Any advice on buying a car from a dealer??

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

Didn't know that s-b.com had a vehicle....wow.

Hahahaha - actually - it's my personal truck - I need to get something smaller the wife can drive comfortably so I can take her car to my work more often, and have a 7K tow rating. I love my truck, I just need to do my 80 round trip per day in an economical vehicle (wife's car) and have something suitable for her to drive.

Chef / Tajon - If you are going to use a vehicle as a semi-dedicated "fishing truck" I would lean away from a lease. Leasing is a good option for some people IF you drive very low miles, plan to flip vehicle every few years, and can keep in near immaculate condition.

Chef - If you can get the truck for $300-500 over invoice less the $400 dealer incentive you might be better trying to find a new truck versus a one year old truck. The price difference might not be that huge...

[Carl]

Another good website for car buying is:

http://www.edmunds.com/

It has both new and used advice. It has a section on dealer tricks / do's and don'ts. I have used it for the last two vehicles I purchased. It also has a section that provides "what others are paying" based on zip code.

Wee Hooker is right - if they are still happy with you after the deal you payed too much. I was able to frustrate the salesman to the point where he visibly showed it when I purchased my truck. Even with all that - you still tend to feel 'violated' after the deal.


Like everyone has already said - get everything in writing - one of the forms, don't know which one has a place to write things in. Make sure you write in everything you want. Take the time before you go in to deal and make a list of what you want. The dealers will spin you around and confuse you during the deal. You at least have a fighting chance if you have a list ot refer to. I even wrote that I did not want the dealership sticker on the tailgate (free advertising!)

best of luck

[zacs]

I have gotten fantastic deals on used cars. I don't think I would buy used again. You can get such a better deal on a one year old car that has very low miles. Still plenty of warranty.

[Nebe]

chef stupid question but have you looked at the projo??? if i remember right i saw what your looking for a couple of days ago- shortcab tacoma, 4 cyl, for around 4 g's... its was a 96 i think