Hello all,
New to the forum here, been a lurker for a few years.
I currently own a 13 SCREW FX4, 08 SCREW FX4 before that apparently I am an uninformed buyer I've paid MSRP plus other fees on these two previous vehicles. I am interested in getting a 2015 Lariat SCREW Sport FX4 5.0 nothing in stock around my area currently so I'm probably going to have do a special order, how do you all know what invoice price is and how do I get a dealer talked down to selling at invoice price and not MSRP price Also, how do I keep the dealer low on all of the other fees that can add up to 2k-3k?

 

It sounds like you don't like to negotiate much, and there is nothing wrong with that. In your case, I would look into qualifying for X-Plan. Set price (usually a little above invoice but well below MSRP), and fees capped. Nothing to negotiate but trade, and I would do that before I told them I qualified for X Plan.

There are threads on this site that explain X Plan and some ways of finding out if you are qualified.

 

Yeah this all differs from area to area- and it sounds like there is not a lot of stock around your area- boozedaily provides a good suggestion in the X-plan- you could sign up with that mustang club of america and it gives you access to X-plan and should be ready to go when your ordered truck arrives.

 

Not sure if I qualify for X plan yet with my current employer. I work for a County Government and we have new fords, new dodges and new chevrolets so idk if we have a fleet account with a specific local dealer or to all mentioned manufacturers. Not saying I wouldn't negotiate, just a little wet behind the ears and unsure how to negotiate new vehicles. Assumed new vehicles didn't have room to negotiate and used vehicles there was room to negotiate.

 

You can negotiate very well on new cars. Marketing is different with every brand but ford is one that over lists trucks and has rebates to make customers feel better about the price.

Look up the invoice price of the truck and options then go from there. With a trade in the numbers get all fudged up and its very hard not to get screwed.

 

Don't hear too many people paying MSRP now-a-days, yikes...

You need to realize that you, the buyer, is in charge. You tell them the price you want to pay and it's up to them if they want to agree or go higher. You have nothing to lose...they have a sale to lose. If you're a new customer, they're going to try and make you pay as close to MSRP as possible. More money for them, the better.

Also, don't seem like you want the super mega amazing deal. I.E. don't offer $38,000 for a Lariat. Start as low as possible yet realistic.

What I heard works great is get to the dealer about 2-3 hours before close on the last day of the month. The salespeople are eager to squeak out that last sale of the month.

All in all, just don't say yes to what they offer. Be in control. Don't be afraid to say "That's a little high, I think I'm going to check out some other dealers." It'll change their tune.

 

You can find invoice prices, or get pretty close, by using NADA.com or TRUECAR.com.

 

My dealer actually showed me the printout of the order he was placing for me. This showed me both MSRP and invoice and his first offer was $500 above invoice. I asked him if he could do invoice because he'd get the entire hold-back on the order and he agreed.

Might work for you as well if you just ask what the invoice is.

 

This is probably going to sound dick, but it is totally not meant to be. If you have a dealer that is hosing you for MSRP on new F150s particularly the higher end models like FX4, Lariat, etc. You need to find another dealer. F150s are by far the easiest to negotiate on because they have the most mark up. Small cars like the focus etc. have very little mark up, so you will pretty much pay msrp for something like that. My brother-in law is a sales manager at a Ford dealer, and he showed me the invoice on a new Festiva a few years ago. There was $68 dollars between what the dealership paid, and msrp. The manufacturers get tax incentives to sell fuel efficient cars, and Ford requires them to take a certain number of vehicles like that to get other vehicles that are more desirable. The more cheap stuff like that they take, the more priority they get when ordering and receiving the stuff that makes them money. Honestly used cars are the bread and butter of new car dealers. That being said now is a really bad time to buy a '15 f150 if you are trying to score a great deal. They are in short supply and their are no rebates or incentives, and their won't be for some time. The best time to buy a new truck is when the new models start rolling out. It's not unusual to see dealers go as much as $10,000 below msrp on f150s once the new models start rolling off the line. Right now Ford is offering $2500 in rebates plus 0% apr on '14 f150s. A few months from now when the lots are loaded with '15 models it'll be $6000 probably. Look into x-plan. A lot of people qualify and don't know it. Some employers don't even know it. If you are married your spouse may qualify too. Tell the dealer you qualify for x-plan. If you are buying an F150 some dealers will just give you that price without questioning it because of the huge mark up on them. There's still room at x-plan price for them to make some money. I don't know if any of this helps you or not, but a good dealer will show you the invoice if you ask. It will show the invoice (their) price, x-plan, d-plan, msrp, etc. Just keep in mind that new car dealers make their money these days selling extended warranties, and used cars. That's why they offer so little for your trade-in.

 

There is a "post your deal thread" here and it shows lots of folks getting published invoice price plus dealers fees (limited under x-plan), minus Ford incentives. Read that whole thread then go to work on a better way to shop. It's normal for some persons to not be "gregarious" in nature and thus unwilling to get into a negotiation over price. We all know people like that. That's why many dealers can show success for a "one price business plan" as it does away with the dickering for a lower price. One price sales are usually a compromise price, not a great one.
Thus the beauty of the web as you decide what you want-EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT!- then look on Edmund's or any other web source that has the invoice prices listed for options & pkgs.
Next step is to compose an email that tells your specific vehicle wants(or colors you'll accept, etc. if buying from stock, vs. an order). Send that email to the closest dealers to you and don't branch out further than needed to get at or below invoice-which is seemingly the best you'll do. To make an informed decision you may need to visit a dealer to look & test drive. Trade -in valuation will have to follow finding out who has the best price point, thus you save time "shopping your trade".
Put the dealer in the position of telling you their best deal via email & be willing to look where ever it's logical for you to travel.
Per above comments-YES, it's a fact, you have been giving away thousands of dollars at MSRP. If you "count your money", like most of us, you can do better this time?