[Kenneth]

Hello all. Tomorrow I will be going into my local Kia dealership to pick up a silver kia forte EX w/ fuel economy package!! I went to look at it about a week ago and the MSRP was around $18,000, with a $2,000 mark-up price, so around $20,000 total, which of course is too high for an EX automatic w/ fuel economy.

After looking at the kia website and building my own forte the exact same way, it came up with a $17,290 price (MSRP of $16,995 + $600 options + $695 destination -$1000 cash back offer). Are there any tips to talk him down, or how should I start it?

I will be financing through the dealership itself with no cosigner, so I'm trying to get it as low as possible. Thanks!

 

[the67beast]

Don't let them negiotite the price per
month. Come up with a total figure you want to spend and make them hit that mark. If they don't, Walk. They will call you or not let you leave. With this economy they are lucky to sell a car.

I lined up my own financing with my bank and walked in with cash. A lot more room to play then.

 

[ile2010]

You should take your monthly payment into consideration as well. Just do your own math beforehand. To lower my payments, I went with 60 month instead of 36 month. Sure, the 36 month was 0%, but the 60 month was only 0.9%. Sure I pay a little bit more, but the payments are much easier. However, I wouldn't have done so at the current 2.9%.

 

[KoupGaga]

HI Kenneth. I've ordered the same car! It's hot!!!! I'll get mine in 2 days...

If your dealer has the colour and exact model you want in his lot, you're in business. They're usually more motivated to give you a good price for cars they have on the lot, because it's costing them money. This is the first thing to know.

Then, you tell them you are looking for the dealer that will give you the best price. They'll likely ask you what price you were given. Don't answer that question! Don't even say a price that would interest you. Just answer that you are a serious buyer, and that you'll sign if the price is right for you.

What might also help is to buy it at the end of the month. Dealers usually try to close deals at that time to boost their number of sales. Depending on their performance during the month, they might be more desperate!

I've even called different kia dealers and did this exercise. I was surprised how much the price dropped! I leased my car, perhaps this can influence my experience. Just give it a shot! Remember: you are the client withthe buying power. I don'tknow in the states, but here in Canada, dealers were quite competitive in trying to get me as a client, i.e., giving me a low price.

Good luck!

 

[Kenneth]

Thanks all!

 

[TargetSu]

Kenneth,

In order to negotiate you need to know the invoice price, not the MSRP. In Canada we have several places that we can get these prices. In most cases, all you need to do is walk in with your invoice information, and no negotiation is needed. Example, I walked into my dealer with a spreadsheet with every breakdown in price (all invoice pricing, even on accessories) and the deal was done in minutes. I know pricing is different in the US than Canada, but I saved over $2,000 off MSRP on a SX Sedan 6 speed model.

A simple Google for "invoice pricing for cars" provides a lot of information. In almost all cases you need to purchase this pricing or become a member for this service, but it'll save you a ton. I know Consumers Reports provides this service in the US. Don't try to negotiate without knowing this information, if you do, when you walk in the door, like at the casino, the house always wins.

-Paul

 

[Red Rocket]

Also if you belong to Costco, BJ's or Sam's Club they have Auto Buying Programs. I went with Costco, select the make and model car you want to purchase and they will give you info on a dealer. That dealer will sell you the car at or very near the Invoice price. I paid $195 over invoice and much less than MSRP.