It’s worse when you're a picky SOB like me. Even worse, when it’s a necessity not a choice.
Oldest kid killed my 2013 Accord V6 last year. I replaced it with a 2017 Accord V6. Youngest kid wrecked that last one last week. It might be repairable, so far it is but hidden damage can easily push it over the threshold.

Everybody went home to dinner both times so that’s my main concern. I’m also not gonna give them too much shit because I put my dad through this a few times. I even had a great buying experience last time. But looking for a particular used car just sucks.

Went through this back in Feb.
PITA process when it's not by choice.

I’ve never purchased a vehicle when it wasn’t by choice. Hopefully one day I’ll find out.

I don't mind it at all. The best time to buy, is when you don't have to. I do my homework, learn the cost. Shop online. Make my first and only offer and tell them upfront. Lowers the stress!

Carmax is for people that don't like the dealer experience, bought a Cadillac there, easiest car transaction ever, 45 min we were out the door. That included trading in our car, test drive and loan papers. Only downside was paying top dollar.

quote:

Originally posted by Calif Phil:
Carmax is for people that don't like the dealer experience, bought a Cadillac there, easiest car transaction ever, 45 min we were out the door. That included trading in our car, test drive and loan papers. Only downside was paying top dollar.

Carmax is great, if you have a big one nearby, to try out a variety, if you don't know what you want.
But I agree, seems you tend to pay a bit more than average.

Buying when you have the luxury of time, or dont need a car today. I love it.
The market wasn't great when I was replacing my Fiesta in Feb. Cheap and good were 2 criteria that didn't fall in line for anything I was interested in.

Big rise in car buyer services, my Son In Law quit his job selling Subarus, before that Chevy, Kia, to work for a company that provides this service for a fee. I think he sold 20 vehicles last month from Hyundai to Some very high in exotics.

He knows the sales game, finance, does the locating and finance, you do have to pay an up front fee, but for many, it's worth it to not have to sit and work a deal out and go through the sales finance process.

I like buying a new car...always have. Too bad we only do it every six or seven years.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Big rise in car buyer services, my Son In Law quit his job selling Subarus, before that Chevy, Kia, to work for a company that provides this service for a fee. I think he sold 20 vehicles last month from Hyundai to Some very high in exotics.

He knows the sales game, finance, does the locating and finance, you do have to pay an up front fee, but for many, it's worth it to not have to sit and work a deal out and go through the sales finance process.

This.
Saves you time and money

Why would you waste your money? Go drive a few that you are interested in, pick one and let the sales person/internet department work your deal via email. Don't step foot at dealer until you are satisfied with deal and have your own financing lined up.

I have been doing this for 31 years

^^^^^^^^^^^
Because in most cases it will save you a ton of time and money. Especially if you’re pretty specific in what you are looking for.
Bought the wife a Navigator last year. She was pretty specific in exterior and interior colors, a couple of option requirements.
And it was between a Suburban, Yukon Denali, or Navigator.
I spent nearly every waking, non working, hour for 4 weeks scouring all the used car apps and sites. Then I spent an entire Saturday (at the soccer field) shooting emails back and forth with dealers.

I would have had to do none of that for $1,500.

Then on top of that the broker will almost always squeeze you a better deal than you could have brokered, and if you want to arraing an independent inspection, and need shipping they’ll coordinate all that as well.

I did not know about these types of brokers when I was looking last year and I sure wish I did.
Would have been worth the cost that actually is not a cost in the end because you will have saved a ton of time and money.

I spend my lunch online looking at 25 year old pickup trucks with 320,000 miles on them that the owner wants $15k for. It's fun.