Decent Car Dealerships in the DFW area?
Are there any decent car dealerships in the DFW area. My mom has been looking for a new car and has been jerked around so much that she is ready to cry. We have been to several KIA dealerships and they promise you the moon until you are ready to sign. We have been promised payments of XXX amount of dollars and then they go up $100 for what is quoted, cars are not in stock as advertised, salesmen are jerks, etc. Her credit is sterling, she has cash to put down. What I am wanting to know are there any good car dealerships in DFW to buy a nice small SUV from?
You are in a Dream Spot, you just don't know it yet!
If you were buying a Ford I would tell you to go to Sam Pack's Ford Country in Lewisville. I just recently bought a truck there and had a really good experience. They will quote you on a fair price and treat you right (No, I do not work there).
However from what you write it seems like you are approaching the car-buying task from the wrong end.
You or your mom should really read the information Consumer Reports has on the subject, but I can sumarize it for you.
- You've probably already test-drove vehicles so you don't need to visit anymore dealeships.
- Zero in on one or two models you are sure you like (remember the options) and use Consumer Reports New/Used Car Price Service to get the price that the dealer actually paid for the vehicle it's trying to sell you by calling 1-800-888-8275. They charge $14.00 for the service but hey, I saved $4800.00. on my new truck.
- Let's say your vehicle cost the dealer $10.000. A fair asking price for de dealer should be a mark up of 4% to 8%. That means you should start at $10,400 and stay as close as $10,800 as you can. Forget the "$15,000 MSRP" that price is just there to make you think you are saving money when they say "I'll take $2000.00 off the MSRP just because I want your business".
- Call dealerships around and ask them to give you a quote. Don't mention that you can give money down, don't mention that you are financing on you own, don't mention that you have a trade in (if you do). That keeps them honest on the price (and little room to play around with it). If they refuse to give it to you or they say you need to come in so they can work on the best price, hang up, call again and ask to speak to a different salesperson. If they give you the same BS hang up, that dealership doesn't want your business.
- Try to buy towards the end of the month or the week. That's when they are the most desperate to sell.
- Decide on your best quote. If it's still too high, open up and tell them you know how much they paid for the vehicle and state your price. If they really want your business, they'll come down on the price at least half way. Keep in mind the closest dealership. You'll want to service your car where you bought it and the dealership knows that, and will probably at least attempt to beat your best quote.
- When you have agreed on a price. Get it in writing (fax helps). Now you can take a look at the dealer's financing which may or may not be cheaper than your own. Now you can bring up your trade in and your down payment. Never negociate the monthly payment. If you mom has good credit she can probably get pre-approved for a loan before she goes to the dealership. That helps a lot.
I hope this helps. Remember car buying is a game you need to know how to play. Believe me, they are more desperate to sell you a car than you are of buying one (especially if it's a new one). Make them play your game and you'll come out on top. Good luck!
