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Andrew:
If you are going to get a slightly better deal, it seems like the larger dealers can do it.
Another scheme that can be used is to give better trade-in deals if you are going to trade in another vehicle.
As I have posted before, there are other consideration though in regards to buying from the dealer who will be servicing the dealer. Some dealers take a dim view to servicing vehicles bought elsewhere, particularly if they feel you just bought elsewhere just to save some money. If someone just moved to town, then it's understandable that it was bought elsewhere.
This can have an effect on things like who gets an MB loaner and who gets a rental. Some people don't care if they get an MB loaner vs a rental car, some people do. If there only a few loaners and a "good" customer needs a loaner vs someone who bought elsewhere to save money, when it comes down to it, who gets the MB loaner and who gets the rental?
It can also sway things in your favor, say if there is a problem with the car just after the warranty expires. The dealer has just "so much" money to goodwill warranty per month. Again, if a "good" customer needs some goodwill warranty claim fixed up, and also someone who bought elsewhere, who will be more likely to get a little help without kicking and screaming at the district rep?
Just something to keep in mind if buying elsewhere can save you only a few hundred bucks.
But I'm with you, I'd shop around a little too if I were in the market for a new one especially. For a used one, I'd definitely want to shop around and not limit myself to what the local dealer has on hand. Shouldn't make much difference one way or the other on a used car.
Gilly
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