New Truck how do you buy? (sales, dealership, CPA, 2009)

[mach]

I am in the market for a new truck for my business. I was wondering if anyone has experience on buying one for their business. I don't really want to go in and wheel n deal with these jokers.

Do you just type up what you want to pay for the truck and list the features you need, then fax it to the dealership? Who would you address it to?

Anyinput would be great.

[sunsprit]

Ask for the "fleet sales" manager at a dealership. This is the new sales person that can cut directly to their best possible deal for a commercial use sale.

Your best deal possible will be on a truck in inventory, so you may have to make a few compromises about exactly what you want. Depending upon your needs, you may be looking at a basic truck without options, or you may want a more upscale truck. From the new trucks I see some folks driving around here for their businesses, I'd say that the dealers are ready right now to make "deals" to move inventory to anybody who is qualified to buy.

You can use any of the services that disclose dealer "cost" on the vehicle and the options you want. You're seeking to pay dealer "cost" plus a nominal percentage mark-up, so your dealing should be from the bottom up, not from "list" or "invoice" numbers downward. While it's a buyer's market right now, it's still not a bad idea to purchase at the end of a month, when the dealership knows how closely they've come to their "quota" and sales promotions ... if they need some more deals to reach their goal, they may be more motivated to make the sale, and price is the biggest item they have to play with.

[texdav]

Just remember that the invoice is not the true dealer cost. Dealers get holdback and even incentive from manufaucturers. Fleet sales deals in basic work trucks.

[mbuszu]

My CPA said it best yesterday: He just calls up the dealers, tells them what he wants asking them to assemble a no nonsense quote, leaves his name and number, and then he says right before hanging up that he is going to call up other dealers to ask for the same thing. He tells them he will go with the best offer, and that's that. My CPA is from the old school, but his method absolutely works. To put a modern spin on things, I use email and tell the dealership contacts to send their detailed quotes to me via email (that way I can read when I want to and then quickly/easily respond if I have a question).

[Donn2390]

Yes on all above suggestions, with one thing added. Investigate the vehicle you want, and have a list of all of your wants, so when you compare prices, you're comparing apples to apples. Many people go to different dealers, and price vehicles are are not equipped as the one they priced at the last place.
Hopefully you are smart enough to be looking at GM vehicles. They have a web site that lets you build you vehicle sitting in front of youyr computer.
Bottom line, educate yourself throughly before going to the slaughter house...!
Example.. Chevrolet | 2009 Silverado Pickup Truck - Build Your Own Chevy

[texdav]

You can do teh same thong on line. In fact you can look at inventory incluidng the area network ;pick the vehicle and get multiple quotes. If you don't respond they will send you a e-mail later asking for you to make a counter offer.

[dee99ta]

I don't think you will have too many issues. Given the truck market, the dealers I dealt with didn't mess around and came in low.

check out edmunds.com t lookup invoice prices on the truck and each option. they even have a market price which factors in rebates/incentives and how well they are selling. Basically, what kind of price you can expect to get.

[StealthRabbit]

Or buy from the hundreds of 'lease returns / repos. You might predicate deal on best financing (which will probably be a new vehicle). Available cash is very valuable for business growth / leverage during this 'interest holiday'. Trucks are a good thing to finance and depreciate. You can get good deals on semi trucks if that is what you mean by a 'truck for your business'. Competitive quotes off a spec sheet you provide is a good place to start. The dealers will let you know if they have something 'close' to your requirements, that they will give to you at a better price, just to clear inventory.

Resale value of Business vehicles is an interesting study.... thus consider having a 'used fleet' liquidator locate you an acceptable model. I will guarantee that there are many 'pre-purchased' fleet vehicles back on the market with low to ZERO mileage.