I bought my Subaru Forester on the internet four years ago. I got it at invoice plus $100. I specified all the options online and went to the dealership to pay for it. I used MSN's service but it's probably changed by now.
Buy from car max. They have a set no haggle price. The prices are good and the quality from personal experience and what I've heard around seems to be decent.
i read somewhere (edmunds, probably) that at any car dealership, you'll find the people that are most skilled at a$$raping in the finance department. apparently at a typical dealership you start out selling cars, but once you get good at that, you can work your way up to a position in the finance department, where the "real money" can be made, probably because most people (myself included) assume that once you haggle out the price, the sales assault is done, so you let your guard down. too bad i didn't read this before i agreed to a "5 year" extended warranty, which is BS. the car already comes with a 3 year factory warranty. all the extended warranty does is extend it for 2 more years. shouldn't it be called a 2 year warranty? or at least something less misleading to the average, inexperienced buyer?
My bro. bought his lexus on ebay. He made sure the dealer was in Houston, so he could inspect the car. He also called those independent inspectors who inspect the car for a charge. The car passed all checks,and he hasnt had a problem with it today. Just make sure the dealer is in your hometown or somewhere close where you can actually take a look at the car. You can usually get the price you are looking for. Most of these online dealers are willing to deal over email. No need for calls or in person visits. You dont really have to bid on an auction. You can see the auction, and then just email them from there. Thats how my bro. did it.
"hmmm, let me see if that is still available..." is actually dealerspeak for, "Damn, he's got a chastity belt on."
I don't know if this helps, but here goes. I bought a used car on the internet and I've a successful experience. I needed a commuter car (would you dodge ATL traffic in a car you spend thousands restoring or do it in a 30-year old plus truck? I think not.) and after driving several friend's Maximas, I decided that a 97-99 would be around the price I was willing to pay with enough performance and decent gas mileage. I did a lot of research but I didn't find what I wanted in Atlanta. I found a dealer on the internet in South Carolina who had a 99 Maxima with the right amount of miles (only 38k). He was desperate to get rid of the car (it had a cloth interior and no frills) and he gave me the price I wanted. I went to SC, put it up on lift to inspect it and signed over a cashier's check. Overall, it was a pleasurable experience. Just a few weeks ago, my wife sold her Volvo and decided she wanted a Benz. I talked her into the E320CDI diesel. Folks, this is the first diesel that does not drive like one at all! I love this car very much. I wish it was mine. She wanted that classic Benz bluish silver interior, saddle-colored interior, the nav system and Keyless Go, which deletes the key and replaces with a transponder you carry in your pocket. My parents couldn't get over how cool that trick was. I sent an email to MB dealers all over the place and I got the price I wanted from Benson MB in Metairie. I was planning to pick the car up a couple of weeks from now, but I decided to get it done this week (I want my Maxima back!) I'm telling you folks, there is not a better car made in the entire universe as nice as this machine. No stink from the diesel and I got a steady 40 MPG on the interstate back from NO. Thank goodness my wife is paying for this beast! It's going to be a nice drive back to N. Ga. Just know what you want in advance, figure out your price with Edmunds or whatever book you consider correct and go with the best deal. But inspect the car thoroughly before you sign anything (like a normal deal) and if they give you any funny business (like a different color than the one you wanted), walk immediately.
