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Costco already has a pre-negiated cost which in my experience it is very competitive.
Yeah, I'm planning on using the USAA Car Buying service when my vehicle finally dies.. 160k miles on it.. I'd love to have it last another 7 years until my house is paid off, but.. Don't see that one happening.
I agree with Ultrarunner; go directly to the fleet manager and follow his advice.
If you're able to buy a car for substantially under sticker (Hyundai is really aggressive in this regard in their quest for market share), then you can go that route; I purchased a new 2007 Elantra for $4,600 under sticker at a dealer here in suburban Los Angeles (Cerritos).
Just check the ads in your local newspapers, or even do as others in this thread have suggested by going to the manufacturer's website, building your vehicle the way you want it, and then submit it to them for their best price.
I sold cars when I was in-between jobs years ago. Getting a job as a car salesperson takes seconds, I sort of did it for fun. Anyway, if you "win" the negotiating pissing contest, the dealer will get their money one way or another. This usually happens with the loan guy. Just keep it simple...
I am curious what you do if there is only one dealer in your city. There are 3 Honda dealers and 3 Toyota dealers in our area but only one Lexus, one Infinity, one Acura, one Audi dealer here. Is it best to play with the zipcodes on the Internet sites in cities that are hundreds of miles away? Certainly, calling on the phone, ( and being honest as to your home city) , I have found yields very little. Maybe others have had better luck.
Brother wanted a loaded Honda Odyssey... they were at a premium in the SF Bay Area.
He called a Dealer in Bakersfield and spoke with the owner who told him Honda made him put one on the floor and he really wanted to move it because he has trouble moving the high end stuff.
In short, a quick trip to Bakersfield and saved a bundle...
Really? I'm glad it works for you, which is all that matters. But wow, I can't believe anyone would do that.
That's how I do it too.
Three caveats:
1. I know what I can afford monthly based on my cashflow.
2. I don't view cars as "investments" i.e. as a financial instrument or stock, etc. I see them as an enjoyable utility.
3. At this point in my life I'm usually driving a new car, so "reliability" is irrelevant.
I'm fully aware that this is not the best bottom line financial approach.
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