why don't car dealers negotiate over phone?

dada44

Paul_the_Painter wrote: »

Few years ago wanted a particular car (well mother did) went down to test drive at dealer, went back home, looked over the internet for prices from various on-line places. I then decided how much it was worth to me to have the supplying dealer just down the road (3 miles) decided £300. so went back to dealer with printouts etc. I was honest and said I was prepared to pay a little more than the prices I was showing him, how much would he do it for? Came in for £250 more than best on-line price. Everyone happy.

yes, if there's one thing i've learnt from dealing with car dealers is that your manner of communication makes a big difference. If you're honest, straightforward, upfront, then you have a much stronger ground even against the pushiest car salesman.

sometimes I feel guilty when trying to haggle, just because it is so unpleasant and sometimes such a power struggle. When the caresalesman is really aggressive and back handed, that also gets me quite angry.

I found it's really important to keep a level head and perspective with these things. You can ask civally for the car dealer to give their best price, or put an offer that you think is reasonable, and see how you feel, whilst maintaining civility.

I'd say the popularity of online brokers is increasing, not just because of the price, but because you don't walk away from a dealer feeling pushed around.

vikingaero

dada44 wrote: »

yes, if there's one thing i've learnt from dealing with car dealers is that your manner of communication makes a big difference. If you're honest, straightforward, upfront, then you have a much stronger ground even against the pushiest car salesman.

sometimes I feel guilty when trying to haggle, just because it is so unpleasant and sometimes such a power struggle. When the caresalesman is really aggressive and back handed, that also gets me quite angry.

I found it's really important to keep a level head and perspective with these things. You can ask civally for the car dealer to give their best price, or put an offer that you think is reasonable, and see how you feel, whilst maintaining civility.

I'd say the popularity of online brokers is increasing, not just because of the price, but because you don't walk away from a dealer feeling pushed around.

I ordered my last car from Carfile.net - an online broker. What especially pleased me about the transaction was that my order was taken by a sales administrator (the person who does the paperwork in the dealership) and they had no interest in selling me GAP insurance/paint protection/insurance etc etc.

The main reason I chose to go online was the sales weasel at my local dealership who warned me about "the dangers of buying online." As soon as he said that I'd made up my mind to buy online.

harveybobbles

dada44 wrote: »

yes, if there's one thing i've learnt from dealing with car dealers is that your manner of communication makes a big difference.

I had a bloke from Bradford on the phone last week wanting a 5 Series diesel for £1000 less than the screen price. This was before he'd travel "all" the way to see it (45 miles). his tone from the start was awful, but I just humured him by asking him if he found a 3 yr old 530d with leather and nav for under £11,995 would he get one for me aswell

matty17r

I suggest anyone who is looking for a new car tries drive the deal then the local dealers with their price.