This may sound sort of pathetic, especially coming from someone who used to sell everything from copiers to timeshares to insurance, but I HATE dealing with car salesmen. The last few times I have bought a car (with one exception) I felt like I was getting screwed big-time.
So, here is the problem. Very, VERY soon (come hell, high water, or auction block) I am going to have have some money to spend on a new vehicle. Yes, I want new (I'm funny that way - plus the vehicle in question can only be purchased new right now as it is a new model).
We are going to get a new v6 Toyota Rav 4. Just came out.
There are like 6 big Toyota dealerships within driving range.
Seeing as how Toyotas are very popular, does it stand to reason that I might not be able to get as great a deal as if I were buying, say, a GM or Ford?
A good friend of mine suggested going to each dealership, sitting down with the sales manager, and saying, "Here's what I want, I will finance (I have excellent credit), and here's my trade-in. Give me your best price." and then saying, "OK, now I'm going to go to the next Toyota dealership and see what they can do for me - I might be back. Here's my phone number - if anything changes in the price, call me." - He said to do this about 2 weeks into the month, so that if they get desperate towards the end of the month they may call and offer a great price just to move inventory for a sales commission bonus at the end of the month.
As for the trade-in. We have a 3 year old Suzuki 5-sp with a lot of miles on it. I just don't think I'd have good luck selling it on my own, plus the wife doesn't want people showing up at our house to look at it. I suppose another option would be to go to CarMax for them to buy it.