How do you purchase a new 2004 Solara for the least $$$ ?

[royaloakranger]

Just about to get one. Does anyone have some pointers on how to score the best deal?

[kubi]

Steal one.

[got sport]

Get one through an Internet fleet manager at the dealership.

[TW85]

-Be willing to drive several hours to buy the car.

-Play many dealers.

-Research the car as best you can. Know what invoice is, offer less.

-Do not let the dealer take control of the deal. Tell them exactly what is to be included in your offer.

-Once a price is agreed upon, insist that the dealer fax an invoice stating the purchase price, what is included, deduction of any deposit, etc.

I talked to six or seven dealers and only one would meet my terms. Two came close but later revealed things that were not known at time of negotiating, so they lost the deal.

[royaloakranger]

Thanks for your advice. Just called a dealership in Oregon (no state tax) and asked for a fleet purchase on a arctic frost pearl with ivory leather, loaded max without nav system.

Sales persons reply was $28,122 MRSP
$25,728 Invoice

They are willing to sell it for $300 over "invoice" @ $26,028

Is this what they paid for it or is there still room for negotiation?

[bigpow]

I got my SLE V6 loaded (non-navi) for 26K last month.
It was almost 300$ over invoice.
It could be done.

I read somewhere in the forum, you could even get the dealer holdback $$ - so try to bid at invoice price.

Print a price sheet from internet (carsdirect.com or edmunds.com) - bring it with you to cut down the chase with salesman.

[Jackass-Jeff]

they (dealers) get it UNDER invoice =]

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

^^ What he said...invoice pricing is a nice starting point. Anything over 500 is a bad deal!

[slingshot]

I agree totally. Start with knowing the invoice prices and getting internet price quotes. I ended up getting about $3000 off MSRP.

^^ What he said...invoice pricing is a nice starting point. Anything over 500 is a bad deal!

[TW85]

Offer $250 less than invoice. Even if you take out the holdback, the dealer is making a decent profit. The invoice price you see is NOT what the dealer paid.

[HKSV6SLE]

if you push them they might sell it for 100 over invoice...but yea ask for the fleet manager they have the most power.

[royaloakranger]

Thanks one and all for your timely responses.

One other item that needss your good help.

I have back difficulties and need to switch the Bridgestone tires for a more cushy set of Michelins.

What is thee way best to negotiate this into the deal?

[slingshot]

THe Bridgestones feel pretty cushy already. Did you take a test drive and not like it? The suspension I would think is more important in the feel, isn't it? Are you getting an SE, SE Sport, or SLE?

[royaloakranger]

Purchasing an SLE V6. Have test driven it and was hoping to coax a bit softer ride. Perhaps going with 30 lbs psi would be best. Looking for any advantage or helps.

[Prophet]

They are willing to sell it for $300 over "invoice" @ $26,028

Just bought my V6 SLE yesterday with everything except Navi, but including curtain airbags and stability control for $24,905.

MSRP was $27,560, Actual dealer cost $24,291 as far as I can figure.

Your dealer can do plenty better, no doubt. I'm not understanding where the dealer came up with the MSRP for your car actually...seems inflated.

Check out www.carbuyingtips.com for some solid free info, it was very helpful to me. I went through the fleet manager initially but did much better in person at the dealer when I walked in there with the dreaded folder, filled with info from CR and KellyBB.

Arm yourself with info, and don't be afraid to walk out.

-Prophet