Taylor11EB

So I'm curious what everyone's opinions on here are on here about purchasing a new car. For example, best time of year, how to negotiate, what to to watch out for etc.

Background on me. I'm 27 years old, married, solid income, and have a 11 month old. Between my wife and I we've owned 13 cars. All but one of these cars were purchased used. My first 2012 Mustang 5.0 I bought brand new under invoice with the college grad credit as the 2013 MY had been released but I literally just walked into the dealer and paid. My current Mustang 5.0 is nearly paid off, and I'm hoping to retire it to the garage. The worst case scenario is i'll sell it to help fund the new vehicle but I'd rather that not be the plan.

What I want to buy is a BRAND new F150. My guess will be it will be a 2017 production model by the time I'm ready to make the purchase (we just bought a house). I'd like to put ~15,000 down at the time of signing. I'm looking for a 302A XLT Screw EB or 5.0 w/ Sport Package and 20" wheels.

So whats the best option here? Walk into the dealership with a fat stack of 15k and say give me this? (sarcasm?). Should I negotiate with a few dealerships etc? I just hate spending 2-3 hours at a dealership just to get to a price. One benefit is I won't be dealing with trade, or hope to not be and I've never done that before.

Option B is to just do what I always do and find a used '15 or '16 F150 with less than 20k miles.

Mark_604

I emailed all the major dealers in my vicinity, and then dealt with the couple that were willing to come down the most. From there I visited both and was pretty much up front with them about what other dealer I was talking to and basically told them whoever offers me the best deal is getting my money. Some bowed out early but I found the high volume dealers were willing to play ball the most.

JCR 56

Option B, let someone else take the depreciation loss.

Ricktwuhk

Recommendation is to read the forum. Lots of discussions about how finding out INVOICE, using X-Plan, getting SmartVincent report, etc. This is asked like 3 times a week - discussions are easy to find.

X-Plan means no negotiating, no games.

jeffinthebag

I would hold off any big purchases for as long as possible since you just bought a house and have a newborn child, things unfortunately happen. Start a 529 college savings plan now for the child. I don't know about your house but in the past 2 years I had to replace the AC compressor ($6500) and the roof ($7,000) on a 15 year old house.
You are just starting off life and you are married with a child, take care of them and try not to go any further in debt. Just my opinion.
Buy pre owned cash up front in your case.

FerdinandF150

I agree. Cash is king. I remember going to a lot saying I'd like to pay cash, gave them my budget and they were showing me autos 5k over my budget, but assured me for cash they would come down. Given back then they were already a couple thousand over market value anyway, but with the help of the Internet you could get a stellar deal.

mike243

I read recently a guy talked the dealer down $12,000 off of a brand new $30,000 trk but danged if I can see any dealer knocking that kind of $ off for any reason.

WXman

Last few days of the month is best time to buy. Dealers want to move inventory to avoid taxes on stuff that's sitting around. If you're planning to keep it forever, buying new is a good idea in my opinion. And buying now is good because children get more expensive as they get older. Babies are a cake walk compared to teens. Get your debts established and paid off now.

FerdinandF150

And a rainy day. Usually means they haven't sold many if it's been or is bad weather.

jmeeler

I recently purchased an '11 screw and went to the dealer with cash thinking I would do better but they told me they actually prefer to deal with people who are financing because they get a kickback from the finance company.