Question to used car salesmen

[Riza]

So I am thinking about upgrading my car. The eclipse spyder isn't working for me anymore. Got my eye on a Jeep Wrangler. I think driving around with the top off with my hair in the wind would be cool. Even better than the top down in spyder when the doors are off the wrangler lol.

So, one I am looking at is on a chrysler lot, just back off lease, (2018) and is sweet. Not stuck on that one but its on my list so this is more for general use. I hate negotiating and never do when it comes to my job, instant block if someone tries but I know its part of the car culture to go back and forth on a price until you come up with the final dollar value.

Rather than going back and forth I would rather walk in with a price I am happy with and say take it or leave it and walk away and let them think about it for a week, or two, or three lol. I am not in a rush.

So the question is how much movement is there in a sticker price that in the low 40's. 1k, 2k, 3k... I know some of it depends on the sales guy and how low a comission he is willing to take. Things are tough right now in the car market and have heard they just want to move inventory and the dealer is also motivated to take less.

So if there are any currrent or recent sales guys I would love to hear your opinion.

 

[MB Mod]

You might want to do some research on Jeep and Chrysler, I was looking at a Cherokee last year and after a little research I found lots of problems with that the Jeep line. Fuel mileage issues, transmission issues, warranty problems and resale value is a joke. There’s been a few threads on it lately.

 

[Riza]

You might want to do some research on Jeep and Chrysler, I was looking at a Cherokee last year and after a little research I found lots of problems with that the Jeep line. Fuel mileage issues, transmission issues, warranty problems and resale value is a joke. There’s been a few threads on it lately.

Thanks for that. Cherokee is not something on my radar. I did research and they are terrible. Bad on gas and bad on maintenance. Grand Cherokee better but still not what I want.

The pre 2016 Wrangers are ok but seems the reviews got much better 2017 up models. 2018 which I am looking at seems like good reviews and I know the gas milage is not the best so won't be a surprise. Surprisingly my eclipse sucks on fuel milage. ALways been from when I got it so I am used to it. Its more of a intown cruiser averaging 10k km's per year max.

 

[Bruce Rinnal]

You should spend some time with a Wrangler; to know them is not to love them! Rent one for a week... The ride is bumpy, kidney jarring bumpy around town. They are impossible to secure, you can leave nothing inside ever. The gas mileage sucks. If you wear a dress, it is show time every time you get in or out of the Jeep.

Car dealers are experts at getting every dollar off the table, your money. Look up "Auto Dealer Four Square" to understand the game. You won't fear negotiation once you understand it! Take it or leave it deals happen all the time and usually don't result in a sold car or happy client.

Since you have time, use it! You will pay a 15% to 20% premium buying from a dealer. Vancouver has a bunch of leased Wranglers driven by the recently unemployed, they will be up for sale soon with Take Over Payments ads. You can renegotiate the rates so the lessor doesn't end up with a Repo! If your credit is good you will save!

A Wrangler, in Vancouver during Winter is called an Ice Box... Cold clam is not a good menu choice!

 

[Riza]

Actually I rented one in Ontario for a week 2 years ago in December. It was a Wrangler Sahara unlimited., I think 2017 or 18. I was surprised how much I enjoyed driving it.

Honestly didn't find it cold in Ontario and it was damn cold when I was there but then again my eclipse is not that comfortable of a car either. Cold in winter and hot in summer since its black with black soft top and broken aircon.

I also drove a f150 for a couple years and took my drivers licence in a f350 so I have driven many types of vehicles lol. The jeep I figure is a 2 year run and it will have lost its appeal and move on to something else.

Good advice at keeping a eye open for the lease takeovers, I like that idea and will keep a eye on CL. I'm not in a rush so will just watch for the deal but i want to enjoy the summer in it when it comes.

 

[VinVan]

If you want the wind in your hair, performance, reliability, and a modest price tag then the Mazda MX-5 is your ride. It's a 2-seater but loads of fun from all the reviews. I've never owned one, but have ridden in one and known more than a few people who swear by them.

You've probably already done a lot of research, but when I'm going to buy a used ride I check out Edmunds.com and it hasn't failed me yet. Then again, I've been driving Toyotas for the last 15 years so there's little risk in that choice.

 

[Riza]

If you want the wind in your hair, performance, reliability, and a modest price tag then the Mazda MX-5 is your ride. It's a 2-seater but loads of fun from all the reviews. I've never owned one, but have ridden in one and known more than a few people who swear by them.

You've probably already done a lot of research, but when I'm going to buy a used ride I check out Edmunds.com and it hasn't failed me yet. Then again, I've been driving Toyotas for the last 15 years so there's little risk in that choice.

Funny you mention that, was one of the things I saw when I was checking reviews. Nothing that scared me lol.

Edmunds Score card
Overall 7.8 / 10
Driving 7.5
Comfort 7.0
Interior 7.5
Utility 7.5
Technology 8.0

I already have the top down hair in the wind car with the eclipse and being the GT with the 3.8 goes like crazy. (I have a few speeding tickets to prove it) Just sucks when I go to costco and can barely fit one full cart in my car with a passenger. Also can only fit one full size luggage in the trunk and if I want to put one in the back seat I have to put the top down to fit it in then back up again. . Also want a back area for the dogs to sit when we go on walks rather than up front with me. I am looking for something larger and fun but doesn't have to be a rocket.

On a side note two of the girls that have worked with me in the last couple years (Sloane and Emily) both owned jeeps and think they were older vintage, maybe early 2000's and loved them. Both were 2 door and I want the 4 door.

 

[m_clock]

I've already tried to talk people out of Jeep, and I'm not going to attempt it again, if your in love with it, get it and have fun.

That being said, please ask about the history of the vehicle, specifically was it a rental company that leased it before or a private owner? Rental companies tend to be quite hard on their cars. Also, if you take the doors and top off, you need to be extremely careful placing them back as the seals tend to fold and tear upon installation creating a water leak to interior. The issue is so frequent that local jeep dealers sublet the repair to a third party because the tech's hate them. (PM me if you want the name of the place)

To answer your question, on a newer vehicle, there is very little wiggle room to bargain on pricing. You may have some success due to recent events slowing sales down. Other than that, don't expect much negotiation room.

Also, if you try to trade in your Spyder they will offer you almost nothing, you will have better success with a private sale. You have to ask yourself if it's worth the hassle to place an ad and see what happens.

One last thing, if you commit, they will try to sell extended warranty, undercoat, spare keys, aftermarket alarm, and anything else they can throw at you. Say no, but ask about warranty pricing (usually three tiers, bronze, silver, gold) then open a high interest savings account and put the money you would be paying on warranty in their instead. Use that money for any unexpected repairs. Extended warranty is a scam, the house always wins. Also, they usually find a slimy way of not honoring the warranty anyways. The example I use is "We can't warranty the oil leak because you installed aftermarket mud flaps and that voids everything"

 

[johnnydepth]

If that's what you like I say go for it. Honestly, there are very few great quality vehicles made anymore, and most cost a lot to repair. Go with what you think makes you happy. If you find it isn't working you can always sell it and move on. Big thing to remeber are the extras. Any extra money you put into a vehicle you likely aren't getting back.

 

[angry anderson]

I know some of it depends on the sales guy and how low a comission he is willing to take. Things are tough right now in the car market and have heard they just want to move inventory and the dealer is also motivated to take less.

So if there are any currrent or recent sales guys I would love to hear your opinion.

I might be willing to negotiate a weekly payment deal for you seeing as things are tough all over......"what's it going to take to get me inside this little beauty?"

 

[wintersurfer]

I have a 2018 wrangler Rubicon, it’s a great vehicle on and off road...

 

[Mikehma]

My 4 door wrangler rubicon is likely the best vehicle I have owned mechanically (and I've owned lots) and it is great off road, in bad weather, etc. Fabulous on the Coq and over Rogers many times in bad storms.

I've got 280k on it and no issues.

Only thing is the gas mileage isn't great.

I've got a mattress and -40 bag for winter trips and it's even big enough and cozy enough to sleep and even to fuck in!

Riza, you will look great driving it and getting in and out of it!

 

[Riza]

Also, if you try to trade in your Spyder they will offer you almost nothing, you will have better success with a private sale. You have to ask yourself if it's worth the hassle to place an ad and see what happens.

One last thing, if you commit, they will try to sell extended warranty, undercoat, spare keys, aftermarket alarm, and anything else they can throw at you. Say no, but ask about warranty pricing (usually three tiers, bronze, silver, gold) then open a high interest savings account and put the money you would be paying on warranty in their instead. Use that money for any unexpected repairs. Extended warranty is a scam, the house always wins. Also, they usually find a slimy way of not honoring the warranty anyways. The example I use is "We can't warranty the oil leak because you installed aftermarket mud flaps and that voids everything"

Was planning on selling the spyder privately, I know they never want to pay much for your trade in. Thanks for confirming that for me.

Yes I will stay away from all the extra's. Way to much fine print. Been there done that.

If that's what you like I say go for it. Honestly, there are very few great quality vehicles made anymore, and most cost a lot to repair. Go with what you think makes you happy. If you find it isn't working you can always sell it and move on. Big thing to remeber are the extras. Any extra money you put into a vehicle you likely aren't getting back.

Rims and tires will probably be the only thing I will do like I did with the spyder. I am not a fan of chrome or aluminum colour, black is best.

I really have been admiring jeeps for a few years now and been holding myself back from going for it.

I and guessing this will be a 2 yr vehicle for me. Fun will be over, got it out of my system and ready to move on lol. (unless it sticks on me lol)

I might be willing to negotiate a weekly payment deal for you seeing as things are tough all over......"what's it going to take to get me inside this little beauty?"

hmmm, I am sure we can work something out lol :eyebrows:

I have a 2018 wrangler Rubicon, it’s a great vehicle on and off road...

Thanks, that's exactly what I am looking at

My 4 door wrangler rubicon is likely the best vehicle I have owned mechanically (and I've owned lots) and it is great off road, in bad weather, etc. Fabulous on the Coq and over Rogers many times in bad storms.

I've got 280k on it and no issues.

Only thing is the gas mileage isn't great.

I've got a mattress and -40 bag for winger trips and it's even big enough and cozy to fuck in!

Riza, you will look great driving it and getting in and out of it!

Can't wait. Expecting the average at best mileage, seems common for the wranglers. As mentioned I am used to it with the spyder. Glad to hear from another happy owner.

 

[licks2nite]

If you're ever shopping for prices on good clean looking used cars, you ought to try a couple of the lots near the bottom of Twelfth Street, New Westminster. The east side of the Twelfth. One at Third Avenue and another down the street a bit.

 

[shakeshake]

Typically, each used car is unique. Rarely you would find two cars of same model, same year, same condition, same mileage, same installed options etc.

Lowest price is not necessarily the best bargain.
Private sellers can usually sell for less because they have zero overheads. However, you will be buying the car AS IS. Dealerships are not permitted to sell AS IS.
A dealership is more likely to welcome third-party inspection and provide a Carfax report than a private seller.

Some reasons you may want to negotiate price at the dealership are:
1 Equivalent car is selling for less at another dealership, but you feel more comfortable with this dealership.
2 Although two equivalent cars have same price, one dealership's car may have less features or inferior condition or simply not the colour you prefer. If these shortcomings are not critical to you, you could ask for a price reduction to reflect that.
3 You are paying cash. You should think twice dealing with such a dealership. Also you probably will not have documentation on the transaction.
"Take it or leave it" tactic may work, especially when a dealership is desperate to clear inventory or just to generate sales.

BTW, salespersons usually do not have the authority to hand out deep discounts.

Hope this helps

 

[Corym]

Never ever pay the documentation fee, it's a dealership made up bogus fee, every new car I have bought, told the salesman I am not paying it or I am walking. They always remove it from the invoice.

Corym.

 

[apl16]

If you only plan on having it for a few years...... leasing may be a good option

They do have some crash test issues

 

[all night long]

Your question was how much movement was there on a 40k vehicle, and the answer to that varies by seller or dealer. A good place to start would be the blue book value of the vehicle. Any dealership will quote this price on any vehicle you want to trade in so you can be quite sure the price they paid was less than this. This should give you an idea of what they won’t go below. Also think about how long you intend to keep the vehicle and get a blue book value on what it will be approximately worth when you want to get rid of it.
Most important have a set value for the vehicle and be willing to walk away. There is usually a multiple options that occur over a 2-4 week period that will meet your requirements and unless you absolutely must have that particular vehicle you can usually expect a call back 3-5 days after leaving a potential sale on the table.
I am not a car salesman but have bought many vehicles and usually do better than average on pricing. Good luck and enjoy whatever vehicle you choose.

 

[Mikehma]

PS, my six speed manual gets a bit better mileage but is a pain in the thigh with all the hills around Van. You also can't shift them in deep water as they will suck in sludge. If I was to upgrade I would go with the new 8 speed auto next time and skip the 4:10 rear end as well as it makes the bad gas mileage even worse. The Rubicon has an 80:1 final drive so 4:10 vs 3:73 is almost irrelevant in bull low. It's doing about 1.5 mph at 6000 rpm. Unless you're planning on severe off-road the Rubicon is a waste of money but it has some incredible features.

I have pushed snow over the hood. Fucking thing will go through anything and I got 175k km out of my original stock tires. It will eat Rovers, Toyota Land Cruisers, and those AMG Mercedes things in the bush.

I'm waiting to see if someone makes a super lightweight pop up camper for the new gladiators.

 

[blueman2]

You should spend some time with a Wrangler; to know them is not to love them! Rent one for a week... The ride is bumpy, kidney jarring bumpy around town. They are impossible to secure, you can leave nothing inside ever. The gas mileage sucks. If you wear a dress, it is show time every time you get in or out of the Jeep.

Car dealers are experts at getting every dollar off the table, your money. Look up "Auto Dealer Four Square" to understand the game. You won't fear negotiation once you understand it! Take it or leave it deals happen all the time and usually don't result in a sold car or happy client.

Since you have time, use it! You will pay a 15% to 20% premium buying from a dealer. Vancouver has a bunch of leased Wranglers driven by the recently unemployed, they will be up for sale soon with Take Over Payments ads. You can renegotiate the rates so the lessor doesn't end up with a Repo! If your credit is good you will save!

A Wrangler, in Vancouver during Winter is called an Ice Box... Cold clam is not a good menu choice!

Excellent advice. Jeep is maybe not your best option