Buying a new car?

So for the first time ever DH and I are going to own a new car. We've never had to deal with buying a car (always had craptastic hand-me-downs or junky used cars) - I heard that you can get a discount on the price through a membership with Costco or AAA but I have never been able to find out how much... does anyone know?

Also, does anyone have any tips for what to ask/look for etc when going into a dealership. For some reason the entire process seems kinda intimidating

Re: Buying a new car?

What are you looking into?

My first piece of advice is to do your research. Know what you want in terms of accessories and what not. Decide if financing or leasing will work better for you. Get the invoice price of the vehicle if your going to finance and negotiate based on that. If you're going to lease, determine what you're willing to pay each month. If you think there's a chance you'll lease and then buy out, you'll want to negotiate the price of the vehicle as well. Find out if any banks or other financing options are available with lower APR rates. Check your credit report and be aware of what's on it so you know how your credit is. Only go at the end of the month when they're desperate to meet their sales quotas. Shop around.

Some places may ask you to give them your credit card so they can "show their boss you are serious". Don't do it. It's just a ploy to make it harder for you to leave. Don't believe something is not negotiable. If you really want something, make them give it to you. I was told I couldn't get my truck in the color I wanted because I had to take delivery from stock to get the price I negotiated. I signed papers for my 2nd choice color and then the next day I told them I was cancelling unless they could get the color I wanted. Well, they got it for me from another dealership and I had them reduce the price further. Don't believe you're limited to what they have in stock.

Good luck!

Re: Buying a new car?

I would not pay money to join something for the soul purpose of buying a car.

do your homework - find out what the invoice price is (edmunds.com) and read as many reviews as possible. also - don't limit yourself to a certain car. keep your options open.

Message edited 6/5/2008 7:40:09 PM.

Re: Buying a new car?

We've done a ton of research for about a year actually, and are pretty much set upon a yaris or a prius (purchasing not leasing). We are already a member of AAA but I didnt know if anyone had ever used the included discount they have.

I'll definitely be checking out Edmunds and try to go at the end of the month.
Any other advice is totally welcome!

Re: Buying a new car?

I called AAA when my mom was car shopping. Basically they have negotiated deals with certain dealerships to give certain prices with no hassle or negotiation with the dealer. Amount off the sticker price depended on the car (I doubt you'll get much off a Prius now). In the end she wound up getting a negotiated lower price, but the AAA benefit was not having to negotiate or do homework about the price comparisons of dealers.

Re: Buying a new car?

awesome, very good to know. Thanks!

Re: Buying a new car?

my parents just bought a yarius and they love it!!!My uncle got one a few months back too. he got the 2 door my mother got the 4 door with the "extra" pakage that has all the ground effects. there selling close to sticker or at sticker no matter what right now b/c they are cheaper and great on gas. But its still a good deal. my father bought her the car in red for christmas and they were so in demand then they had to wait almost 2 months to get it, I heard its even harder now if you want something thats not on a lot. good luck!