Recently purchased a GT2 from this dealership. The process was relatively simple and straightforward. I was straight with them and they were straight with me. The reasons:
1. Be prepared. Research the car and dealer costs. Read forums (like this one). I had a spreadsheet with dealer costs and possible offers with me. I knew what to expect from them and knew what I was willing to offer.
2. Arrange your financing before you enter the dealership. Talk to your bank in advance. Determine the max amount you qualify for and get approved for that amount in advance.
3. Learn what fees and dealer add-ons are real and what are simply profit generators. Make it clear to them what you will and will not pay for.
4. Know that the dealer is there to make a profit which is absolutely fine, also know that you are not willing to overpay.
5. Use the Internet. The internet has a wealth of information available for free. YouTube also has great videos about car buying and cars. Use it before you set foot in a dealership.
6. Be prepared to walk out if things go south. Don't be rude, don't raise your voice, this is simply business negotiation. Be polite, treat them with respect, look them in the eye and be firm.
7. Knowledge is power. The more you know the more powerful you will be in any negotiation.
In my case: I knew what my bottom line was. I didn't have a trade in. I was ready to purchase right away for the right price. The sales person asked me for my bottom line up front and I told her. I convinced her that I was serious and that it was a take it or leave it offer. The sales manager, Kevin, spoke with me and showed me his figures. I was clear with him about my bottom line and understood that I hadn't included his added cost for the marketing fee Kia charges them. After a few hundred dollars adjustment, we agreed on the deal. After that it was waiting a few hours to get the car detailed, fill out multiple forms, and get my check approved (I ended up going to my bank for a cashier's check and returning to the dealership.) I drove home my new Stinger that day. The dealer was happy and I was happy.
The simpler you make the deal the easier it is for everybody. When you start talking trade-in and dealer financing you get in the weeds and will inevitably pay more than you want. Do your homework before you get to the dealership, or you will pay too much.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
1. Be prepared. Research the car and dealer costs. Read forums (like this one). I had a spreadsheet with dealer costs and possible offers with me. I knew what to expect from them and knew what I was willing to offer.
2. Arrange your financing before you enter the dealership. Talk to your bank in advance. Determine the max amount you qualify for and get approved for that amount in advance.
3. Learn what fees and dealer add-ons are real and what are simply profit generators. Make it clear to them what you will and will not pay for.
4. Know that the dealer is there to make a profit which is absolutely fine, also know that you are not willing to overpay.
5. Use the Internet. The internet has a wealth of information available for free. YouTube also has great videos about car buying and cars. Use it before you set foot in a dealership.
6. Be prepared to walk out if things go south. Don't be rude, don't raise your voice, this is simply business negotiation. Be polite, treat them with respect, look them in the eye and be firm.
7. Knowledge is power. The more you know the more powerful you will be in any negotiation.
In my case: I knew what my bottom line was. I didn't have a trade in. I was ready to purchase right away for the right price. The sales person asked me for my bottom line up front and I told her. I convinced her that I was serious and that it was a take it or leave it offer. The sales manager, Kevin, spoke with me and showed me his figures. I was clear with him about my bottom line and understood that I hadn't included his added cost for the marketing fee Kia charges them. After a few hundred dollars adjustment, we agreed on the deal. After that it was waiting a few hours to get the car detailed, fill out multiple forms, and get my check approved (I ended up going to my bank for a cashier's check and returning to the dealership.) I drove home my new Stinger that day. The dealer was happy and I was happy.
The simpler you make the deal the easier it is for everybody. When you start talking trade-in and dealer financing you get in the weeds and will inevitably pay more than you want. Do your homework before you get to the dealership, or you will pay too much.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
