If you're buying new, Consumer Reports has a service where they prenegotiate a pretty good price with select dealers; the price is usually not much above sticker. This doesn't help choosing the make & model, but does let you avoid negotiating, which stresses me out to no end.
If you're buying used, I have a relative who had a good experience working with ... oh, I suppose it'd be called a used car agent, someone who does the looking for you. I have no idea how to find a reliable one, other than recommendations from trusted people and/or reference checking, or if there's a better term for the role.
We're looking into both. Peaseblossom has done a great job of researching MSRP vs invoice and factoring in other factors to arrive at realistic price over invoice to do the shopping with. But unfortunately that leaves me at the wiles of those darn salespeople.
Car salespeople, like dogs, snakes and Republicans, can smell fear. Don't let it show. Call upon your best steely-eyed hard-core badass rpg persona before setting foot on the lot. And remember, you don't owe them ANYTHING. YOU are the customer here. Never be afraid to just stand up and walk out. I've done it.
New, used
Date: 2004-09-29 03:32 pm (UTC)If you're buying used, I have a relative who had a good experience working with ... oh, I suppose it'd be called a used car agent, someone who does the looking for you. I have no idea how to find a reliable one, other than recommendations from trusted people and/or reference checking, or if there's a better term for the role.
Re: New, used
Date: 2004-09-29 03:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-09-29 05:14 pm (UTC)Good luck!