Dealing with dealers

[schmoopified]

I've done all my research, and am getting ready to pull the trigger on an order for a JL, only one thing has me kind of at a loss...namely, dealing with dealerships and their salesmen. I'm never sure whether to let them know I've done my research and know the price I think I should be paying for a new Jeep.

Do I play dumb, and just keep asking for a better price (without going into why I think it should be as low as I think it should be) until we reach my magic number (say, as close to -5% below invoice/FWP as I can)? Do I jump on their desk and shout "HA! YOU DIDN'T EXPECT ME TO KNOW THE INVOICE PRICE!!! I HAVE FOUND YOUR WEAKNESS!!!" (that might get me to be asked to leave, or the police will be called, so I'm thinking that might not be the way to go).

Basically, does letting them in on what I already know put me at a disadvantage, here?

Damn, I hate dealing with people, sometimes.....:cwl:

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[albatross]

I wouldnt play dumb....that'll end up just costing you more time. Tell them you know what's up and give them your bottom line price quickly. If they dont meet it, be prepared to walk out.

 

[Paluss]

I agree, but I let them make their best offer first, and then let them know that you can buy it cheaper at another dealership, be prepared to prove that, then hit em with your counter and the price you want, had much success with that approach, also be willing to walk away. good luck

 

[rallydefault]

Yea, honestly I find it easiest to not overthink it. All of these websites and advice forums recommend strategies and, frankly, they want you to play mind games with the dealer - I've had my best results just going in, being honest, and being willing to walk with no hard feelings if they can't come down to you.

(I've also, more often than not, found that a dealer will give you a call and offer a much better price a day or two after if you do walk out. When I purchased a Renegade a few years ago I initially walked, but I got a call literally the next day and they offered a price over 1,000 bucks cheaper.)

We're all people, and I've rarely been in a situation where being mysterious and nasty yields better results than just being upfront and relatively pleasant. Don't be hostile, but don't be a pushover.

 

[northernILJeep]

First rule of negotiation is that you want to name your price first. That way, they have to get you off your price instead of you getting them off of theirs.

 

[Gaxmode]

I walked in, told them I have no time for games, had a piece of paper with the packages I wanted. Told them I was visiting 5 dealers that day and to take this to their sales manager and give me their best price.

They immediately knocked $5k off msrp of $48k. I then went to the next dealer and they beat it. I felt the offer was fair and pulled the trigger. What can I say... I’m impatient. I could of got an even better deal if I strung them out a few days or ordered, I purchased my jlus off the lot.

 

[Oilslick]

I walked in, told them I have no time for games, had a piece of paper with the packages I wanted. Told them I was visiting 5 dealers that day and to take this to their sales manager and give me their best price.

They immediately knocked $5k off msrp of $48k. I then went to the next dealer and they beat it. I felt the offer was fair and pulled the trigger. What can I say... I’m impatient. I could of got an even better deal if I strung them out a few days or ordered, I purchased my jlus off the lot.

I wish I had done as well as you! My local dealer barely budged, but they knew I was buying there regardless. I just couldn't deal with big city bullshit dealers.

 

[Matthew/E36]

Well let them do a little tap dance and glad hand for 5 mins so its out of their system.

Let them know you have something specific in mind and show them what you have picked out for a factory order.

Tell them about the tread lightly discount (if thats still available). If you are close to any of these great deals posted (5% under invoice), you could mention you've heard that out there but you arent sure about the drive.

Let them know you want to make a deal, but are likely going to check with a couple dealers too.


Of course I did all that and ended up back at the first dealer becaysr the wnd one I visited (first one I shared the order with) started playing games. Lol. Just do what you want.

 

[Saejin]

Same advice here. Take some printed out options sheets which you can find here showing options and invoice pricing. See if they’ll match. 4-5% under invoice seems to be the standard best deal although I’ve seen up to 7% from the dealer in Idaho.

If they’ll match it then great. If not then go to the next dealer. What I wouldn’t do is bounce back and forth between dealers for less than $100 unless one of them is being a a$$ about things. At the $100 difference it comes down to which dealer is treating you better and being more professional about things and also will that dealer be your servicing dealer. Sometimes building a good relationship with a dealer is better than saving $100, but then again it’s totally up to you.

Also see if you can do everything by email first before going in. It’ll just save you time.

 

[ALEX-4LO]

Just go in there and haggle. Be confident and fiercest. Dealerships are there to make money not give you 5-8% below invoice deals. LOL

It’s all about who’s going to break first.

 

[jeremyjeep]

As mentioned before, it is best to shop around and get them to compete against each other for your business. Compare to what people are getting on these forums as a price reference. The goal isn't to get the "best deal on the planet", the goal is to make sure you don't find out you paid way too much. Also, when choosing a car salesperson, call up the service department first. Ask them you hate dealing with car sales people and ask which one is the least like a car sales person. Then call up the sales department and ask for that person. They will never give you the name of someone they hate and can't stand working with.

 

[old8tora]

Invoice is fake . Their cost is far far below invoice . How would you expect them to stay in business if they sold under their cost ? That is absurd . If you are in Maryland , I would call Koons first to get an idea .

 

[schmoopified]

Invoice is fake . Their cost is far far below invoice . How would you expect them to stay in business if they sold under their cost ? That is absurd . If you are in Maryland , I would call Koons first to get an idea .

Thanks for the advice, but I live in MA. There are a few dealerships I can check out here, though.

 

[old8tora]

Thanks for the advice, but I live in MA. There are a few dealerships I can check out here, though.

First of all , never believe a slimy salesman , their words are as foul as their breath . Second , never sign anything until after test driving Jeep . Third , write down your budget , decide on your top offer : say , 8% under MSRP , and never budge . If they give you lip , just walk out .

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