tonrob

Car-buying threads seem to be like buses these days...

Anyway - I need to replace one of our cars on account of it being shite.

I hate dealers with a passion, in fact I'm worried that if I go down that road again I may end up punching someone. Evidently 5 years is not long enough to simmer down on this one.

On a separate thread recently there were a few references to buying cars online to avoid all of the face-to-face price negotiation games that take place in the pit of snakes.

Not having done this before my understanding of the tactics are as follows:

• E-mail a dealer and ask for a price. (They have a different team doing 'internet pricing' to the oxygen-wasting slime-balls up front).
  or
• Use a website like carsdirect.com to be the middle man for you.

Does this sound about right? Is there anything I'm missing here? Does anyone have any experience of other sites to consider?


Background:

I'm looking at a new 2011 VW Jetta Sportwagen. There are two VW dealers in my immediate vicinity. I have no first-hand experience with either, although one gets shite reviews online and the other may have just about avoided being taken out by a tornado (literally by a few yards). Hopefully they have a few cars left, or can give me a discount on a dented one.

Scouse Express

I found my current vehicle (a 2003 Chevrolet S10 4x4 which was almost brand new at the time), online. Went to look at it when the dealer was closed and then went to see a salesman, whom I had met in the past.

I told him right away that I didn't want any smarmy BS, or to meet the Sales Manager etc. Just give me a fair, but, decent price.

The deal was done within 10 minutes, and I left as a "Happy Customer."

Jim.

ottotheboar

A friend of mine bought a new GMC truck in Texas off ebay and we live in Virginia. The dealer had great feedback and arranged for the shipping. He saved a significant amount. Looking at a dealer on ebay in S Carolina for my own next truck offering a significantly lower price than the local dealers.

Jerseygirl

In the past I've sourced a new car on-line from sites like carsdirect. Then I've looked through the dealer's inventory in state and out of state. I have then gone to my local dealer...said here's the car I want...if you can get the car and match this price the sale is yours.

Tarkak9

... wait until August when the new 2012 models come out; they'll try really hard to get rid of the 2011's...

tonrob

Good tip. I have some funds that will take a month or two to access anyway so this will fit together nicely.