how to deal, when buying a new car?

[cplvc]

I've had some previous experience in buying a new car, but I'm asking here because I want to learn what others have done and has worked for them.

A friend is looking to get a 2009 BMW 328i sedan with some basic options. I've looked on edmunds but are there other ways you guys try to work deals?

Just looking for suggestions on how to talk a dealer into giving you close to the price you would like to pay.

[CJM]

I refuse to buy new unless there is no choice. The devalue of the car is insane the moment you drive it off the lot. A car that cost 30k new is worth 25k the moment you drive it.

Instead I try to find trade ins or cars with history. When I bought my truck it was in every sense perfect besides needing brakes. But it had receipts out the wazoo. My Camry I got from a relative who took care or it and the same with my old F250. If I had to buy from a dealer I would want a certified used car and then I would only take it if I and a mechanic friend looked over it first.

If I was gonna buy new I would buy thru a dealer friend, car coss 30k and we can usually pick something like that up for about 5-8k less or better.

[fustercluck]

In todays economy, do your homework on value, set your price, be willing to walk away. Do not fall in love with a car until you have signed the deal.

[Seanz0rz]

research on what the dealer cost for the vehicle is. i know years ago www.autosite.com used to have that info, looks like they dont anymore. add 500 dollars to that price, show that information to the sales person, and be very prepared to be laughed at.

BMW is going to be more difficult than ford or even toyota to negotiate with. just go in and be strong. know (or act like you know) your stuff and dont be intimidated.

[mastacox]

www.carbuyingtips.com (http://www.carbuyingtips.com) is a cool site I have found useful information on in the past.

[Good Times]

Brian's link is probably one of the most comprehensive sites for buying vehicles period. I haven't gone to it recently only cuz I don't have any plans on buyin any vehicles unless someone decides to just hand me the keys to a brand new vehicle (none of that stolen crap!) but it is worth spending LOTS of time reading on that site.

With a struggling economy, it is a buyers market. Many dealerships are struggling to survive and just make their bottom lines so I'm sure they would be more than willing to lean a bit more right now just to be able to move inventory off their lot. The inventory that sits on their lot is dead inventory that ends up costing them more so I would say if you have the funds to buy anything you're in pretty good shape.

[Robinhood4x4]

I had the best experience by emailing dealers and negotiating through email. I would get a price from one dealer and ask the others if they can beat it. Eventually they start dropping out when the price gets too low and you're left with only a few. Once I pulled the trigger and went into the dealer for the paperwork, everything went smooth because I had everything in writing from the emails. Be sure to ask for an itemized list and out the door pricing.

[Cebby]

Make sure your friend tells them he is also looking at comparable models (ie A4, Benz C-Class, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS350). If he/she demonstrates that they are only looking at BMW's, he won't have much leverage to get discounting.

Like Fuster said - two very important things. Don't fall in love with the car (remain indifferent) and be willing to walk away.

[cplvc]

Thank you all, this information is exactly what I was looking for. I will pass this information on to my friend.

[paddlenbike]

BMW resale value is notricious compared to Toyotas. A 2009 BMW 328i starts at $33,600 without any cool features at all. (What's the point?) I am seeing 08 and 09 models on craigslist with less than 10,000 miles on them in the mid $20s (sometimes less) and they usually have at least the sport package or premium package and xenon headlights.

Next time I buy a car it will be a very slightly used BMW. No one else makes a nice sedan with an inline-6 and RWD. Your buddy is making a good choice, just tell him to consider slightly used before buying new!

[DHC6twinotter]

Yeah, if I ever buy a car, I would very tempted to get a new 335i. Very nice cars, but I would never buy one new. I6, twin turbo, 6spd, rwd...it's perfect. :D

[cplvc]

Ken/Dan,
Trust me I wouldn't buy new either. my friend is a GIRL a DOCTOR and has MONEY so I can't get her to change her mind. You all will laugh at this, but SHE wants to buy TWO new BMW's one for her and one for her mom with CASH. Now if I had that kind of financial backing I would buy a 4runner airplane kit so I can fly. I don't see a point in trying to make a deal, just pay msrp...right?

for sure I would look into a used BMW for my next car.

[paddlenbike]

^^ :love:

[DHC6twinotter]

^^ :love:


:rofl: