So after owning a long list of Civics, I have decided I have decided that I want to get a Prius C. I'm very much used to negotiating prices for cars new cars, used cars and pretty much everything possible. I've always regarded paying MSRP as being a bit lazy or somewhat rich. According to truecar.com, in my area (Southeast PA) almost no one does better than msrp, and most pay a premium over msrp on Prius C One and Two, which are the ones that I'm most interested in. Based on my experience with at least one dealer, this may actually be true. I'm fully aware of supply, demand and all that, and I realize if the car is only on the lot for a week at a time, they don't have to give me any special deal. I'm sure that eventually I'll get over the fact that I may just have to pay msrp or above to get the car I really want. More details: I'm looking to buy, not lease and I do have a trade in. Is the value of the trade-in really the only point to negotiate? ( I also don't want to spend an hour haggling over $50 on a 20k car.) Any suggestions? recommendations?
Hi! I also upgraded to a C (2) from a Civic. It is so worth it. I also refused to pay MSRP but I think that might have been a bit easier for me in SoCal as there seems to be more supply here. I suggest emailing every dealership in whatever area you are willing to drive to and telling them that whoever gives you the best price gets the sale. Hell, include all of them in the thread so they can see who you emailed. If it's tough to get under MSRP then don't be too specific about the color you want. You'll definitely do better at selling your car private party than you will at trading it in, if that makes a difference at all to you. Good luck! Hope you get the car you want.
If you are a member you can get up to 3 dealer quotes at www.aaa.com redirect. Read through New car buying guide, avoiding dealer scams, new cars, used car buying. For much of its history buyers were told "This is what we have & this is the price. If you don't buy it now I'll sell it to the next guy walking through the door." And, that next guy was there. Some members waited years to buy a Prius because they believed the car was overpriced at MSRP. Holman Toyota in Mt. Laurel has 2 Two's. Liberty Toyota in Burlington has 3 Two's & 1 One. High demand + low inventory = high price but it doesn't matter because you'll be happy with the car.
Regarding trade-ins, I never mention the trade-in while negotiating the new car price. Only after we agree on a price do I then ask for a price on the trade-in. You should treat it separate. If not, they play games by giving you a better deal on the trade-in and then giving you little off the new car. Treat them separate, that way you know what you are getting for each. Steve
