Why is buying a car such a game? I have always hated car shopping. Until I bought my convertible, I never saw a car as anything but a way to get from point “A” to point “B”. My convertible was a way to find small bits of happiness as I traveled to and from my errands. It was my little bits of vacation in lieu of no vacation while I was locked down taking care of Pat during his illness.
But now I am ready for some major road trips. My car was a 2008 model. A decision must be made. To drive my car until the wheels come off or take advantage of the trade-in value and get a new car.
A couple of months back I looked into some cars I thought I would be interested in. I’m thinking hybrid. Reading car reports and searching customer satisfaction sites I settled in on a Prius 3. Since I am a procrastinator, I thought about it and then quickly found things to do.
Then it was time for service and inspection on my car. I no sooner made the appointment when I got a call from the dealership.
“I see you are bringing your 2008 Solara in for service and inspection. Since your car is a 2008 model we thought you might like to know what your car may be worth on a trade in”, the friendly voice said on the other end of the phone. “We can take the time while your car is in the shop and give you the numbers,” she continued.
“Okay,” I said. “I am curious about that anyway.”
About 1/2 hour later, Tim, the salesman calls and says, “I see you might be interested in looking at a new car,” he says in a chipper voice.
“Yes, I am only interested in looking, but I would like to know what my car would be worth on a trade-in.”
The day came, the service on my car began, and I was quickly greeted by the friendly voice on the phone who escorted me to Tim the salesman.
So began the dance. My dance card filled quickly with the salesman, then the manager, and then back to the salesman. Both looking at me as they presented the numbers like they had found a winner.
“I’m going to take this information home with me and speak with my son before I decide,” I said, “then I’ll call and let you know what I think.”
I went home, called my son, who quickly pointed out that the trade-in they offered was low. Then my daughter reminded me that I am a member of AAA and they have an auto buying service powered by TRUECAR. She plugged in the numbers and the make of the car and the service provided three close dealerships with a guaranteed price.
The AAA service cut the price of the car by $4000 when the dealership’s initial offer only knocked off $1500 off the retail price.
I phoned and left a message. “This is Marlene. Shame on me for not being prepared to negotiate a deal for a car, but since leaving you I remembered my AAA membership. I have a certificate guaranteeing a price of $22,000.00. I also checked on my trade-in value and expect that we will negotiate this up from your initial offer. The good news for you is that I have decided I am a willing buyer if the deal can be made. The bad news for you is that I love my convertible and if I cannot make a deal that I like, I am happy to drive off with my top down and a smile on my face. Call me if you are willing to accept my offer.”
This afternoon I drove home in my new Prius 3 looking forward to those road trips with long distances between fill-ups and the rebate check from AAA for using their car sales service!
No comments:
Post a Comment