Lelan's Auto Buying Hints and Tools

Auto Buying Information
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The components of buying a new car are "Price of the New Car" less "Trade-In" less "Rebates".
Each of these should be considered and negotiated separately.
If you can write a check for the "drive out" cost the deal is much easier to conclude otherwise financing will also need to be considered.

My practice in recent years is to walk the dealer's lot on a Sunday or when they are closed and make notes about the vehicles I am interested in including the stock number. I then go to the dealer's website (via the manufacturer's website if necessary) and send an email to the internet sales department asking for a quote by stock number.

When buying a used car you should get the www.carfax.com report for the vehicle.

Price of the New Car.
The dealer will want to talk about MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price); however, the more important number is the Factory Invoice which is usually around 90% of MSRP. The Dealer will still make money if they sell you the car at invoice or below.

Trade-In Value:
Find the value of your trade-in car at www.nadaguides.com or www.edmunds.com or www.kbb.com and don't give in too quickly to the dealer's suggested value.

Incentives & Rebates

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Page revised:. March 31, 2011
Please direct any comments to Lelan@LelanCallaway.com

Auto Buying Information Return to My Home Page

Auto Buying Information
Return to My Home Page