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Many people are afraid of negotiating and view the purchase of a new car as a task they wish they didn't have to go through.
Fortunately, a little knowledge can go a long way toward making you a smart shopper. If you’re in the market for a new car, the following tips can help you negotiate a good price on the car you want.
Step 1 - Start by determining the vehicle’s factory invoice price—the price the dealer actually paid for the car. Luckily, you can get this information from several reputable Internet sources. You can also find the Kelley Blue Book value at www.kbb.com.
Step 2 - Find out if any rebates or factory-to-dealer incentives are being offered on the vehicle of your choice. Rebates can be applied directly to your purchase price so that you’ll pay less sales tax.
Factory-to-dealer incentives are cash rebates the manufacturer gives to the dealer when a car is sold. If you know about these incentives, you may be able to use them to negotiate a better price. For example, if the manufacturer will pay the dealer $500 for selling the car, you can use this information to negotiate a smaller profit margin on your end of the deal.
Step 3 - Use manufacturer’s web sites or information from the dealership to determine how much you will be charged for dealer-installed options. Add the cost of these to the factory invoice price, subtract any rebates, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you should be paying for the vehicle.
Start at the Bottom Once you know what the car should cost you, start with this figure in mind and negotiate up, rather than starting from the sticker price and working down.
Step 4 - Have your financing in place. Although some dealerships advertise low financing, it may not be available for the car or options you want, and you may not be able to qualify if you have anything less than pristine credit. Instead, get a credit union loan or bank loan. You’ll know how much car you can afford before you start shopping, which lets you focus on negotiating a fair price for your dream car—without worrying about negotiating a fair loan.
Step 5 - Forget about Coupons and other price reductions that expire. Follow the above steps first and then get a coupon if you can..... To much effort is placed on getting a coupon but none on the education of the deal.....
Act like you know even if you don't... Show no fear and don't act eager.. There are other cars and dealerships
Please rate the thread ....

Last edited by Anaheim_Drew; Sep 24, 2004 at 01:13 PM.
I have tried to help and will make one more attempt for those trying to buy a new C Class. How can you play the game and not know the rules. Learn the terms. MSRP, Invoice etc. Current price market in your area
Fortunately, a little knowledge can go a long way toward making you a smart shopper. If you’re in the market for a new car, the following tips can help you negotiate a good price on the car you want.
Step 1 - Start by determining the vehicle’s factory invoice price—the price the dealer actually paid for the car. Luckily, you can get this information from several reputable Internet sources. You can also find the Kelley Blue Book value at www.kbb.com. :p
Step 2 - Find out if any rebates or factory-to-dealer incentives are being offered on the vehicle of your choice. Rebates can be applied directly to your purchase price so that you’ll pay less sales tax.
Factory-to-dealer incentives are cash rebates the manufacturer gives to the dealer when a car is sold. If you know about these incentives, you may be able to use them to negotiate a better price. For example, if the manufacturer will pay the dealer $500 for selling the car, you can use this information to negotiate a smaller profit margin on your end of the deal. But they don't have to share that profit with you.
Step 3 - Use manufacturer’s web sites or information from the dealership to determine how much you will be charged for dealer-installed options. Add the cost of these to the factory invoice price, subtract any rebates, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you should be paying for the vehicle.
Start at the Bottom Once you know what the car should cost you, start with this figure in mind and negotiate up, rather than starting from the sticker price and working down.
Step 4 - Have your financing in place. Although some dealerships advertise low financing, it may not be available for the car or options you want, and you may not be able to qualify if you have anything less than pristine credit. Instead, get a credit union loan or bank loan in place. You don't have to use it but it gives you bargining power.You’ll know how much car you can afford before you start shopping, which lets you focus on negotiating a fair price for your C-Class—without worrying about negotiating a fair loan with the dealer...
Step 5. Follow the above steps first and then get a coupon if you can..... To much effort is placed on getting a coupon but none on the education of the deal.....
Act like you know even if you don't... Show no fear and don't act eager.. There are other cars and dealerships
Last edited by Anaheim_Drew; Sep 26, 2004 at 09:47 PM.
$85 for all this (exterior) for a 3-series sized vehicle:
1. Car Wash using Meguiars NXT car wash w/sheepskin mits
2. Dry with Mr. Clean deionized water and MF towels
3. Clay Bar (Meguiars)
(for paints in good condition)
4. Klasse AIO (synthetic polish) applied with Porter Cable Orbital buffer. Klasse leaves no waxy residue...i love this product so much!
5. Klasse sealant glaze (keeps paint smooth, protected, and deepens shine), NXT techwax (synthetic wax protection), or S100 (p21s) carnauba wax (deep rich gloss ideal for dark paints)
(for paints with swirls and surface scratches)
4. Meguairs DACP or 1Z Einszett Paint Polish to remove swirls and surface oxidation using PC.
5. Meguairs NXT techwax (dark, rich shine.) or S100 carnauba wax
(for paints with heavy swirls and scratches)
4. 1Z Einszett Ultra Paint Polish with cutting pad
5. Meguairs NXT techwax (dark, rich shine.) or S100 carnauba wax
6. Tire and exterior trim dressing
8. Windows cleaned with stongard's invisible glass
My work will leave your paint smooth, super shiny and oxidation free, not to mention 90% swirl free.
I use a Porter Cable orbital buffer model 7336 with Meguairs polishing pads and backing plate. Orbital buffers are great for removing swirls and scratches...something hand polishing just cannot do.
Willing to drive a certain distance, just add gas money to that. I'm located in Irvine. So either bring your car over to my place or I can do the work at your place.
Estimate of prices for other vehicles:
$65 mini cooper
$75 Z3,Z4
$100 5 series
$125 7 series
$150 SUV


