Dealer haggling...advice?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,863
Likes: 0
From: In a pineapple under the sea.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
CI 8-9-10 Veteran
Dealer haggling...advice?
OK guys and gals...the "RAV4" is prepped for sale and has a KBB trade in value of $11,300. There are a few Vettes I'm looking at locally. One is an '03 Spiral Gray coupe with 18K miles (asking $33800) and another is an '02 Mil Yellow coupe with 37K miles (asking $28500).
Now, it's been a while since I've had the displeasure of haggling with a dealership over a car, and I can be the cantankerous sort if someone treats me like an idiot, so I'd like to enlist the help of all of you. If the dealers are REASONABLE (a stretch, I know) what should I expect to pay...out the door...for these cars?
The dealers in question are Bankston and Lynn Smith Chevy, both in the D/FW area. If any locals have had dealings with these two, I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Now, it's been a while since I've had the displeasure of haggling with a dealership over a car, and I can be the cantankerous sort if someone treats me like an idiot, so I'd like to enlist the help of all of you. If the dealers are REASONABLE (a stretch, I know) what should I expect to pay...out the door...for these cars?
The dealers in question are Bankston and Lynn Smith Chevy, both in the D/FW area. If any locals have had dealings with these two, I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 23,234
Likes: 4
From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
It all depend on the demand in your area which will determine the price. basic supply and demand.
Try checking the C5's for Sale section of the forum, you can probably get a better idea of what the cost maybe.
Try checking the C5's for Sale section of the forum, you can probably get a better idea of what the cost maybe.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,863
Likes: 0
From: In a pineapple under the sea.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
CI 8-9-10 Veteran
Originally Posted by Zilla
Try checking the C5's for Sale section of the forum, you can probably get a better idea of what the cost maybe.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 23,234
Likes: 4
From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by Iron Chef
I was going to put this thread in the for sale section, but not everyone checks there and I wanted as many responses as possible. Surely there must be some general numbers?
I wasn't refering to post in that section but rather just check out the prices. I can't really help you on the price since I am from Canada.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 0
From: near Texas
I used to sell cars... it was a horrible experience and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy
that said, my suggestion is to go straight to the used car manager - make up some hard luck story and tell 'em you need to sell your Rav4 outright without any purchase and see what they will give you for it. Make them aware you know the KBB value... once they give you an offer you are happy with (make sure you have it on paper) walk straight up to the Vette you want and make your offer.
You're not too far from me (College Station) so I would assume used car markup/pricing would be similar. From my experiences, I can honestly say most used vehicles are priced at 25-30% (if not more) over what was given to the owner on trade-in. For example: a car marked $30k is probably only worth $20-$23k to the dealership. Most used car lots dont list the asking price on the vehicle - if this is the case, then be aware that the salesman that shoots you a price is probably adding another $2-3k on top.
any questions or advise, feel free to ask or PM me
Vin
that said, my suggestion is to go straight to the used car manager - make up some hard luck story and tell 'em you need to sell your Rav4 outright without any purchase and see what they will give you for it. Make them aware you know the KBB value... once they give you an offer you are happy with (make sure you have it on paper) walk straight up to the Vette you want and make your offer.
You're not too far from me (College Station) so I would assume used car markup/pricing would be similar. From my experiences, I can honestly say most used vehicles are priced at 25-30% (if not more) over what was given to the owner on trade-in. For example: a car marked $30k is probably only worth $20-$23k to the dealership. Most used car lots dont list the asking price on the vehicle - if this is the case, then be aware that the salesman that shoots you a price is probably adding another $2-3k on top.
any questions or advise, feel free to ask or PM me
Vin
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 688
Likes: 107
From: Long Beach SoCal
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Originally Posted by Vince383
I used to sell cars... it was a horrible experience and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy
that said, my suggestion is to go straight to the used car manager - make up some hard luck story and tell 'em you need to sell your Rav4 outright without any purchase and see what they will give you for it. Make them aware you know the KBB value... once they give you an offer you are happy with (make sure you have it on paper) walk straight up to the Vette you want and make your offer.
You're not too far from me (College Station) so I would assume used car markup/pricing would be similar. From my experiences, I can honestly say most used vehicles are priced at 25-30% (if not more) over what was given to the owner on trade-in. For example: a car marked $30k is probably only worth $20-$23k to the dealership. Most used car lots dont list the asking price on the vehicle - if this is the case, then be aware that the salesman that shoots you a price is probably adding another $2-3k on top.
any questions or advise, feel free to ask or PM me
Vin
that said, my suggestion is to go straight to the used car manager - make up some hard luck story and tell 'em you need to sell your Rav4 outright without any purchase and see what they will give you for it. Make them aware you know the KBB value... once they give you an offer you are happy with (make sure you have it on paper) walk straight up to the Vette you want and make your offer.
You're not too far from me (College Station) so I would assume used car markup/pricing would be similar. From my experiences, I can honestly say most used vehicles are priced at 25-30% (if not more) over what was given to the owner on trade-in. For example: a car marked $30k is probably only worth $20-$23k to the dealership. Most used car lots dont list the asking price on the vehicle - if this is the case, then be aware that the salesman that shoots you a price is probably adding another $2-3k on top.
any questions or advise, feel free to ask or PM me
Vin
Vin's on the right track but you don't have to go through all that. Just go to your local Toyota dealer and go to the used car manager. Tell him you're a salesman from "XYZ" motors (find one about 5 miles away) and you're "shopping" the car. Ask him how much he'll give you for it (he'll probably ask you how much you need to make a deal, have a reasonable wholesale figure in mind. Look at www.kbb.com). He'll probably write the figure on the back of his business card and give it to you. I sold cars too and used to do that all the time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
prices
Not sure about your vehicle but the vettes are priced below retail and are about what kelly would call private party value. On the 03 trade in value is about 29500. I consider a good price somewhere between private party and trade in. With all of that said for a dealer they seem fairly reasonably priced. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,863
Likes: 0
From: In a pineapple under the sea.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
CI 8-9-10 Veteran
Thanks for all the help guys...I'll put all of this into my head and get started.
Hopefully I won't be "Vetteless" too much longer!
Hopefully I won't be "Vetteless" too much longer!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Streamwood IL
You should look to see what the wholesale price of the RAV-4 is. Dealers are not willing to go up much from wholesale price these days. If it's a high-volume dealership you might have a chance and knocking them up a few bucks on your trade.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 954
Likes: 21
From: White Oak, GA
Originally Posted by SimonStern
You should look to see what the wholesale price of the RAV-4 is. Dealers are not willing to go up much from wholesale price these days. If it's a high-volume dealership you might have a chance and knocking them up a few bucks on your trade.
I generally offer 10% less than the advertised price. You may be able to get more, depends on how much time and BS you are willing to spend.
But don't expect to pay wholesale for the Vette if you don't want wholesale for the RAV4, unless you sell the Toyota somewhere else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 6
From: Boca Raton Florida
You save the most money by selling our car privately and buying your car from a private owner.......the dealer is just going to wholesale your car so he will give you something less than wholesale no matter how perfect it is.....way easier to haggle with private owners....
Go to KBB.com and get the wholesale, private owner, and used car lot prices....they are likely to be 27K, 30K, and 33K for a 2001 in exc cond.
I would only go to a dealer for a new car.....when you come to a dealer to trade-in and buy used, you might as well back in to the dealership and bend over....
Go to KBB.com and get the wholesale, private owner, and used car lot prices....they are likely to be 27K, 30K, and 33K for a 2001 in exc cond.
I would only go to a dealer for a new car.....when you come to a dealer to trade-in and buy used, you might as well back in to the dealership and bend over....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,216
Likes: 1
From: Vette Doctors Performance RX450 - 466RWHP !!!
Are these dealers that your dealing with FORUM DEALERS????
You might get more play from one of them, even with a trade-in.
Good Luck and I suggest the Spiral Grey!!!
You might get more play from one of them, even with a trade-in.
Good Luck and I suggest the Spiral Grey!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I love to negotate. One thing keep in mind and this is a must. You must be prepared to get up and walk out. FOR REAL.
If you can't walk out on the deal making process, they win. But dont be a hard azz. If you are, they will be too. Rember these ppl are professional sales ppl.
Never talk about trade in or how you plan to pay for the car. Get the price, their best deal first. Then talk about how you are going to pay for it.
Dont go in tired. Give your self severl hours of time at the dealership.
Do your homework first.
and most important HAVE FUN.
Good Luck
If you can't walk out on the deal making process, they win. But dont be a hard azz. If you are, they will be too. Rember these ppl are professional sales ppl.
Never talk about trade in or how you plan to pay for the car. Get the price, their best deal first. Then talk about how you are going to pay for it.
Dont go in tired. Give your self severl hours of time at the dealership.
Do your homework first.
and most important HAVE FUN.
Good Luck
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,863
Likes: 0
From: In a pineapple under the sea.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
CI 8-9-10 Veteran
Thanks again fellas.
F.J.B. - No, these are local dealerships near my home. For a variety of reasons it would be difficult to travel to some of the forum dealers. I mean, if it's a killer deal that I can't pass up then sure. But I think most dealerships want to see your trade in person before they give you an offer, and it would be a real pain in the neck if I drove it a day or two and the dealer didn't want to give me what I felt it was worth. Selling myself might be the smartest move...gives me more options. Spiral Gray or Mil Yellow are my first choices!
AU N EGL - I'll try to keep cool...but more than anything I know that this is a process that SHOULD take about 20 minutes and the dealers stretch it into 2-3 hours, which is unnecessary and thereby irritating me from the start. Guess I just have to suck it up!
And here's another complaint! I looked up my RAV's value in KBB and NADA...there is as much as a $3000 difference in what these two sites say the car is worth!
Can anyone tell me which guide dealerships or the buying public most closely follow?
F.J.B. - No, these are local dealerships near my home. For a variety of reasons it would be difficult to travel to some of the forum dealers. I mean, if it's a killer deal that I can't pass up then sure. But I think most dealerships want to see your trade in person before they give you an offer, and it would be a real pain in the neck if I drove it a day or two and the dealer didn't want to give me what I felt it was worth. Selling myself might be the smartest move...gives me more options. Spiral Gray or Mil Yellow are my first choices!
AU N EGL - I'll try to keep cool...but more than anything I know that this is a process that SHOULD take about 20 minutes and the dealers stretch it into 2-3 hours, which is unnecessary and thereby irritating me from the start. Guess I just have to suck it up!
And here's another complaint! I looked up my RAV's value in KBB and NADA...there is as much as a $3000 difference in what these two sites say the car is worth!
Can anyone tell me which guide dealerships or the buying public most closely follow?
Last edited by Iron Chef; Dec 13, 2004 at 09:58 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
What I do is do my homework to get reasonable prices for both the trade and the new car then make them an offer along the lines "I'll give you $xxx and my car for the new one". It makes absolutely no difference to you how they come up with the numbers, they can either discount the new car or play with the trade in $$$. Bottom line to you is the same if they meet your price. Most likely they will counter your offer with one a couple $K over. That is when you have to be ready to walk if you can't live with the deal. I usually counter that I need to check out Dealer XYZ's prices first. (Playing dealers against each other works best with a new car, though, as everyone is playing on the same level field). I've have dealers call me on my cell phone, while I was negotiating at another dealer, to make a better offer.
Last edited by BigJoe; Dec 13, 2004 at 10:06 AM.