The car-buying experience

[Dave Gray]

So, we bought a new car for my wife over the weekend.  I was pretty prepared, knew what I wanted to pay, knew the pitfalls to avoid.

It was relatively painless and I think I got out of there with a fair price and everything, but damn....it took all friggin' day. 

[Brian Fein]

what did you buy?

[Dave Gray]

I bought a 2012 Kia Sportage

[Buddhagirl]

Why does it take so long? I get a new whip every 3 years. I use a car broker, get a great price and am in and out in a couple of hours.

I'll be trading in the Jetta soon for a Subaru since I'm moving to the frozen tundra of Wyoming. Should be rather painless.

[AZ Fins Fan 55]

I have a "guy". I call him tell him what it is exactly that I want along with what it is I want to pay and he goes and finds it for me. He calls me back and let's me know when everything is ready. I drive down there, swap vehicles and sign a few sheets of paper. Total transaction less than an hour. When I purchased my last truck he actually drove it to my office with the paperwork and took my trade in back with him. I refuse to play the standard dealership salesman game.

[Buddhagirl]

I have a "guy". I call him tell him what it is exactly that I want along with what it is I want to pay and he goes and finds it for me. He calls me back and let's me know when everything is ready. I drive down there, swap vehicles and sign a few sheets of paper. Total transaction less than an hour. When I purchased my last truck he actually drove it to my office with the paperwork and took my trade in back with him. I refuse to play the standard dealership salesman game.

I bet your guys is a car broker. My neighbor was a car broker. I'd never heard of that, but when my car died a few years ago she asked what I needed and how much I could pay. She then negotiated the entire deal for what I wanted to pay. I knew my payment, trade-in, etc going in. The dude had all the paperwork ready. I was in and out in no time.

My last lease she took my old VW, and came home with the new one while I was at work.

[Spider-Dan]

When I was shopping for my Volt, I sent a form-letter e-mail to a dozen dealerships in NorCal:

- here are the options I need
- here are the options that are nice to have
- here are the acceptable colors
- reply with your best offer

Some of the dealers were idiot dbags; I didn't move forward with them.  I got about three competitive offers and the best one was really good.

Of course, my strategy works better when you've already decided what car you want before you contact them.  If I just walked into a dealership and browsed through their used car inventory, I could definitely see how it would take all day.

[AZ Fins Fan 55]

I bet your guys is a car broker. My neighbor was a car broker. I'd never heard of that, but when my car died a few years ago she asked what I needed and how much I could pay. She then negotiated the entire deal for what I wanted to pay. I knew my payment, trade-in, etc going in. The dude had all the paperwork ready. I was in and out in no time.

My last lease she took my old VW, and came home with the new one while I was at work.

He does work for a dealership, he just goes the extra mile for his customers. I have purchased 5 vehicles from him in the last 8 years and he knows I will return because of his amazing service and no hassle strategy. I also refer many people to him.

[VidKid]

How much does a broker run you? Is it based on final price of vehicle? I am currently looking for a car and was wondering since my time is limited.

[Buddhagirl]

How much does a broker run you? Is it based on final price of vehicle? I am currently looking for a car and was wondering since my time is limited.

I'm not quite sure since she was my neighbor and did it for free.  I can find out for you.

She took the hassle out of car buying and I highly recommend her.

[Guru-In-Vegas]

I'm only guessing but I'm assuming it works like a realtor. 

You never "pay your broker" but the seller cuts them a percentage from the sale. 

Just guessing though.