usually easier to purchase a higher-end model that contains most of the equipment you want standard, because they do better for resale.