[ft_chief]

Originally Posted by winter-rabbit

Went to [two different car dealers]

As soon as we got out of the car in the parking lot, we got approach by a swarm of greeters aka henchmen. Almost like gang members walking up to you. It was intimidating.

At both dealers, we sat down and they wouldn't do an appraisal unless we signed into a contract. I'm like I'm here to test drive as well. They wouldn't allow a test drive and require "locking" into a car. WTF kind of dealerships are these?

My feeling is that in Vegas auto sales is a much more bottom line business and they only care about you signing a purchase contract. Sales people are struggling and desperate with the dealership putting a gun behind their head to make the sale.

I decided not to be in this pressure environment, so I told guys at both dealership I needed to hit the restroom, only to walk to my car and bail.

I love living in Vegas thus far though!

If you are looking for a used car, I would recommend Carmax. I had my car appraised there and it was hassle free. No pressure to sell or buy.

[EA]

That is how they want salesmen to be. I was encouraged to chase moving cars down.

[airics]

Carmax is by far the worst. The prices are the highest and their credit terms are horryifying.

I had a great experience with Towbin Fiat. No pressure. All negotiating including the trade was by email.

[EA]

Towbin Fiat is a special place.
Very specific, and caters to a very specific group. They do not have to be aggressive or shady there.
I probably would have done a lot better there than at their Dodge dealership.

[airics]

My situation was weird. Was trying to sell my BMW and was interested in the Fiat. Got a good trade in value and bought a brand new 500 for 12,800. (Sticker was 17,095). I got the one that was advertised on their website.

[Tornado Baby]

Never go into a dealership alone if female, whether to buy or get a repair done.

[SLCPUNK]

Originally Posted by Onlyliveonce

I recently purchased a car by e mailing the sales managers here in town and also in our neighboring States. I found the local dealers ( 2 dealers ) had a take or leave it attitude. I found one out of State dealer about 200 miles away that had the best offer. I saved a little over $3200 on my purchase by this method. I never stepped foot into any of the dealerships.

I have done something similar with my purchases years ago. I will test drive, talk to the salesperson, and leave with their contact information. I submit an offer from home, via email, with my POF, and say "Don't call me unless you accept this price."

Works great and you avoid the games they play to wear you down (IE waiting, which I will not do.)

[momofvegasgirls]

Best strategy for my husband and me was to secure our financing at our credit union (1.99%), walk into CarMax choose the vehicle we liked, test drive, hand them the check. No pushing, no 4 square BS, no nothing. Outside of that, tell them you are paying cash, and already have the money for a fixed amount and suddenly you don't look like bait.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by momofvegasgirls

Best strategy for my husband and me was to secure our financing at our credit union (1.99%), walk into CarMax choose the vehicle we liked, test drive, hand them the check. No pushing, no 4 square BS, no nothing. Outside of that, tell them you are paying cash, and already have the money for a fixed amount and suddenly you don't look like bait.

I disagree with this strategy. Negotiate via email with the Internet Sales Department. The only time you should be in the dealership is to write the check. Or, even better, have them deliver the car. We bought my wife's certified pre-owned car this way. I'll never do it any other way again, if I have to deal with a dealership. (The make and model we wanted was ONLY available at a dealership. The car was only sold for a short amount of time and only in New York and California. So it took quite some time to find locally.)

Internet vs. Traditional Car Buying on Edmunds.com

[SLCPUNK]

Originally Posted by momofvegasgirls

Best strategy for my husband and me was to secure our financing at our credit union (1.99%), walk into CarMax choose the vehicle we liked, test drive, hand them the check. No pushing, no 4 square BS, no nothing. Outside of that, tell them you are paying cash, and already have the money for a fixed amount and suddenly you don't look like bait.

Yes, always best to obtain financing on your own first. Dealers will also pack the loan and you'll end up paying thousands more easily.