I'm about to buy a new F150 XLT SuperCrew. Which would be the better approach and why. Go to some dealers and negotiate what I want or use the internet to configure the truck and place an order. The Ford website allows you to build the truck to your specifications and through the web site, request quotes from various dealers.

I notice I could also do this with Carsdirect.com and maybe others. It seems to me this is the way to go for the lowest hassel and also a good price. Do any of you have direct experience and/or recommendations on this?

 

Go thru the internet, first......ONLY to check out INVOICE in the way you think you may wanna equip your truck. DO NOT request a quote. (In order to avoid hassle )

Go to the lots second.......drive as much and many different options you think you'd consider (i.e. different trim levels, etc.)
Don't get BUDDY BUDDY with anyone.....keep it professional, let them know that you're just looking at the NEW F150, but don't act like you are in the mode to buy (again to avoid hassle).....politely accept the salesperson's card, but don't promise them anything, except at most, that you'll keep their card. Which MAY come in handy.

After you drove what you thought you may liked, with the understanding of your price ranges, and reachability, determine the truck just as you'd like it.

THEN go to the Ford website, or wherever else you may 'dare'....."build" the truck, and request quotes. Don't stop at local.....request them from zip codes that you'd even CONSIDER driving/flying to for the business if they make it make sense for you. (regardless, the extra quotes ALWAYS have provided me extra leverage......and again, not much hassle at all.)

BE PATIENT.

They'll call and/or email you. Let them know you wanna be $500 under invoice if you are ordering, since you belong to a forum, and know of atleast 2 guys who were able to get that deal. They will want to KNOW at this point that in fact, you ARE serious and ready to buy if they can match that request. If they say NO WAY, YA FOOL! We don't do that here..........kindly respond with, "well maybe it was wishful thinking......why don't you find out what the best you can do is, and please take into consideration that I'm receiving quotes from other nearby dealers as well." Then take notes on what each dealer offers you. Give 'em atleast a week to get all the details to you......AND sweat the hassle THEY have in earning your business. Eh?

Determine which dealer you prefer, and perhaps find out if they offer anything special with purchases from them....like free car washes, oil changes for the first year, etc. THEN call the INTERNET sales rep back that contacted you at first from the dealership you most prefer.(they seem to be THE fastest, and most-hassle free way to go about it since they tend to KNOW MUCH MORE than typical salespeople, AND have the authority, usually, to make most decisions. Hope that part makes sense.)
Tell him that there are numerous reasons that you would prefer to bring your business through him, but you have a quote for "x" dollars on "x" truck (they'll wanna know JUST how you'd like it, to see where they need to be on the numbers, etc.) and if they can match it, then they have a deal.
Likely, you'll get your requested amount, so long as you have an actual quote to back it up. If not, determine if price, or dealership is the higher priority for you, and go to the place that makes the most-sense for you. If the internet salespeople aren't cutting it for you, ya still have the cards of the salespeople you met on the lot. The thing of going the full process thru them, is you get HASSLE....they'll sit you down......talk your ear off, etc. That is how they earn a living. If you really liked one or two that are at a DIFFERENT dealership than where you may purchase....call 'em and let 'em know what you are planning to get the truck for elsewhere to give them a shot at it. (the reason I say different, is it DOES get a bit messy with egos and paychecks when you are working a few salespeople over at the SAME dealership....cuz each feels rightly-entitled to the commissions for the sale made with you.

Finally, make yourself aware of ALL incentives you are elegible for at the time of purchase, AND how you will finance the vehicle. Those details are SECONDARY to the price agreed upon by you and the dealership.

Suggestion....if you order the truck, you should be able to get it for $200-$500 under invoice, before any incentives, if you are patient enough, and don't fear the beast. If you purchase on the lot, you should be able to get it right-near invoice or up to $300 over, with ease~from what I've experienced with about a DOZEN dealerships and have read postings of many various buyers such as ourselves.. Hope that helps you, and good luck!
~jc

 

One more thing, Templer...

I know that was kinda wordy, and saw some typographical errors (but the message is the same).....but don't get bogged down with thinking that sounds like a lot of work, hassle, or haggle.
Honestly it's not.
Doing your homework not only prepares you to know nearly as much as many salespeople, but it WILL save you time. When you have this info in order BEFORE EVER TALKING NUMBERS with ANYONE......and you call them or email them??? Let me tell you.....they know that you know your stuff.....or ATLEAST far more than 80% of carbuyers out there. By knowing that, you saved yourself HOURS, trust me. And/or saved yourself the heartache of expenses far higher than needed-be. (but of course, the heartache would be overcome every time you drove your new toy!!)
Once you get to that point.....the haggle is basically very small.
They either can or can't do it at your offered-price....if they can't, most will try to get darned-close. From there.......YOU CHOOSE whether it makes sense or not....FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME! and not in a chair in their atmosphere, subject to their professional sales-tactics, then getting tag teamed by other salespeople, the manager, and anything else imaginable. (nothing wrong with honest tactics, just more hassle than you or anyone tends to enjoy.)
THEN you get their agreed-upon quote either via email, or some way to reference it when you walk into the showroom (by appointment would be best) DIRECTLY to the internet salesperson, and finalize the deal. (if ordering, as I have found.....you don't even need to meet 'em face to face.....only get it in writing, with some form of signature, and you can make a $500 deposit with a credit card, and meet them on the day you pick it up/"delivery" with the printed quote......and there should be very smooth sailing from there.)

otay.......breathing again.

 

I hope you do realize there is no such thing as "buying direct on the Internet." EVERY new vehicle sold (even the thousands that go to Hertz and Avis) go through a dealership. So, when you work with sites like CarsDirect.com, they're going to refer you to the dealer in your area that's paying a fee to CarsDirect to get your name. Having said that, I'd like to see more consumers walk out of dealerships that start with the pressure tactics. You know, "tag-teaming" with other salespeople and managers, using numbers to confuse you- the typical nonsense that goes on in the traditional dealership. Some of us are trying to change all this, but it will take awhile. Regardless, there's no reason for ANYONE to put up with unprofessional tactics in this day and age. There are just too many dealers out there to have to settle for doing business this way. Whenever I'm in a restaurant (which is pretty often), I can always tune in to a conversation within a few feet of me about a vehicle purchase. Therefore, I KNOW you know someone that has purchased a vehicle recently- we all do! Ask them about their experience- it's a great way to find out where to shop, and where NOT to shop. In a nutshell: if you're in a dealership and something's making you uncomfortable, THEN LEAVE! It's your money- you have every right to spend it in a manner you see fit. And one more thing: I personally believe that it's not necessary to leave a deposit to order or buy a vehicle. If you're serious and they're a decent dealer, you should be able to do business on a handshake.