I don't get "haggling" new car prices

[MTboatguy]

x2 on the lack of knowledge of some sales people......

Some are really bad I had a job when I was 15 to 18 working at a car dealership, and sometimes, they would let me try to sell a car or two as I got older and of course I worked in the shop, cleaning cars and hanging around the mechanics, I really got the opportunity to learn a lot about this various models of cars and every once in a while, I did sell a car. But I can tell you, some of the salespeople were horrible on their knowledge, I would be washing cars and they would come and get me to help explain things about the car, finally the manager got pissed and made them pay me if they asked for my help with the more difficult questions about motors, suspension, features, etc. I really enjoyed it because I always made extra money.

 

[MTboatguy]

As Art said, virtually every single deal to a car dealer is a "cash" deal. One thing, I do see companies doing around here is "Doc" fees, I never experienced that until just about the last 5 years here in Montana.

 

[fhhuber]

"Doc" (Documentation) Fee is set by law in some states. Its a fee for processing the paperwork of transferring title and getting the registration. The dealer is expected to ensure the title goes to the loan company (if there is a loan) or purchaser. and the licensing is all squared away.

In those states it is what it is. Just as in states with inspection requirements the inspection fee is fixed by law and takes more time than its worth to the people doing the inspection.

In others its like the "taxes and fees" on the cable and internet bills... There may not be any such tax. They charge it because they can get away with it.

 

[G_Hipster]

See point #5.

Agree with the complaints of salesmen that do not know their product. Hate the finance selling also. One of the biggest laughs is when a customer would come and say, "I am paying cash, give me a better deal." The reality of that is that if the dealer arranges the financing, they get a percentage of your financing charges ... so it is more advantageous for the dealer for you to finance then pay cash ... dealer gets their cash immediately either way.

And they will charge you with whatever interest rate they think they can get away with. 0% is to get you there, few qualify. They love minimum down maximum finance deals.

 

[MTboatguy]

"Doc" (Documentation) Fee is set by law in some states. Its a fee for processing the paperwork of transferring title and getting the registration. The dealer is expected to ensure the title goes to the loan company (if there is a loan) or purchaser. and the licensing is all squared away.

In those states it is what it is. Just as in states with inspection requirements the inspection fee is fixed by law and takes more time than its worth to the people doing the inspection.

In others its like the "taxes and fees" on the cable and internet bills... There may not be any such tax. They charge it because they can get away with it.

Oh, I know what it is, I was just surprise that they all of sudden started charging it, we used to never have a Doc fee, just the last couple of years.

 

[ezmobee]

My last new car purchase went so badly I've vowed to never do it again. From now on I'm either just having my wife do it or doing a Truecar factory order and paying that price and walking out. Friggin' hate it.

 

[WIMUSKY]

I like it. My wife hates it. She just sits there and listens. I've shocked her when I got my trade-in price right away and went for more. Hey, an extra thousand helps....

 

[rogerwa]

At the end to the day, its a good deal if you are happy with it. If you look at it from the vantage point of questioning whether you got absolutely the best deal possible, you will be miserable. I enjoy the game. I like asking them questions just to see if they will bluff me. Tells me a little about who I am dealing with. But I always walk in with my acceptable parameters. This is just plain research and knowing what you want and your financial picture. If it doesn't fit the parameters or the finances, then its time to leave and reassess.

Over the years, with the exception of the car I just bought, I always leave thinking there was more I could have done. I just recently bought a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited and got 25% off msrp. Is that good deal? From all the research I have done, that's a smokin price. But who knows. I'm happy. I also got about $200 less than my optimal price for my trade in which was a 2004 Suburban which as 200K miles, needs tires, 4x4 and SRS inactive, and a failing fuel pump. I was just happy to not have to deal with it.