I just bought the car shown above
I am not here to brag about
I am writing to share my own experience
how to handle those car salesMAN.

You all have helped me for I asked a question on what kind of SUV you are driving and if you have any recommendations.  I have gotten many answers which help me to narrow down.  I took Teeky’s suggestion, visited [Link Removed] to further investigate.  From there, I decided I wanted to Honda CR-V.  Then I went to Honda’s website, further established what model of CR-V that I would like.  

Under Edmunds, I gave them my name, email and phone # so they would send out to different car dealerships.  I got general replies right away and I did not care.  The next day, all individual salesman called me.  I just told my husband to tell them to communicate to me via emails.  Meanwhile, I test drove the CR-V with only one dealership and I told him I needed time to think.  

Basically, my email to them (including the one I test drove from), said “I am looking to buy a brand new CR-V, model Ex-L, loaded extra with Navigation System.  Give me your best deal.”  They all asked “When are you coming in for a test drive and what’s your color?  We have plenty in stocks.”  My 2nd email to them was “I know what I want.  Color does not matter for I know there are many to choose from.  I did a test drive already.  So give me your best deal.  I am sending out for bid.”  A few replied back with figures.  Most of them got back with similar pricing but there were actually a few bucks here and there indifference.  I narrowed down to two dealership for they provided the same price.  I asked “Is this your bottom line figure?  If not, give me the bottom line!”  One then got back with me $500 off invoice.  I told the other and the other said he would match as well as and even lower if I went in.  Actually that was the original dealer I took a test drive from.

Today, I went there, test drove the vehicle on a heavy snowy day.  I like the handling and many other features.  So I was in the office, again dealing.  The salesman was just the middle man.  He wanted the sale.  I wanted the best deal.  So I told him, “you have to show me your invoice and I will give you a price”  Anyhow, he showed me the invoice, in addition to the $500 off invoice, he gave me another $200 off and free car wash at their dealership as long as I own the vehicle.  He told me also in the beginning that he would give me basket/football tickets, etc.  I told him it meant nothing to me.  I was not playing hard ball and I was telling the truth.  It did turn out to be a hard ball in a sense anyhow.

So I told my husband.  This is the best car shopping I ever done and I felt I got the best deal.  I knew they had to make a living somehow so I did not become too unreasonable for I myself is also in sales.  

So I’d like to share.  As summary, I did all my e-bargaining and that really took the stress for me.  I am sorry, I really do not like car salesMAN in general.  They all seem a very hungry vulture for me.  

This is my story and I will pick up my car close to new year since I have paid for my lease on my current vehicle till then.  

p.s. I told my husband, no offense to other gender and if I have money, I want to open a car dealership and only allow women to work there.  They would not be standing outside, hoovering and affixing their eyes onto the prospects.  I will even consider offer a glamor shot with any vehicle on the spot for just coming in.

Chinadoll, Your links have been removed, please consider upgrading to premium membership.