Hi folks - I've just joined the forum and have found it a great source of information already - thanks all!
I'm in Calgary and am planning to buy a 2021 Telluride SX Limited Nightsky Edition in Gravity Grey within a few days, and started visiting the Calgary dealers - Northland so far, others to follow. I'm planning to competitively quote and buy the vehicle as-is and endeavoring to avoid where possible the various "compulsory" additional fees and packages such as the "Prairie Package" at $2500.
I am pretty handy and from research it seems that I can via third parties easily add on the trailer hitch eg CURT 13420 and 4 pin jack (I don't need brake controller capability); the floor and cargo mats (SmartLine,
TuxMat, or Weatherguard); and Thule or Yakima roof bars and storage pod. I will also get a set of steel rims somewhere, and winter tires via Costco. Block heater should be simple to add for $300-400 installed on a stand alone basis, the only part of the "Prairie Package" of value to me. Keeping all this separate and out of the purchase should keep things simpler and make it easier to compare prices apples to apples. I have been told to expect 3-4 months for delivery, and a $5k deposit at time of order. It will be a cash deal. No interest in extended warranty pkgs.
On the kia.ca web site the MSRP plus color, levies, delivery etc is $57,962. So in AB there is AMVIC, taxes, and "dealer admin" to be added in. And then they will no doubt endeavor to add in $2500 Prairie Package, accessories, etc.
In the past I have had good success using Unhaggle to handle the bidding process anonymously, and for only $99. In 2013 via Unhaggle I saved $4,000 on the in-demand Acura RDX over the best price that I could get from dealers who stuck to MSRP plus the usual mandatory fees and taxes. When I showed up at one of those same dealers with the Unhaggle paperwork where that dealer had bid a significantly lower price than they would give me face to face, they were surprised but sheepishly had to honor their bid price.
I'm not expecting to do so well this time, but for $99 I will give the Unhaggle process a try once again, and will report back. I may need to wait a few days as the online Unhaggle system does not yet include a menu item for the SX Limited Nightsky model.
The kia.ca web site seems to have a problem with its download brochure feature for the 2021 Telluride. Can anyone confirm for me what interior will come with the vehicle specced above - I have seen US photos with white interior inside at least one 2021 SXL Nightsky Gravity Gray, which is not my preference.
As well, it would be interesting to know what people are seeing as far as "mandatory" admin fees in the Calgary area.
People need to make a reasonable profit, and I respect that, and I also don't waste people's time. But I want quality at a fair value price, and don't appreciate being gouged or gamed.
Any comments or advice for me based upon what I have outlined above?
Thanks!