How do I get multiple dealerships to compete for my business?
I know exactly which car I want (2023 Honda Accord hybrid) and I want to get the best price. How do I actually pit dealers against each other without it being awkward? Do I email them? Call them?
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asked 16 May 2024, 5:53 pm by UsedCarHunter
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Email is best - it creates a paper trail and removes emotion. Email 4-5 dealers within reasonable distance: 'I'm buying a 2023 Accord Hybrid in the next week. I'm contacting several dealers for their best out-the-door price including all taxes and fees. Please provide your best price and I will buy from whoever offers the best value.' Be specific about color preferences but flexible. When you get responses, forward the lowest price to the others: 'Can you beat this?' Do this 2-3 rounds. By round 3, you'll be at or near the true floor price.
Works best if you're NOT in the dealership. The email approach removes their home-field advantage. Just make sure you're comparing apples to apples - same model, trim, year. Dealers love to quote a lower trim to seem cheaper.