I've been mulling over a new Mustang for years always putting it off based on rumors of something better coming on the horizon. Well, it seems like I have reached the horizon. It takes me a while to warm up to these types decisions, like, what do i get rid of, my truck, classic car, can i pay for daughters college, etc. There is a PW GT, auto, red interior at a local dealership that i have looked at after hours several times. I hate to waste a salesmans time not sure when or if i will actually purchase. But more than that, some of these guys are cheesy, irritating and will not leave you alone. I really would like to deal with a true "enthusiast" for these cars that will spend time with me and focus on the car, not where i work, how much do i want to pay per month, and have me come meet the sales mgr so he can get credit for a client. (it's happened) And then, if you get stuck with someone you don't like, they lay claim to you as "their client" next time you come in. Any suggestions on how to deal with these guys? P.S. I don't mean to offend anyone who may be in the business so please don't take it that way.

 

Ill throw my personal experience out here for you...

1. My dad has been in the car business for 30+ years ive heard and seen what goes on. So im familiar what to expect when buying a car.

2. If you dont like the saleman either request a different one or simply walk out of the dealership. no harm done either way

3. I live across the street from a ford dealer- did i buy my mustang through them- no way in hell would i ever do business with them. I do not like the way they conduct buisness. I simply went there to test drive vehicles and humor them when they gave me pricing.

4. I went to several dealerships before i actually placed my order- play the tough game a little- make them work for your business. Make sure you are comfortable and have a good experience. After all you are the paying customer and will be paying that payment every single month not the sales person.

5. Good luck in your search!!!

 

This.

 

Call the dealership and ask to speak to the Sales manager or the General Manager. Explain your concerns and ask them to recommend the sales person that is most knowledgeable and interested in Mustangs. They have no reason not to answer honestly because they don't want to annoy a potential customer.

I have done this only once but it was effective - if you don't like the sales person you initially meet, go to the sales manager the next time you're in the showroom and tell him flat out that you don't want to deal with that particular person.

 

I think that the key is knowing what you want and knowing what your willing to pay for it ( within reason ). If they can provide those two things your all set , if they can't then you move on to the next dealer.

 

everything above is so true!!!!

 

Work with the Internet sales person and have a negotiated price before even stepping on the lot.

 

Deal with one of the Great guys on this site and have it drop shipped !!
and just use the locals for the fun test drive part

 

Do the research before hand, read reviews, and talk to people who have bought cars in the area.

I shopped around and ultimately went with a dealer that came highly recommended. I was more than satisfied with how smooth the process went and have recommended them since.

If the salesperson can't put hard figures in front of you without a credit app, walk out. It's obvious they're more worried about twisting numbers than personal interaction.

 

Don't deal with a salesman. Call and ask to speak to the new car manager and tell him what you're looking to buy. Find someone who will give you an X plan pin and you won't have to worry about haggling over price- the X plan price is non-negotiable, and makes things much easier.

 

Thanks for all of the responses. I agree with all. I like Rodmoe's response best. I think i'll just go test drive the car and if i like the guy, we can talk. If not, i'll follow Rodmoe's advice. Nothing like a road trip in a new car! I can get Xplan thru work. Pricing is fairly simple. I would like invoice less rebates, no worse than X-plan less rebates. I'll keep you posted. Might have a funny story to tell afterwards!

 

I'm going to second the internet sales connection. Send an e-mail to a dozen or so proximate dealerships telling them what you are looking for. Let them know what you expect to pay. Also let them know that you are sending this to several dealerships. Somebody will be hungry.

I let everyone know that I wanted to pay invoice or less. I got the car for 750 under invoice thanks to rebates. I'm pretty sure I could have done a couple of bucks better, but it was a good experience and I didn't want to fight them for a couple of hundred bucks.... wasn't worth my time.

I dealt with Carlos (internet sales) from Galpin Ford. Galpin seems to be a YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY kind of experience for some. I would highly recommend them if you're serious about buying a car and you're informed as to what you should be paying, they will get you in a car. They also have a huge selection. Again, this is just my experience. Others have had a different one. If you're in CA, give them a call!

 

I deal with Knight on this site and the crew at the dealership he works at. Great group of people from sales, service, and parts. Not pushy, they know performance, and the products they sell very well. They do alot of internet sales. Look him up. Good luck.

 

How do you deal with Salesmen? Avoid them!

Deal with the owner of the dealership if you can.

Hang around the sales desk for a few minutes and get an idea of how their sales have been for the month.

Chances are they may be hurting for sales by the end of the month.

If that's the case, take the "do you wanna sell a car today?" approach.

Works every time!

I got my '11 for $500 below invoice plus rebates.

I got my used '03 Escalade in '08 with 30,000 miles for $19k.

I walked up the owner. Wrote down $19k and my phone number. I placed the post it in front of him and told him to call me within 2 hours if he wanted to sell a car that day.

Sure enough, he calls me, but wants at least 23k. I told him to have a good day. 2 hours later he calls me and tells me he'll give it to me for 21k just to make me happy. I told him he has one more chance to sell this car. He called back 30 minutes meeting my offer and asked if I wanted a job! LOL!

If you don't NEED a car, then you have all the power in the world. Act like it, and be patient. You will get the car you want for a reasonable price if you are patient and are willing to work for it.

 

1. Get X-Plan

2. Email all local dealerships and tell them that you have X-Plan, and ask if they can give you a price lower than X-Plan. Also mention that if they can't, you will just go to the dealership closest to your house (tell that to all the dealerships, regardless of distance). Do this all through e-mails if you prefer.

3. Once you pick a "winner," just go in and sign paper work.

X-Plan pricing is a pretty good price. Try to lower it through competition.

 

X-plan is X-plan. It essentially takes any salesperson BS out of the equation.

 

True X-plan is a a great tool but after hanging out here for a bit i noticed you can do better if you do as said and do the leg (email) work.

 

Always be prepared to walk out the door if they do or say anything you don't like when you're dealing with the salesman.

 

when i went to a local dealer to get pricing i told them what i wanted, a week went by and didn't hear anything

i called a previous dealer and they had the car i wanted on their lot in 3 days

i guess its all in if they want to sell you a car

 

I got a question about x-plan. I know it has been discussed on previous threads, but since we are all here...I just bought 100 shares this morning of Ford (F) stock @ $15.91 a share with money that has been sitting in my account for years. No out of pocket and now it is working for me in a company that I like.

My questions are, did I buy enough to qualify for x-plan (100 shares) and how long before I can use it and have my own pin to buy a car with?

By the way, on topic...I actually enjoy talking to salesman. The ones I deal with are the ones that know at least as much about the car as I do and do not lie to me along the way. It doesn't take long for the BS to start, if it is going to start.