Am I Being Raked Over The Coals?

DooDooBrown · 06-04-2009, 08:16 PM

Nothing to do a couple of weekends ago, so I took the 20 mile trip to the local Nissian Dealership to test drive the new Z. My thoughts were to trade in my FULLY PAID OFF 2008 Honda Accord (Leather, Loaded, Sunroof, 4 cylinder, at the time, 10,000 miles), and maybe strike a deal for a new Z. I told the sales person, if the numbers were right, I might just purchase.
Finished with my test drive, completely basic 6 spd. manual Z, no sport package, etc..., and sat down to talk some numbers. First off, they wanted to give me a mere 18,000 for my Honda. The excuse was that they had was they had Altimas and Rouges that they would be under-cutting if they gave me more for the car. Additionally, they said another 12,000 and the car was mine. Additionally, I told them I would need no credit, as I could pay them with cash money. After I explained that I would pay cash, they gave me 18.500 for my Honda, and took off 54 dollars off the sticker price of the Z. That was it. They told me to take it or leave it. I choose to leave, as I did not feel I was getting a great deal. I have always purchased cars with cash money, and generally am rewarded with larger discounts, etc... This dealership wouldn't budge. My question to all of you out there who know more than I is,
Am I being realistic? What should I expect walking into a dealership? How much should I expect to pay for a base model Z? What should I ask from the dealer?
Thanks!

Caravanshaka · 06-04-2009, 08:44 PM

You can easily get invoice in this economy. There is a thread by robert_nash titled something like "looking to buy a new nissan or infiniti" or something like that. Take a look, PM robert, and get a VPP number to get guaranteed under invoice pricing from any dealer that will accept the employee pricing. I got my base with sport package and all options for about $200 under invoice using it.

A dealer only removing $54 from the sticker price right now is probably one I wouldn't deal with. You brought a clean trade and CASH...they can certainly do better than that!

ChrisSlicks · 06-04-2009, 08:47 PM

Trade in value is between 18500 and 19500, maybe a little more depending on options etc (no not even Honda's are holding their value these days).

You are getting screwed if they want MSRP, however that may be a regional thing if there are few dealers around. They will charge what they can get away with if there is little competition. I paid $31K including the sports package, about $3K below MSRP. The basic base may not get as heavily discounted but I would expect somewhere between invoice ($28K) and sticker.

fly yellow · 06-04-2009, 08:48 PM

For a base Z with no sport, 6MT you should be paying about 29,700. I really don't know about your trade. Do a NADA trade in value appraisal on the internet to get an idea. Did you pay about 24K for the Accord new? If so 18-19 would probably be about right for a trade. You may be able to sell it quickly on Craigs list for more. The Accord is pretty well in demand, and yours is low mileage. I know Honda doesn't deal much on new cars, so that would help you make a quick private sale.

Paying cash really makes no difference. In fact it can hurt you because dealerships make a little money on the financing. I wouldn't mention that you are paying cash until you have the numbers agreed upon.

DooDooBrown · 06-04-2009, 09:08 PM

This one is in VA, however, I live in the DC area, and there are plenty of dealerships. I additionally visited my folks down in GA, and it was more of the same. The excuse I got from them was that the factory is not producing that many of them, and there for, they are not dealing.... Just doesn't make sense. He was able to give me an alright price for an 08 350, but not what I really wanted...

fly yellow · 06-04-2009, 09:20 PM

Here is one at Carmax in White Marsh, MD. They are just north of Baltimore and they have "no haggle" pricing. They are pretty fair with trade ins.

2009 Nissan 370Z in White Marsh, MD- 5810235 at carmax.com

Cjanik · 06-05-2009, 08:05 AM

just FYI, I went to four, yes FOUR dealerships in town and every single one of them would NOT budge on their prices.

I did talk to the last dealership a little more than the rest and felt better there.

So a week and half later I came back again, most of their BS was gone.

1st time they wanted 1,500 over invoice, then 1,000 then 750. second time they wanted 500 over invoice.
1st time they said 5,000 non refund deposit down to order a new car, second time they said 1,000.
1st time they said they would NOT order a car and I had to buy in stock. second time they asked me if i wanted to order my car.

they play lots of games, sometimes they no longer call your bluff if you walk off. so just be patient. try going back next week and then if they play the game again, leave, and repeat. but DO NOT CHANGE your demands, keep them what you think you can get, or they'll know they are working you.

ChrisSlicks · 06-05-2009, 08:34 AM

It's a little far away, but here's a very lightly used Z with 800 miles. Base with Sport package for less than you could get just base.

Blue 6 Sp Sport FS

xiven · 06-05-2009, 08:41 AM

not sure what dealerships you went to in GA...

Sutherlin has 28 in stock (i don't know if i believe that) and Gwinnett Place has 16 which sounds about right.

FuszNissan · 06-05-2009, 08:58 AM

If it is a EX 4door 18500 is a good deal.

DooDooBrown · 06-05-2009, 09:14 AM

I am not denying that 18500 for the Accord is a good deal, but to take off 54 dollars off the sticker price?? No thanks! Thank you guys for all of your help. If anyone finds good deals, please let me know! I fly for free with Delta airlines, so I can go ANYWHERE if it saves me a couple thousand! Thanks!

MightyBobo · 06-05-2009, 09:34 AM

You shouldn't be paying any more than $500 over invoice, period. Tischer is pretty flexible on their cars, I'd give them a shot. I had good results haggling with them.

Mrabyss · 06-05-2009, 09:44 AM

If you fly how are you gonna trade in the accord?

WShade · 06-05-2009, 09:52 AM

Check here:

**STICKY** How much did you pay for your 370Z?**STICKY**

This will give you a good idea on what people are paying.

ChrisSlicks · 06-05-2009, 09:53 AM

There is always VPP pricing as well, should get you close to invoice.

For those ready to buy a 370/other new Nissan or Infiniti Vehicle

06-04-2009, 08:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
DooDooBrown Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ranson, WV Posts: 178 Drives: 09 370 Touring w/spt Rep Power: 15	Am I Being Raked Over The Coals? Nothing to do a couple of weekends ago, so I took the 20 mile trip to the local Nissian Dealership to test drive the new Z. My thoughts were to trade in my FULLY PAID OFF 2008 Honda Accord (Leather, Loaded, Sunroof, 4 cylinder, at the time, 10,000 miles), and maybe strike a deal for a new Z. I told the sales person, if the numbers were right, I might just purchase. Finished with my test drive, completely basic 6 spd. manual Z, no sport package, etc..., and sat down to talk some numbers. First off, they wanted to give me a mere 18,000 for my Honda. The excuse was that they had was they had Altimas and Rouges that they would be under-cutting if they gave me more for the car. Additionally, they said another 12,000 and the car was mine. Additionally, I told them I would need no credit, as I could pay them with cash money. After I explained that I would pay cash, they gave me 18.500 for my Honda, and took off 54 dollars off the sticker price of the Z. That was it. They told me to take it or leave it. I choose to leave, as I did not feel I was getting a great deal. I have always purchased cars with cash money, and generally am rewarded with larger discounts, etc... This dealership wouldn't budge. My question to all of you out there who know more than I is, Am I being realistic? What should I expect walking into a dealership? How much should I expect to pay for a base model Z? What should I ask from the dealer? Thanks!

06-04-2009, 08:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
fly yellow Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 455 Drives: 09 yellow 370z Rep Power: 264	For a base Z with no sport, 6MT you should be paying about 29,700. I really don't know about your trade. Do a NADA trade in value appraisal on the internet to get an idea. Did you pay about 24K for the Accord new? If so 18-19 would probably be about right for a trade. You may be able to sell it quickly on Craigs list for more. The Accord is pretty well in demand, and yours is low mileage. I know Honda doesn't deal much on new cars, so that would help you make a quick private sale. Paying cash really makes no difference. In fact it can hurt you because dealerships make a little money on the financing. I wouldn't mention that you are paying cash until you have the numbers agreed upon. __________________ A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer. Mitch Hedberg

06-04-2009, 09:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
fly yellow Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 455 Drives: 09 yellow 370z Rep Power: 264	Here is one at Carmax in White Marsh, MD. They are just north of Baltimore and they have "no haggle" pricing. They are pretty fair with trade ins. 2009 Nissan 370Z in White Marsh, MD- 5810235 at carmax.com __________________ A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer. Mitch Hedberg

06-05-2009, 08:58 AM	#10 (permalink)
FuszNissan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 14,275 Drives: Pure Sex Rep Power: 541	If it is a EX 4door 18500 is a good deal. __________________ Mods: Too Many to list! LouFuszNissan ZDAYZ 2012

06-05-2009, 09:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
MightyBobo A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 8,465 Drives: No cars; only bikes Rep Power: 52	You shouldn't be paying any more than $500 over invoice, period. Tischer is pretty flexible on their cars, I'd give them a shot. I had good results haggling with them. __________________ I don't own a car anymore.

06-04-2009, 08:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Caravanshaka I shake Caravans Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: north Dallas Posts: 9,517 Drives: everyone crazy Rep Power: 42	You can easily get invoice in this economy. There is a thread by robert_nash titled something like "looking to buy a new nissan or infiniti" or something like that. Take a look, PM robert, and get a VPP number to get guaranteed under invoice pricing from any dealer that will accept the employee pricing. I got my base with sport package and all options for about $200 under invoice using it. A dealer only removing $54 from the sticker price right now is probably one I wouldn't deal with. You brought a clean trade and CASH...they can certainly do better than that!

06-04-2009, 08:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	Trade in value is between 18500 and 19500, maybe a little more depending on options etc (no not even Honda's are holding their value these days). You are getting screwed if they want MSRP, however that may be a regional thing if there are few dealers around. They will charge what they can get away with if there is little competition. I paid $31K including the sports package, about $3K below MSRP. The basic base may not get as heavily discounted but I would expect somewhere between invoice ($28K) and sticker.

06-04-2009, 09:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
DooDooBrown Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ranson, WV Posts: 178 Drives: 09 370 Touring w/spt Rep Power: 15	This one is in VA, however, I live in the DC area, and there are plenty of dealerships. I additionally visited my folks down in GA, and it was more of the same. The excuse I got from them was that the factory is not producing that many of them, and there for, they are not dealing.... Just doesn't make sense. He was able to give me an alright price for an 08 350, but not what I really wanted...

06-05-2009, 08:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
Cjanik Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 578 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 16	just FYI, I went to four, yes FOUR dealerships in town and every single one of them would NOT budge on their prices. I did talk to the last dealership a little more than the rest and felt better there. So a week and half later I came back again, most of their BS was gone. 1st time they wanted 1,500 over invoice, then 1,000 then 750. second time they wanted 500 over invoice. 1st time they said 5,000 non refund deposit down to order a new car, second time they said 1,000. 1st time they said they would NOT order a car and I had to buy in stock. second time they asked me if i wanted to order my car. they play lots of games, sometimes they no longer call your bluff if you walk off. so just be patient. try going back next week and then if they play the game again, leave, and repeat. but DO NOT CHANGE your demands, keep them what you think you can get, or they'll know they are working you.

06-05-2009, 08:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	It's a little far away, but here's a very lightly used Z with 800 miles. Base with Sport package for less than you could get just base. Blue 6 Sp Sport FS

06-05-2009, 08:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
xiven A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Age: 43 Posts: 4,128 Drives: Cookie Monster Rep Power: 293	not sure what dealerships you went to in GA... Sutherlin has 28 in stock (i don't know if i believe that) and Gwinnett Place has 16 which sounds about right.

06-05-2009, 09:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
DooDooBrown Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ranson, WV Posts: 178 Drives: 09 370 Touring w/spt Rep Power: 15	I am not denying that 18500 for the Accord is a good deal, but to take off 54 dollars off the sticker price?? No thanks! Thank you guys for all of your help. If anyone finds good deals, please let me know! I fly for free with Delta airlines, so I can go ANYWHERE if it saves me a couple thousand! Thanks!

06-05-2009, 09:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
Mrabyss Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: OH Posts: 55 Drives: Pearl 370z Sport Rep Power: 16	If you fly how are you gonna trade in the accord?

06-05-2009, 09:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
WShade Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 765 Drives: 09 370Z T/S/N Rep Power: 187	Check here: STICKY How much did you pay for your 370Z?STICKY This will give you a good idea on what people are paying. __________________ Q50S Q60 RS400

06-05-2009, 09:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	There is always VPP pricing as well, should get you close to invoice. For those ready to buy a 370/other new Nissan or Infiniti Vehicle