Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:45:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: stephanie talbott
Subject: Purchasing a car
The recent posts about car purchasing and gamy interactions with dealers nearly makes my hair stand on end.
I learned a pretty good technique from a neighbor years ago. Decide EXACTLY what car you want, with whatever extras go on it. Start calling dealers near and far, and state you are purchasing this car, and this is their opportunity to sell this car. You will purchase from whoever gives you the best deal. They can give you the price, or not… their choice.
I have had dealers give me a price. I have had dealers say they “can’t do that over the phone… you will have to come to our dealership”. My response, “fine, you won’t be selling a car”.
Next, I have a male friend go down my list and make the same calls. Some dealers give men a different (and better) price than women. (what’s up with that, dare I ask?!?!?). My current Toyota was purchased from the Burlington dealer by this various exchange. I looked it over and drove it there prior to writing the check. They were a no pressure, small and low key dealership, and they had NO reservation about pricing the car, negotiating, etc. by phone with never having laid eyes on me.
I believe also there are ways to locate inventories of cars on line, with their purchase prices for the dealer, and the posted sale price (perhaps listings by the specific dealers???)… someone out there may know this and advise. BUT, such a listing will specify the date the dealer received the car, and if it’s been sitting on the lot for a few months (while they pay taxes and insurance on it), this may give you bargaining leverage while they are telling you the car will be sold in days since it is “such a good deal”.
Purchasing a car is one of my most dreaded experiences in life, not too far from having a root canal. If others have suggestions/consumer advice, I too would be very interested.
Check out Clark Howard at http://clarkhoward.com/ for a number of consumer protection issues… he’s a character and he has a great AM call-in radio program.
My final word about veterinary care and human medicine; I can only hope to receive as fine of health care and options for euthanasia as my pets have had. When I’m in my 80’s-90’s, with my urinary tract infections, arthritis, or whatever else is in store for me, I might just seek medical attention at one of the local veterinarians. My waiting time will be less. They respond to emergencies. They would check me out head to toe even if I only reported the urinary tract infection, and they would see me again even if I still owed some money for the previous visit.
Stephanie Talbott
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