“Desperate dealers” don’t bargain.
- Mazda 3
As the automotive industry continues to struggle against the tide of economic bad news, many people are looking to take advantage of what they perceive to be desperate dealers looking to “dump” inventory.
Not so!
Alas, this is hardly the reality of Car Shopping 3.0 — in 12/2009. If you are looking for a 2009 NEW Car model left over, forget it, only the most basic, strangest option combinations or ugly colors still exist.
If you are shopping for a 2010 NEW CAR model be prepared to find NO NEW CAR INVENTORY selection. In fact, many 2010 new GMC, Dodge and Ford models did not start production until late October. Given reduced work weeks and pared production, many NEW 2010 cars and trucks won’t appear before Christmas, leaving lumps of coal where new key fobs were to have dangled.
To make up for the lack of 2010 new car/truck inventory, dealers are paying top dollar for nice trade-ins and clean cars at local auto auctions. 
What does all this mean to you, the hopeful car shopper, car buyer?
Dealers are holding out for full price or close to it. Discounting is being kept to a minimum as any NEW 2010 models they have on the lot are not easily replaced, ESPECIALLY IMPORT models. WHY are IMPORTS affected? Any model made overseas and shipped in or comprised of over 80% foreign parts is suffering the impact of a fallen dollar vs. the cost of making the car and selling it elsewhere. Since the KIA, Hyundai, Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes and Acura brands can’t raise their price every time the dollar dips, these models actually lose money for the manufacturer when paid in dollars vs. Euros. Hence, these companies are holding exports to a slim margin. Dealers are screaming for NEW 2010 car and truck product. Negotiations are tougher, incentives are few and far between and credit is being scrutinized.
You can expect longer hours at the dealership as you try to make your deal. Add to that, the hours spent in paperwork as they try to impress upon you the need for any and all extra trimmings; theft protection, tire protection, credit protection and extended-or-certified service contracts.
Don’t be surprised to find New 2010 cars loaded with dealer add-ons: window tint, pin stripes, premium wheels, Nitrogen-filled tires, dvd players and Internet satellite systems for your new car.
Sandy W. writes, “Women car buyers get the worst of it. I spent four days tracking down a blue Toyota Prius, only to discover the package 5 option I wanted had 1000.00 in dealer market adjustments, which the salesman told me was because they were in such high demand, and the BLUE was in limited supply. The pressure for me to buy this one or risk waiting 5 mos. for another, was ridiculous. Then it took them 45 minutes to come back with a price, $250.00 off sticker! I left with a headache and my old car is still running me around.”
Consumers report visiting 5 to 7 dealerships online or in person, hoping to locate the model with the features they want, only to find the “in-stock” car got sold, just minutes before their arrival.
If you really want to save yourself the pain and hassle of the car buying in the age of economic uncertainty, gather all your facts, wish list and trade or credit concerns and contact a auto broker or car buyers agent.
Ask them for references, get referrals and make sure you are comfortable with the person and the process. Let the broker or buyer do all the haggling for you and sit back, waiting for your new car or truck to arrive at your door-step.
In today’s car buying and car selling environment the desperate dealer isn’t paying you to buy his car, they are trying everything possible to maximize profit on the few cars they have, and that means you pay MORE!
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Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
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