PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Jim B. · #3 07-16-2006, 04:20 AM

Soliciting bids over the internet can be interesting, I tried to help a neighbor get a new Honda Civic that way once, and would have saved her only $100, but then that was several years ago, things could be different now

The internet still helps with quick research on prices and options, but not so much with factory to dealer incentives, advertising fees, individual dealer sales schemes (whether salesmen paid by unit sales or commissions) demand for the particular car at the time and how many the dealer has in stock at the time and whether you happen to go in when they are really hungry to make a sale, such as tghe last day of the month.

Going in in person can usually net you the best deal possible. I personally wouldn't begrudge a salesman (woman) a reasonable commission, providing I could hope for excellent PDI service, and good care after the sale also.

I would rather have the car with the colors and options I wanted rather than get something just "close" and beat the dealer down to the last nickel for a unit I din't especially like.

Sometimes the dealer can "trade" cars with another nearby dealer to get you a car in the right color/extras, but then you will have to take delivery with a car with more mileage on it.

I'd suspect there is more than one dealer in the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Glendale/Tucson area from which to choose, so the odds are pretty good you can find something you really like.

For insurance, though, what worked for me was to find a carrier that was reasonable, and stay with them a long time, and eventually got loyalty discounts from them. (In my case it was State Farm)