Understand dealer tactics before you go pickup your Telluride

[gman1868]

PSA - Don't go to the dealer until you understand their tactics.

Kevin Hunter "The Homework Guy" has provided the best instructions on new (and used) car buying that I've ever seen. He has produced videos that will teach you how to get a car without getting screwed by the dealer.

One the most important points he makes repeatedly, the Finance/Business manager is the #1 salesperson in the dealer. They fill this role because they are the BEST at extracting the maximum amount from the customers.

He talks about many other car buying related topics as well. Don't walk into the dealer unprepared, or they will always win the deal!

 

[tpgh]

A dealer is only a place to pick up a vehicle or get it serviced. Everything else should be done remotely. Negotiation inside those walls and the house wins 100% of the time.

 

[3Rivers]

A dealer is only a place to pick up a vehicle or get it serviced. Everything else should be done remotely. Negotiation inside those walls and the house wins 100% of the time.

The customer has a lot more control when there is an oversupply of vehicles. A credible threat to take your business to a more cooperative dealer is usually all you need to force an adjustment in policy. But it's a different story when there is a shortage of the desired vehicle. Then it's difficult or impossible to go elsewhere, and of course every dealer knows that. E.g., Monroeville Kia wouldn't even let me do something as simple as reserving a car remotely. See Race across town to reserve. I had to come to the dealer in person to accomplish that. For that matter, Bowser Hyundai had the same onerous policy.

 

[PittPa]

Best tactic is from Nancy Reagan, just say no!

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[WhiteSX]

Best tactic is from Nancy Reagan, just say no!

Spot on. The F&I office (also known as the "Penalty Box") is traditionally THE greatest generator of profit on an intial vehicle sale for the dealer. The add ons offered in the Penaly Box typically favor the dealer and their profit by design. Don't think for one minute these folks are financial consultants with your best interest in mind. They're simply extermely adept, very good salespeople, skilled at standing between you and taking delivery of your bright shiny new object. Politely saying "no" to the list of add on offers will get you out of the Penaly Box with your wallet intact. Pretty much evrything offered is availalable at much lower cost at your local auto parts retailer and 3rd party warranty provider. Feel free to ask your salesperson for a list of their F&I offerings BEFORE gong into the penalty box. That way you'll have a good sense of what may / may not matter to you and help you breeze through the process.

Enjoy the ride Penalty Box

 

[gman1868]

Find another dealer if they try any of these shady tactics on you.

 

[vinylhaircut]

With my Telluride, I asked them to send me all of the paperwork in advance. That way, I could review it, make decisions, sign, and return it at my leisure. I spoke with the finance guy for about 5 minutes while sitting in my kitchen with a beer. When I went to the actual dealer, I only had to inspect the car and get the keys. No pressure, no issues as everything else was remote. I highly recommend this approach. Pretty much every dealer will honor such a request and make it as contactless as possible. It's one place place where the pandemic has actually made things easier.