Overhaulin'

When negotiating to buy a new car, is it best to go into the dealership or do it online/phone? And why?

Some people think you'll get the best deal on a new car if you go into a dealership and negotiate with a salesperson. Others feel you'll get a better deal if you work with the internet sales manager via email and phone. Which is better and why? Most car buying experts agree that going into a dealership to negotiate is foolish. They recommend doing it online or via phone. Why would you suggest going into a dealership? Is there any evidence why this would be true?

Public Comments

1. dealers wont take you seriously unless your ar the dealer and are discussing a particular car. also if you have a trade dont tell them untill after you negotiate the price of the car. this will not allow them to low ball your trade and then you will need to haggle over the value of the trade. be very sure to ask for the out the door price... go on KBB.com and find out howmuch is the dealers cost for that car and bring him the printups along with ones that validate the value of your trade.
2. I would suggest going to the dealership and doing it face to face . Go online and do your homework first .
3. We take people more seriously when they are in front of us. Also, take the online advice and don't disclose your trade. 2 ways to sell a car retail to retail or wholesale to wholesale. You whip out a trade at ANY dealership after you have beaten them down to invoice, you will be getting "invoice", or wholesale price for yours. You pay retail they can show you more or overallow on the trade. Numbers will be the same no matter how they work the deal. Good Luck!