Getting The Best Price on a New Car with Minimal Negotiation?

kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 11:32

Hi everyone,
Strange request here on Ozbargain.
My partner and I will be buying a Land Rover Discovery Sport (not after opinions on the car or whether you think it’s a heap of junk).
We’ll be buying it brand new at a Land Rover dealership.
We live in the CBD but have a farm 2 hours away, and will be moving back to the farm in January next year.
We’ve checked out one dealership near the CBD and another that’s on the way to our farm. At this second dealership we actually told the guy this location is much more suitable in terms of servicing in the future and we’ll definitely be getting it from here (it is), but I feel we’ve made an enormous blunder by saying that.

I’ve read the threads about negotiating the price down, but my partner would never be open to the idea of negotiating/haggling in any situation. He won’t even use a coupon or anything due to embarrassment. And he’s the one buying the car and doing the the talking in this situation. He’d rather just pay the RRP and not worry about it, but getting ripped off makes my heart hurt lol

So my question is, how do I go about getting the best price without actually haggling. I’ve read that buying at the end of the month can sometimes help, or in January there can be sales on previous models.

The 2020 model comes standard with 7 seats which appeals to us, whereas in the 2019 models it’s an option, so I’m not even sure buying the older model would be feasible.

What else can I do to minimise how royally ripped off we will get? I’ll send my build to all the dealerships and see what price they come up with, but again my partner doesn’t really have time to go around to each dealership in the state and the general consensus is that they will only state the RRP by email/over the phone.

Automotive Car

closed Comments

  • Ryanek on 13/11/2019 - 11:36
    +2

    I would suggest using a broker.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 11:40

      Wow thanks! I had to google that because I’ve never bought a car so I’ve never heard of that. That could be great for us though!

      It has to be bought through a dealership because of something to do with my partner’s business (I don’t understand it well enough to tell you why). Will a broker still be appropriate in this situation?

      • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 11:43

        I could be wrong about this. But I’ve asked my partner before if we could just buy a second hand car on car sales to save money and he’s always been adamant it needs to be done through a dealership and purchased in the businesses name or something along those lines

        • CollectingCorner on 13/11/2019 - 11:50
          +1

          Even if you buy through a broker, the contract and payment is still all done through the dealer, THe dealership experience is exactly the same as buying yourself.

          I explain it this way to people:
          -everything involved in buying a car, including advice, negotiation etc is all done by the broker.
          -the contract (and finance depending on what the customer woudl liek to do) is done by the dealer and the car delivery/collection experience is also through the dealer as per normal.

        • Ryanek on 13/11/2019 - 11:51

          I think you'll find that brokers only deal with new cars (not even demos).

          So unfortunately if you want anything other than new, you'll need to do the leg work.

          • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 11:53

            @Ryanek: Yep this works for us. For whatever reason the car needs to be new apparently.
            Thanks so much!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 13/11/2019 - 11:42

    Second using a broker. You will not get the best price. You'll likely get a better price than RRP. Zero haggling as requested.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 11:44

      Great thanks! Will definitely look into this more and chat to him about it.

  • Skramit on 13/11/2019 - 11:43

    Get a Toyota Camry

    J/K

    Given your partner is a noob OzBargainer and doesn't want to negotiate, I think your best bet is to ring your preferred dealer, with your very exact specs and state you are ready to buy for the right price. Suggest a reasonable price to you over the phone (i.e. 15% off RRP) and offer to pay a $1000 deposit over the phone by credit card. It's about as serious as you can get without visiting the dealership in person.

    If they decline your offer (likely), be very clear you'll be ringing the specific CBD dealership next to negotiate a price. Their attitude may change quickly. Worth a shot anyway.

    Otherwise use a broker.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 11:46

      If I had it my way I absolutely would 😂

      Thanks! This sounds like maybe something he’d be open to so I’ll run it by him.

  • JimmyF on 13/11/2019 - 12:14
    +1

    So my question is, how do I go about getting the best price without actually haggling

    You don't…… Dealers just don't give discounts with asking aka haggling.

    If you don't want to haggle, then get a 3rd party to do the work, aka a broker. But they'll charge you for the service

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 12:30

      Yeh sorry I was unclear, I meant how do I get the best price which doesn’t involve negotiation, which I know would be a lot higher than negotiating. Was just hoping to cut our losses a smidge.
      Seems like the broker is the way to go!

  • CheapAtTwiceThePrice on 13/11/2019 - 12:19

    Seems some additional motivation is required to move your partner out of their negotiation comfort zone.
    Perhaps along the lines of:
    "Imagine the wonderful holiday we could afford with the money we'd save if we negotiated this car purchase"

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 12:33

      That approach won’t work for him. We are pretty financially comfortable so the extra 10k or however much won’t mean much to him.

      I grew up in a low ses situation so can’t seem to shake the desire to get a bargain and the best possible price, much to his dismay. He’s more concerned with his time spent vs money saved, and often he deems the saving not worth it.
      But I think the broker will be a happy medium for both of us, I can even present it as a method of saving time rather than a way to get a cheaper car.

  • John Kimble on 13/11/2019 - 12:25
    +1

    I'll PM you my bank account details…seems your partner just wants to throw money away.

    At least the salesperson will get another ivory back scratcher…

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 12:34

      Haha for him it’s about how much time he’s spending to save money, and often he thinks it isn’t worth it.
      If I knew more about cars and finance I would definitely take the reigns but unfortunately it is all well beyond my expertise. I think he’ll like the broker idea though.

      • John Kimble on 13/11/2019 - 12:38

        True and I guess it's all relative…isn't there a saying that it's not worth Bill Gates' time to stop and pick up a $100 note off the street or something…

      • apsilon on 13/11/2019 - 12:44

        I agree with him. Time isn't something you can buy more of. You need to put a value on your time, how much is it really worth to you. So if you say your time is worth $200/hr and it's going to take you an hour to save $100 on a purchase that "saving" is really costing you $100.

        • fantombloo on 13/11/2019 - 13:05

          But the fun of the haggle is priceless.

          • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2019 - 22:40

            @fantombloo: Only if you're good at it.

  • HardlyCharly on 13/11/2019 - 12:27
    -1

    By buying something which feels worth the money to you, if it doesn't already feel worth it at the advertised price then why are you buying it? This dumb outdated 'negotiation' step is dead, and should already be gone but the industry never got the memo and the change has been slow. If we're talking expensive like Mercedes etc just get a broker to do it, it's what I'm gonna do.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 12:50

      It does feel worth the money and I absolutely love it, particularly the aesthetics.
      I just assumed there was always a very inflated RRP to allow for consumers to knock down the price a bit. I was just wondering if there was a way to do this without my partner needing to negotiate.

      It’s more of a mid range car at about 80k but I think the broker could still be handy in our situation.

      • brad1-8tsi on 13/11/2019 - 13:24

        If you feel $80k is a midrange price then it's apparent why your partner can't be bothered haggling.

        • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 14:38

          I didn’t actually before this thread
          But the person I’m replying to and someone else in the thread suggested brokers are reserved for expensive cars “like Mercedes” or something above 100k, so I’m not really sure what this is considered

          • brad1-8tsi on 13/11/2019 - 14:51

            @kthomas: luxury car tax starts at $67525.
            median income is less than $60k.
            A mainstream family car like a Camry or Mazda6 is around $35k

            From my perspective $80k is an expensive car. For others it's not much.

            A broker will happily source a $14k Kia Picanto as long as they gets their fee.

            • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 15:14

              @brad1-8tsi: Yeh that’s a lot closer to what I would’ve assumed constituted an “expensive” car.

              The car is in our budget but I still consider it expensive

  • Bid Sniper on 13/11/2019 - 12:36
    +1

    Will a new Range Rover last a 2hr trip home?

    • brendanm on 13/11/2019 - 12:41
      +1

      Are you suggesting that this wonderful british Chinese car won't be reliable?

      • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 12:52

        Haha, to be fair my understanding is that it’s not a Range Rover. And if we use the dealership on the way to the farm it’s only an hour drive, so that odds are slight more in our favour…

        • brendanm on 13/11/2019 - 14:16
          +1

          Well technically it's not all Chinese, half owned by Indian company Tata, also known for their excellent light vehicles.

      • Bid Sniper on 13/11/2019 - 14:22
        +2

        I used to drive through Mosman, got the see that latest models with the hood up parked in the bus lane.

        OP: here's a cheap one that already broken that can save you hassle of breaking it.

        https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-10022275/motor-vehicles…

        • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 15:53

          Lol yeh I actually probably prefer the aesthetic of Range Rovers but I’m weary of the Toorak soccer mum stereotype. The Land Rover minimises that slightly in my opinion…

          • Bid Sniper on 13/11/2019 - 21:11

            @kthomas: Nice looking SUVs but plenty out there for a fraction of the price thats pretty good and actually reliable. Market is highly competitive in the premium SUV market.

  • spackbace on 13/11/2019 - 12:55
    +1

    Yeah this might be an unfortunate instance where you could use a broker (dealers hate them FYI as they don't get the 1-on-1 that you'd otherwise get).

    Or:

    Go to dealer, make sure you're happy with colour choice, and options (these things have ridiculous option lists). At that point, if you're happy with the service, you could let the salesperson know what you're doing. Let them know you're happy to buy through them if the deal seems right. They'll crunch some numbers because they know you're shopping around, and you can decide if it's a good enough deal for you.

    Last thing you want is for a broker to strike up a deal with a dealership across town. Many have their preferred dealers, the ones who offer the best 'finders fee' (yes, brokers get a finders fee from the dealership by bringing you to them).

    You will also use the closest for servicing, and if you bought it from them you might actually have a sense of loyalty where they'll look after you when/if you need it (loan cars, coming to pick up the car etc).

    (Source - new car salesperson here)

    • fantombloo on 13/11/2019 - 13:07

      How much is a typical finders fee? (% or abs value)

      • spackbace on 13/11/2019 - 13:07

        Normally around $500, or a percentage

        • fantombloo on 13/11/2019 - 13:08

          Do the brokers normally add a fee to the buyer too?

          • spackbace on 13/11/2019 - 13:14
            +2

            @fantombloo: I believe some do and some don't.

            Obviously there's cowboys in every industry, but I'll never forget overhearing one on delivery of a new car, saying "you'll never pay stamp duty with me"… Yeah coz it's included in a drive away price.

            I had a customer pick up a new Swift who bought through a broker, when there was a changeover in models (with and without cruise control). Well he got the model without cruise. Picks it up, drives down the road, calls the dealership and asks about cruise. Brings it back in and we verified he ordered the one without cruise. His line "well I guess that's what I get for buying from a broker". There's no 1-on-1 experience, the dealership just gets an order for this car, this colour, these accessories. The first time they talk to the customer is arranging delivery. If there was a better deal to be done, a better model, it can't be relayed to the customer as the broker won't provide their details. All the broker has done is email blast a quote request to the dealers on their list. What's the price, and what's the delivery ETA. Simple as that.

            Some dealers leave the broker to do the delivery of the new car, so you're lucky to get your phone paired, let alone running through all the other buttons and features.

            This is all why I recommend OP dealing with the dealers. They could have a manager's demo with extra features, for cheaper. They could have a colour in the yard they'd be happy to get rid of. They may suggest other options that OP didn't know about. And then the after-sales experience as well, when the broker has long since got his commission and moved to the next customer.

            • fantombloo on 13/11/2019 - 13:26

              @spackbace: Ta. OP obviously presents a good case for brokers' existence, but yeah, personally a more intimate involvement for a car purchase makes sense.

              • spackbace on 13/11/2019 - 13:28
                +1

                @fantombloo: It's tough because I'd say the broker would be pointless @ $20k car, but haggling is kinda a necessary evil on a $100k+ car

                At least the threat of a broker should see them bring the price down

            • John Kimble on 13/11/2019 - 20:54

              @spackbace: You left off the Ming Mole encounter

          • CollectingCorner on 13/11/2019 - 13:18

            @fantombloo: Independant brokers charge the buyers, many brokers are not independant however and get paid by the dealerships for using them.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 15:20

      When you say let them know what you’re doing, would I ever mention to them the possibility of a broker?

      Yeh the second one we visited is the closest to our house, which is why my partner was keen to buy it from there. But likely for RRP with no negotiating.

      • spackbace on 13/11/2019 - 15:22

        would I ever mention to them the possibility of a broker?

        For sure, but still let them know that if the deal seems good enough you'll just buy from them. It's not ideal, not having a base price to determine what is/isn't a good deal, so maybe try both of those dealers and see what they come back with

        • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 15:44

          Great thank you so much!

  • Downvoter on 13/11/2019 - 14:18

    Sounds like the only thing concerning your partner is if the car can be purchased with money from a brown paper bag.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 14:58

      Lol not really sure what you’re getting at. My partner is completely legit.
      I’m assuming you’ve gathered I’m not particularly old so our financial situation seems sketchy to you? That’s my only guess?
      Not that it’s relevant to strangers on the internet but my partner is older than I am and has a relatively successful business.

      After a SUV in particular so it can go off road on the farm if necessary and house cars seats for our 2 babies.

      I’m not sure Discovery Sports are the car of choice for many low level criminals lol

  • chumlee on 13/11/2019 - 15:29
    +1

    "not after opinions on the car or whether you think it’s a heap of junk"

    Seems like you already know it's a piece of junk.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 15:34

      Hmm the 2020 model has some pretty favourable reviews.

      It might be considered overpriced, not sure if that makes it a heap of junk?

  • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2019 - 16:17
    +1

    Buys car at RRP and uses dealership service.

    Your husband is a wet dream for car salesmen.

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 16:28

      Lol he sure is!
      He’s bought 3 new cars during our relationship, and this is technically my car which is why I’m asking about getting a better price.
      But I can’t believe I didn’t ask earlier. I read altinvestor’s AMA where he says Audi and BMWs generally offer the biggest discounts. We could’ve saved so much if we used a broker!

  • pegaxs on 13/11/2019 - 21:46

    My partner and I will be buying a Land Rover Discovery Sport

    Hahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahaha…. *inhales* hahahahahahahaahahhahahahahahahahahahaahahahhaahhahahaahahahahahahaahahahahhaahha… *wipes tears away*

    I think what you meant to say was… “If I ever want to sleep in the same room as my wife ever again, I have to buy her a poser wagon to fit in with all the soccer moms at *insert place she needs cred*…”

    • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 22:35

      Lol believe it or not my choice is actually a Subaru XV (not really comparable but I think suitable for what I need).

      My partner has a ute and sold our “nice car” this year because we’ve only got one parking spot in the CBD. We’ve since added 2 babies to the mix so a SUV appeals to us. This doubles as something that isn’t too precious but is also nice enough.

      If I wanted ”cred” there are a lot more showy cars I could get

      • pegaxs on 13/11/2019 - 23:20

        What else can I do to minimise how royally ripped off we will get?

        Buy a Toyota.

        More dealers. Better parts availability. Better after sales service. More vehicle for your money. More reliable. Japanese company compared to a re-badged Chinese or Indian one. Even the Subaru makes more sense.

        I get it though, you need that Land Rover to court all the other hobby farmer types with their RM Williams attire and freshly pressed shirts and moleskin slacks. Will the “Sport” be enough “cred” though? It is, after all, just a rebadged Freelander. Shouldn’t you really be going the whole “Discovery” experience?

        Can’t wait till your next thread complaining that your new Land Rover shat its dax somewhere south of Bum (fropanity) FarmVille and the dealer has to order parts that will be 3 weeks away… So exciting…

        • kthomas on 13/11/2019 - 23:28

          Will look into it some more ☺️

          Embarrassingly accurate in regards to the attire lol
          It’s a shame the Defender isn’t here until after baby #2, could’ve really stroked my ego…

          Will use an alt account for that post to cover my tracks ☺️

          • pegaxs on 13/11/2019 - 23:36

            @kthomas:

            Embarrassingly accurate in regards to the attire

            My ex from many moons ago was the daughter of “rich, city hobby farmers”. I also worked at a Land Rover stealership for a number of years, so I got to see plenty of it. Heavily starched, presses shirts and clean moleskins…

            Won’t be hard to work out who it is… Land Rover only sell about 4 cars a year. :D

  • Moderatorscrimshaw on 13/11/2019 - 23:38

    Thread closed by request

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