What are realistic expectations when negotiating for a new car?

purbeast0 · Nov 20, 2024

I'm probably going to buying my first new car ever and am just wondering what ACTUAL realistic expectations should be.

The MSRP on the car I'm looking at is around $45k or so I think. Like assuming the sticker price is $45k, what is an actual true realistic expectation I could expect to drop the price from that $45k?

And I'm not worried about turning this into a new car vs. used car discussion, so just looking for some advice on the above based on people who have experience with it.

brianmanahan · Nov 20, 2024

i haven't bought a new one in over 10 years (i really need to replace that thing)

back then i tried 5 or 6 different places but wasn't able to get them to go below MSRP

it was a cheap car though, like 16.5$k new

i emailed each of the places asking for their total out-the-door price, got answers from like 3 of them, and then picked the cheapest

jpiniero · Nov 20, 2024

BoomerD · Nov 20, 2024

Depending on how popular the vehicle is and the local inventory, thedealership might tack on a "market adjustment" fee.

I did a test drive (for a free turkey) last week. 2024 Ford Lightning... the lariat I drove had a $10 charge, but the XLT models they had camewith a $300 DISCOUNT. When the vehicle carries an $80,000 price tag...they usually don't have any problem selling them.

PowerEngineer · Nov 20, 2024

I agree that your ability to haggle on price depends a lot on the popularity of the vehicle you are interested in.

You might want to do some investigating on websites like TrueCar and CarGuru to see what pricing looks like in your area. I could be wrong, however working through those or similar websites might get you a better price than trying to negotiate in person with a salesman.

You might also consider using the Costco car buying service if you happen to be a member.

Hans Gruber · Nov 20, 2024

Now is not a good time to buy a new car. I would wait another 6-9 months. If you want to get rolled or set a pile of money on fire, buy a new car today.

Indus · Nov 20, 2024

Depends how long it's been at the lot. If it's been sitting months.. you could get a better deal!

BoomerD · Nov 20, 2024

Hans Gruber said:
Now is not a good time to buy a new car. I would wait another 6-9 months. If you want to get rolled or set a pile of money on fire, buy a new car today.

Maybe...Trump's tariffs could adversely affect pricing...

brianmanahan · Nov 20, 2024

BoomerD said:
Maybe...Trump's tariffs could adversely affect pricing...

yeah that's my worry too

wall street journal said the used vs new discount is favoring used cars now, so i may go with a used this time

DaaQ · Nov 20, 2024

purbeast0 said:
I'm probably going to buying my first new car ever and am just wondering what ACTUAL realistic expectations should be.

The MSRP on the car I'm looking at is around $45k or so I think. Like assuming the sticker price is $45k, what is an actual true realistic expectation I could expect to drop the price from that $45k?

And I'm not worried about turning this into a new car vs. used car discussion, so just looking for some advice on the above based on people who have experience with it.

Depending on the manufacturer, PM me I could give you an idea of A/Xplan pricing for Ford, or GM F&F pricing for theirs.

My previous experience with the A-plan has been about 1k per 10k MSRP. There are a few exceptions, like they could deny employee pricing on for example the Mustang Cobra, they also denied on the new Broncos during the scalping period.

No clue what you are looking at though.

EDIT: I read go in and negotiate the new car price, before even telling them you are trading in IF you are.

I managed to walk away with a 1500 dollar check from a F-350 and a V8 Ford Explorer 1996 model that was about 2k underwater. They really wanted the 350 and overvalued it, but assumed I was trading in. I held them to their offer and got rid of both vehicles and a check in hand.

purbeast0 · Nov 20, 2024

BoomerD said:
Maybe...Trump's tariffs could adversely affect pricing...

That is actually why I want to get it before next year.

I've also heard you can get some end of the year deals.

The car I'm looking at is a Telluride and they are pretty sought after, although the dealership has a lot sitting right now. I'm not in a rush to get a new car too so I am being kinda picky about colors I want and stuff.

purbeast0 · Nov 20, 2024

DaaQ said:
Depending on the manufacturer, PM me I could give you an idea of A/Xplan pricing for Ford, or GM F&F pricing for theirs.

My previous experience with the A-plan has been about 1k per 10k MSRP. There are a few exceptions, like they could deny employee pricing on for example the Mustang Cobra, they also denied on the new Broncos during the scalping period.

No clue what you are looking at though.

EDIT: I read go in and negotiate the new car price, before even telling them you are trading in IF you are.

I managed to walk away with a 1500 dollar check from a F-350 and a V8 Ford Explorer 1996 model that was about 2k underwater. They really wanted the 350 and overvalued it, but assumed I was trading in. I held them to their offer and got rid of both vehicles and a check in hand.

Kia Telluride.

The dealerships have 2024 and 2025 models brand new right now.

Hans Gruber · Nov 20, 2024

You can use sites like TrueCar to figure out pricing. Dealers get desperate at the end of every month to sell cars. They go to the car buying sites to find customers. You can practice negotiating with dealers through sites like TrueCar. They will contact you and you can negotiate.

BoomerD · Nov 20, 2024

Hans Gruber said:
You can use sites like TrueCar to figure out pricing. Dealers get desperate at the end of every month to sell cars. They go to the car buying sites to find customers. You can practice negotiating with dealers through sites like TrueCar. They will contact you and you can negotiate.

Also, check autotrader.com. If you're willing to drive a little, you might save a lot.

DaaQ · Nov 20, 2024

purbeast0 said:
Kia Telluride.

The dealerships have 2024 and 2025 models brand new right now.

Unfortunately, I cannot help with KIAs.
Although there should be some large discounts on the 2024s, you should be able to check the manufacture date on the sticker in the door or hood panel. Whether its a early or late manufacture. They usually (if they stick to American car co processes) then the 2025s should have been started around October 2024.

As far as how Ford works, A-plan is under dealer invoice. So the factory pays the dealer back. (Or used to) I would try and haggle around that 1k per 10k ration of MSRP, depending on factory warranty, and if dealer has stipulations like you must get service done with them every x amount of miles/time.

I think buying before possible tariffs go into effect is the smartest move.

Do you know anyone that works at a KIA plant state side?

Hoober · Nov 20, 2024

I haven't bought a new car since 2020, but I've always been able to negotiate several thousand from the dealership's initial offer either through just offering something 5 to 6 grand less and/or asking them to pay more for a trade-in. Maybe things have changed in 4 years? I dunno. But if I was in the market for a new car now, I'd start with the online section of the dealership, do a test drive, etc., then start the negotiations. Almost all will price-match other dealerships, and if you can get two or more online arms of various dealerships in price wars, I've found success in cutting MSRP by thousands.

Brainonska511 · Nov 20, 2024

Also, if you're even interested in financing anything, consider shopping around to get a pre-approved loan, just so you know your interest rate ahead of time. You can always opt for dealer financing if they have a better deal.

Fenixgoon · Thursday at 12:54 AM

Just checked and the telluride has been the same vehicle for the last few years. Means most of the kinks should be worked out compared to the first model year.

Only negotiate on out the door price. When I bought my used car from a dealership, I said "I'll buy the car for $15k OTD". They came back with "grumble grumble we'll make the deal but you need to come down to do the paperwork today". I said "great, see you in an hour".

Done.

Hans Gruber · Thursday at 1:09 AM

Any fee that is not taxable is a BS fee. You only need to pay sales tax, title and license. BS fees are doc fees and dealer prep fees, adjusted market fee.

BoomerD · Thursday at 1:19 AM

purbeast0 said:
Kia Telluride.

The dealerships have 2024 and 2025 models brand new right now.

Which trim package? There are about a dozen...ranging from $36,190 to $53,385 (starting MSRP) and can go way up depending on options.

purbeast0 · Thursday at 7:43 AM

BoomerD said:
Which trim package? There are about a dozen...ranging from $36,190 to $53,385 (starting MSRP) and can go way up depending on options.

I've only been to the dealership once and I drove what I believe is the SX. Even though I told them I was not looking to buy yet and it was literally the first time stepping in a dealership, before I left the manager offered me an EX for around $45k. Based on what they told me and what I have seen, the difference between the SX and EX is mainly a lot of safety stuff including a lot of cameras.

One thing I immediately saw and liked on the SX was all of the cameras. Like when I backed out of the spot at the dealership, there is this over top view of the car like a drone is above, showing you all the sides. Then when I was changing lanes, when you turn on the signal, in the middle of the dash, depending if you are turning left/right, the left/right gauge turns into a camera while your signal is on so you can see the side view.

Now this is TOTALLY not mandatory for me or anything, however it was just really god damn cool and neat lol.

Ideally if I could get an SX at the price he offered me an EX for of around $45k, I would probably go that route just for the coolness of those extra features.

I also have about 2 or 3 other local Kia dealerships near by that I haven't gone to. I have looked at their websites but that is it.

I will check out those other sites like Truecar today though, I was not aware of them, so thanks for those of you who suggested that.

[DHT]Osiris · Thursday at 8:10 AM

Depends on the vehicle, location, and dealership. I bought my Camaro in 2010 for MSRP, dealership refused to charge over that when everyone else was, but also refused to budge lower which I respected. Bought a relocated used tundra, paid what the dealership was asking because it was a fair price. Attended while an in law bought a crv, didn't need to haggle because the price was fair and the dealership was extremely established so they weren't looking to filch pennies out of people.

Go for the bigger places, buy last year's model if they're still unpurchased, don't get more excited than you should about something you don't own yet.

nOOky · Thursday at 8:42 AM

I have no knowledge of Kias specifically, except I wouldn't buy one as I think they have had some motor problems etc. I would research the particular model you want, and join Facebook pages and internet message boards dedicated to it. Some manufacturers offer various discounts and are willing to deal such as Ford, others such as Lexus are selling for right around MSRP due to demand. End of the year is probably a good time to buy, I would not wait.

As an example I was looking at either a Ford Explorer ST, BMW X5, or Acura MXD Type S. The Acura did not have any discounts but was nice, Ford did but the Explorer was not luxury and underwhelming. BMW I was able to use a broker and get 9% off plus they offered a $4,000 military discount so I got a better vehicle imho for almost 14% off.

Spydermag68 · Thursday at 10:00 AM

If you want some tips then watch some videos from "Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy" on YT. The videos are boring but can be usefull.

Brainonska511 · Thursday at 10:07 AM

Spydermag68 said:
If you want some tips then watch some videos from "Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy" on YT. The videos are boring but can be usefull.

I did this when I was looking for my own new car a few years ago.

Didn't have quite as much success given the market, but I did walk away with a vehicle at MSRP instead of dealers trying to markup beyond that.

What are realistic expectations when negotiating for a new car?

No Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

No Lifer

Diamond Member

Platinum Member

Lifer

No Lifer

Lifer

Golden Member

No Lifer

No Lifer

Platinum Member

No Lifer

Golden Member

Diamond Member

Lifer

Lifer

Platinum Member

No Lifer

No Lifer

Lifer

Diamond Member

Platinum Member

Lifer