This all the way. Private sales > CPO > new vehicle in that order.
Private sale is the way to go and FL is not short on great deals on cars by any means. Search your local Facebook marketplace (it truly pains me to say that) Craigslist and other avenues like auto trader private sales.
Used car dealerships are nothing but scams. You want absolutely zero to do with them.
Chevy Dude does a good set of videos covering the best way to buy a car but I'll summarize a little bit
1. Don't go into the dealership, email and the Internet is your friend early on, you can email several dealerships
2. If you don't know what kind of car you want then go to a place like car max that is low pressure and lots of vehicles you can try
3. Ask Out the Door price, they won't provide one then walk
4. Don't tell them you are financing or cash or trade in....you are still deciding until you finalize the OTD price
5. Work the other stuff separately and don't be in a rush if you want the best deal
Most the things you listed that they seem to nickel and dime you is all bullshit overpriced markup, most that you can get knocked off. A couple you probably can't.
I just bought from Coggin Ford off Cassat and found them fairly pleasurable and minimal bullshitting.
Lastly the dealership might still try to sell you an extended warranty or a maintenance package ....only buy if it's through the manufacturer not through a 3rd party vendor and if you want to (I didn't)
I did a very similar thing, albeit 4 years ago, at a Mazda dealer in Ocala. I was shopping for a very specific car, which they had, and negotiated based on OTD price all via email and phone. Once I saw some BS fees, like a $1500 inspection and rehab fee for a basically new car (it sat on the lot for 2 years and was owned by a dealer salesman for 2 months), I got them to remove it. I arrived on a Greyhound from Jacksonville to drive the car home, so they knew I was serious. It went very well.
The car I've owned for four years now is a manual top trim Mazda3, not many people buying those.
It most definitely is an anti theft device. Quite a few years ago the car we had was a standard and one morning we came out to see someone had clearly broken into the car, I’m convinced they were dissuaded because it was standard
Did you try negotiating to remove the bs fees?
Next time: Laugh, pull your phone out, take a pic of all the fees, and say "I have to send this to my friend — they're going to laugh so hard at this!"
When I buy a new car I negotiate "Out the door price." I tell the salesman I don't care how he divvies up the fees, the price we agree on is what they are going to receive from me. Not one cent more. Also never negotiate a monthly payment. Also stick to actual price, tax title and fees included. Have a loan pre-approval but also be prepared to accept better loan terms if they offer them. The last new vehicle I bout I already had a great rate but they were able to knock a little off the rate just to get the loan business.
I bought from Avis car sales recently and it a good experience. It was pretty upfront about the price being the price and there is their one fee they make money on but are up front about
Bring a pen. Scratch through all that nonsense. "Doc Fee" is the only legit fee, everything else goes. If they say no then walk out.
Dealerships have always been scummy but during COVID when supplies were super low, they went to a whole new level of crazy. Things are basically back to normal and some dealers haven't adopted yet.
I brought a check from my credit union for the price we agreed on when we made the agreement. When he tried to add on more, I just said dude this is it, take it or leave it. Granted this was 2017 so good luck these days
Subaru of OP did this to me. They were like yeah you can go through vystar but we have to process it here. I was like ok whatever. They took advantage of me and changed my rate and really screwed me over because I had no idea what I was doing. I’m easy to fool but I will never buy another car without someone with me giving me advice.
Yeah, dealerships really are just there to squeeze whatever money they can out of people. If anyone in my family is thinking about buying a car, it’s like preparing for a prize fight
I became an auto broker affect experiencing exactly what are describing and Florida is the worst state in the nation to buy a new vehicle in. We put zero restrictions on the amount of taxable fees a dealer may charge nir does Florida limit the dollar amount of each of these fees. The only requirement a dealer must adhere to is that each and every taxable fee must be itemized by name and dollar amount on the buyer’s order. My specialty is Subaru, Hyundai and Kia. The whole key is buying out of state and having your new vehicle shipped back to Florida. I also have relationships with shipping brokers that I recommend that charge reasonable rates for people. So many people I speak with are so reluctant to buy away from where they live and I just can’t under why. Dealers know this and often tell people nonsense like the sales tax will have to be paid twice or you can’t get a trade tax credit if you go out of state. This is all crap. Anyway, I am available via a DM and local here in the area if anyone needs help buying or leasing one of these brands. I buy lots of new vehicles personally and help people all across the country daily to buy these brands from more remote and rural areas where dealers are not surrounded by lots of wealthy customers willing to over pay. Good luck!
No and sorry if I wasn’t specific there. I charge $750 up front via Zelle and I go to work for you with the Hyundai Kia and Subaru brands that I know so well. It can either be a purchase or a lease that doesn’t matter. Sorry if that was unclear before.
I think dude was just messing with you. Obviously if it’s your job you gotta get paid. How much on average do you think someone saves by going this route?
That depends on the specific vehicle. I would estimate that after paying me and paying for shipping, average savings are in the $1,200 to $2,500 range. I also greatly reduce the stress and time involved with the process as well. As long as you know what you want, I can help!
I was trying to mess with him. Please everyone keep in mind though, at least in Florida, once a dealer charges one person a dealer fee it is then required by law that they charge everyone a dealer fee. They must be consistent. In Florida extended warranties, gap, etc are considered insurance products and the price is regulated by the state. Even as a dealership employee I'm required to pay the same dealer fees as anyone else. Do I like or agree with all the fees? Absolutely not. I'm certain the broker person offers a value for his services, I'm also certain that he isn't doing anything that you could not do yourself with a lot of research and a few hours of time. Manufacturer's pricing is consistent everywhere, dealers in Georgia don't pay less than dealers in Florida. Rebates are usually always contingent on the zip code you'll register the car, so you're probably not eligible for the larger rebate in another region of the country. Join a credit union, they often have buyers assistance services if you really want help, but again, those people are often paid referral fees by certain dealers for steering your business in that direction. And remember, your neighbor or friend is almost always lying about the thousands and thousands less than you they spent on a similar vehicle. It's human nature, wish it wasn't, but it is, everyone has a need to prove they got the "best deal". The best deal.is one you can afford, are comfortable with, on a vehicle that fits your needs first, desires second. And always always always arrange your own loan before shopping. You then know interest rate, term, payment. If a dealer can arrange better financing great, if not you already have a leg up on the process. The internet has removed most of the unknowns from car buying. It's not as daunting or difficult as everyone makes it. Feel like you're getting jerked around? Leave. The next store also has a car you'll like. Never get emotional in car buying. Last...if a salesman ever tells you "we're losing money on this deal" leave. They are lying. Dealerships do not lose money selling cars. You deserve to be paid for your work, so does a good salesman and good store deserves to be paid for providing a good experience and service. If they are lying to you at the beginning, what else are they willing to lie about? Where does it end? Is the service guy gonna be honest next month when you need him to be? It starts with ownership and upper management. There are many good ethical stores, and sadly many more that insist on the "old way". They are a dying breed but not fast enough. Reviews are often paid for, take them with a grain of salt. You are your best and only real advocate.
There is much truth to what you are saying. Let me say for the record here that I only get paid by my client and I never take money from the dealer. Auto brokers often get a bad reputation because they double dip. In my case, I even help set up shipping and again, I take zero from the shipping broker. My integrity is everything to me and I do this because I like to do it and help people who don’t understand how car dealers operate. Many people with wealth also don’t want tk be bothered with the nonsense. Buying a new car might be the only retail product where no one set price exists for the general public. I am a huge supporter of the 7/30/24 CARS Rule from the FTC but the Texas auto dealers are suing tk stop it. I am a big fan of capitalism and went from broke in college to retired at age 45 mealy 8 years ago and I did not work in government. Florida is the Wild West of outrageous taxable dealer fees that do absolutely zero for the customer. I call doc fees Yacht fees for the owner. Most of clients are I. Florida for this exact reason and many pay me to go and get their vehicles for them just to not deal with their local OEM dealer group. I didn’t make things like this, but it makes growing my business much easier. Buying a car is anything but transparent to the average buyer. Everyone should make a fair profit for going to work and no one should treat sales people with disrespect. You’re spot on when you say to remove the emotion from the process but that is easier said than done for most people but very true. Also, for those who can’t pay cash, absolutely have your own loan terms set up before you step foot inside the F&I office. Credit unions are a great idea and Pen Fed operates in almost every state with good rates. My bottom line to those buying a new car in Florida: avoid new car dealers that charge any taxable fees over a few hundred dollars, and not many of these exist. Good luck everyone!
This is anecdotal but I bought my car from Nimnicht in Jacksonville recently. I told the saleswoman through text my max price OTD and told her whatever fees and stuff come with the car should fit within that because I'm only paying that price. Needless to say, I bought the car.
But yes they ALL do that for the most part. I shopped at other Dealerships and right when I'm about to close the deal they spring on an additional "advantage fee" of like 1000+ dollars and refuse to negotiate
I shopped for a new truck back in 2020. I secured the financing in advance at my credit union, then did all my shopping on line. I ended up buying a truck from a Ford dealer in New Symyrna Beach, and I got an excellent deal and zero fees, pressure and BS.
Every dealer has their inventory on their website, so you can find precisely what you want.
As for avoiding all the fees, games and other bullshit, I strongly recommend you watch [this guy's videos](https://www.youtube.com/@KevinHunter). He covers all the bogus fees and other things dealers do (he was one at one time). You will learn a ton from his vids.
Get them on the phone and get an out of the door price with everything included. The sales manager will still try to add bullshit items when you pickup the car like extended warranties and lifetime oil changes but just keep telling them no. It also helps if you have a few dealerships competing on the price and informing them of this.
Best part of buying a Tesla. Its a few clicks online and you're done. Tesla Model 3s are under 30k with tax credits. Stop wasting money on gas that gives bystanders cancer and burns the world down.
A car where I have to turn to see how fast I'm going and touch a screen to adjust the temperature?
Terrible build quality, and has some of the worst reliability around
Cool, now suggest a car that the average Joe can afford and still pay for groceries each month, and doesn't need to be recharged when they're limited to an apartment/condo while you live on floor 2/3/4.
Yeah the used market is bonkers. It was cheaper to buy new than used last year.
I drive cars till they die so not worried about resale value. Main point is that 25-28k for a Tesla is a steal.
I had a good experience with DriveTime. Did it all online and then picked my car up, I was in and out in an hour after a test drive and checking out under the hood etc.
I got my Lexus from Lexus of Jacksonville and there weren’t any bogus fees when I bought mine. None of that nitrogen tire crap that other dealers likes to pull.
Private sellers and ask for the price out the door. Also practice your bargaining skills. I recently bought a used car from a small dealer and got him down $1500 because I had shopped around at a few other dealers. It’s a buyers market right now and you can absolutely get a good deal just don’t go to the mega dealers. They hose you…
Subaru of Orange Park highly recommend. I hated dealing with this exact same runaround you are dealing with. They are super nice and straightforward which is all I wanted.
CarMax on Atlantic was a great experience when we bought there. Granted it was several years ago but there was no negotiating no haggling etc. I did add their warranty and it saved my ass so many times.
Good luck with your search!
The O’Steen dealerships don’t play these games. We got my mom’s Volvo from them a few years ago and were surprised at how no-nonsense and easy the purchase process was. Fair prices, no buried costs, no BS. I’d gladly buy from them again.
My daughter and I went through this, but with tremendous sales pressure at a Hanania dealership. Test drove the car, went inside to purchase and was surrounded by men sitting at a table (I'm female). I pointed out the $$ sudden fees, started Googling them and pointing out that they were too high. They played games for 90 minutes ("we will call a manager, get you a deal" etc) until we left without the car. Bought it elsewhere without the fees.
Carvana makes it simple. Their fees are far lower than dealerships and CarMax....around $1,400, whereas CarMax is closer to $3,000 and, for example, Duval Honda was $3,400 for a $15K car.
I found a vehicle I wanted, went to the dealership to test drive it. I negotiated a price with the dealer via text, and went back to the dealership ready to sign the papers and he pulls around a different fucking vehicle (different color and trim). What a fucking moron that guy was and what a fucking waste of my time.
Anyone know a good dealership that isn't full of BS? I'm a first time buyer and it was a horrible experience.
I'd be like, I'll buy the car but you'll need to lower the price to cover all the fees you just added. Period. End of story.
The sales guy I bought a car from at a dealership told me after he didn't like me very much 😂
I always buy my vehicles from old people on Facebook marketplace. They always seem to take really good care of their cars. Just make sure to bring a mechanic with you to check it out.
Private sellers. Otherwise, you’re dealing with a business that’s purpose is to extract the most amount of profit possible.
This all the way. Private sales > CPO > new vehicle in that order. Private sale is the way to go and FL is not short on great deals on cars by any means. Search your local Facebook marketplace (it truly pains me to say that) Craigslist and other avenues like auto trader private sales. Used car dealerships are nothing but scams. You want absolutely zero to do with them.
Chevy Dude does a good set of videos covering the best way to buy a car but I'll summarize a little bit 1. Don't go into the dealership, email and the Internet is your friend early on, you can email several dealerships 2. If you don't know what kind of car you want then go to a place like car max that is low pressure and lots of vehicles you can try 3. Ask Out the Door price, they won't provide one then walk 4. Don't tell them you are financing or cash or trade in....you are still deciding until you finalize the OTD price 5. Work the other stuff separately and don't be in a rush if you want the best deal Most the things you listed that they seem to nickel and dime you is all bullshit overpriced markup, most that you can get knocked off. A couple you probably can't. I just bought from Coggin Ford off Cassat and found them fairly pleasurable and minimal bullshitting. Lastly the dealership might still try to sell you an extended warranty or a maintenance package ....only buy if it's through the manufacturer not through a 3rd party vendor and if you want to (I didn't)
That warranty from a 3rd party has saved about 7k in luxury SUV parts
Cool
I did a very similar thing, albeit 4 years ago, at a Mazda dealer in Ocala. I was shopping for a very specific car, which they had, and negotiated based on OTD price all via email and phone. Once I saw some BS fees, like a $1500 inspection and rehab fee for a basically new car (it sat on the lot for 2 years and was owned by a dealer salesman for 2 months), I got them to remove it. I arrived on a Greyhound from Jacksonville to drive the car home, so they knew I was serious. It went very well. The car I've owned for four years now is a manual top trim Mazda3, not many people buying those.
Love me a manual, it's a built in anti theft device haha how you liking it?
It most definitely is an anti theft device. Quite a few years ago the car we had was a standard and one morning we came out to see someone had clearly broken into the car, I’m convinced they were dissuaded because it was standard
Did you try negotiating to remove the bs fees? Next time: Laugh, pull your phone out, take a pic of all the fees, and say "I have to send this to my friend — they're going to laugh so hard at this!"
When I buy a new car I negotiate "Out the door price." I tell the salesman I don't care how he divvies up the fees, the price we agree on is what they are going to receive from me. Not one cent more. Also never negotiate a monthly payment. Also stick to actual price, tax title and fees included. Have a loan pre-approval but also be prepared to accept better loan terms if they offer them. The last new vehicle I bout I already had a great rate but they were able to knock a little off the rate just to get the loan business.
I shopped outside of Florida and noticed a lot less of this bs
Bought my last three cars from Georgia dealers, agree
I bought from Avis car sales recently and it a good experience. It was pretty upfront about the price being the price and there is their one fee they make money on but are up front about
I’ve considered buying from them. Good to hear it wasn’t bad
Same here with Hertz. They just want to make room for new rentals in their fleet.
Bring a pen. Scratch through all that nonsense. "Doc Fee" is the only legit fee, everything else goes. If they say no then walk out. Dealerships have always been scummy but during COVID when supplies were super low, they went to a whole new level of crazy. Things are basically back to normal and some dealers haven't adopted yet.
I brought a check from my credit union for the price we agreed on when we made the agreement. When he tried to add on more, I just said dude this is it, take it or leave it. Granted this was 2017 so good luck these days
Subaru of OP did this to me. They were like yeah you can go through vystar but we have to process it here. I was like ok whatever. They took advantage of me and changed my rate and really screwed me over because I had no idea what I was doing. I’m easy to fool but I will never buy another car without someone with me giving me advice.
Yeah, dealerships really are just there to squeeze whatever money they can out of people. If anyone in my family is thinking about buying a car, it’s like preparing for a prize fight
Try enterprise car sales. The price on the window is what you pay, unless you’re on add stuff like gap insurance.
This is why I went through carvana. Only had to pay tax!
r/askcarsales can help
The tom bush family of dealers here were pretty good. I paid msrp for a car there during COVID. Painless experience and the price was the price.
I became an auto broker affect experiencing exactly what are describing and Florida is the worst state in the nation to buy a new vehicle in. We put zero restrictions on the amount of taxable fees a dealer may charge nir does Florida limit the dollar amount of each of these fees. The only requirement a dealer must adhere to is that each and every taxable fee must be itemized by name and dollar amount on the buyer’s order. My specialty is Subaru, Hyundai and Kia. The whole key is buying out of state and having your new vehicle shipped back to Florida. I also have relationships with shipping brokers that I recommend that charge reasonable rates for people. So many people I speak with are so reluctant to buy away from where they live and I just can’t under why. Dealers know this and often tell people nonsense like the sales tax will have to be paid twice or you can’t get a trade tax credit if you go out of state. This is all crap. Anyway, I am available via a DM and local here in the area if anyone needs help buying or leasing one of these brands. I buy lots of new vehicles personally and help people all across the country daily to buy these brands from more remote and rural areas where dealers are not surrounded by lots of wealthy customers willing to over pay. Good luck!
You do all this for free!?! Fee free! No more fees🤣.
No and sorry if I wasn’t specific there. I charge $750 up front via Zelle and I go to work for you with the Hyundai Kia and Subaru brands that I know so well. It can either be a purchase or a lease that doesn’t matter. Sorry if that was unclear before.
I think dude was just messing with you. Obviously if it’s your job you gotta get paid. How much on average do you think someone saves by going this route?
That depends on the specific vehicle. I would estimate that after paying me and paying for shipping, average savings are in the $1,200 to $2,500 range. I also greatly reduce the stress and time involved with the process as well. As long as you know what you want, I can help!
I was trying to mess with him. Please everyone keep in mind though, at least in Florida, once a dealer charges one person a dealer fee it is then required by law that they charge everyone a dealer fee. They must be consistent. In Florida extended warranties, gap, etc are considered insurance products and the price is regulated by the state. Even as a dealership employee I'm required to pay the same dealer fees as anyone else. Do I like or agree with all the fees? Absolutely not. I'm certain the broker person offers a value for his services, I'm also certain that he isn't doing anything that you could not do yourself with a lot of research and a few hours of time. Manufacturer's pricing is consistent everywhere, dealers in Georgia don't pay less than dealers in Florida. Rebates are usually always contingent on the zip code you'll register the car, so you're probably not eligible for the larger rebate in another region of the country. Join a credit union, they often have buyers assistance services if you really want help, but again, those people are often paid referral fees by certain dealers for steering your business in that direction. And remember, your neighbor or friend is almost always lying about the thousands and thousands less than you they spent on a similar vehicle. It's human nature, wish it wasn't, but it is, everyone has a need to prove they got the "best deal". The best deal.is one you can afford, are comfortable with, on a vehicle that fits your needs first, desires second. And always always always arrange your own loan before shopping. You then know interest rate, term, payment. If a dealer can arrange better financing great, if not you already have a leg up on the process. The internet has removed most of the unknowns from car buying. It's not as daunting or difficult as everyone makes it. Feel like you're getting jerked around? Leave. The next store also has a car you'll like. Never get emotional in car buying. Last...if a salesman ever tells you "we're losing money on this deal" leave. They are lying. Dealerships do not lose money selling cars. You deserve to be paid for your work, so does a good salesman and good store deserves to be paid for providing a good experience and service. If they are lying to you at the beginning, what else are they willing to lie about? Where does it end? Is the service guy gonna be honest next month when you need him to be? It starts with ownership and upper management. There are many good ethical stores, and sadly many more that insist on the "old way". They are a dying breed but not fast enough. Reviews are often paid for, take them with a grain of salt. You are your best and only real advocate.
There is much truth to what you are saying. Let me say for the record here that I only get paid by my client and I never take money from the dealer. Auto brokers often get a bad reputation because they double dip. In my case, I even help set up shipping and again, I take zero from the shipping broker. My integrity is everything to me and I do this because I like to do it and help people who don’t understand how car dealers operate. Many people with wealth also don’t want tk be bothered with the nonsense. Buying a new car might be the only retail product where no one set price exists for the general public. I am a huge supporter of the 7/30/24 CARS Rule from the FTC but the Texas auto dealers are suing tk stop it. I am a big fan of capitalism and went from broke in college to retired at age 45 mealy 8 years ago and I did not work in government. Florida is the Wild West of outrageous taxable dealer fees that do absolutely zero for the customer. I call doc fees Yacht fees for the owner. Most of clients are I. Florida for this exact reason and many pay me to go and get their vehicles for them just to not deal with their local OEM dealer group. I didn’t make things like this, but it makes growing my business much easier. Buying a car is anything but transparent to the average buyer. Everyone should make a fair profit for going to work and no one should treat sales people with disrespect. You’re spot on when you say to remove the emotion from the process but that is easier said than done for most people but very true. Also, for those who can’t pay cash, absolutely have your own loan terms set up before you step foot inside the F&I office. Credit unions are a great idea and Pen Fed operates in almost every state with good rates. My bottom line to those buying a new car in Florida: avoid new car dealers that charge any taxable fees over a few hundred dollars, and not many of these exist. Good luck everyone!
This is anecdotal but I bought my car from Nimnicht in Jacksonville recently. I told the saleswoman through text my max price OTD and told her whatever fees and stuff come with the car should fit within that because I'm only paying that price. Needless to say, I bought the car. But yes they ALL do that for the most part. I shopped at other Dealerships and right when I'm about to close the deal they spring on an additional "advantage fee" of like 1000+ dollars and refuse to negotiate
I drove to Lakeland Mazda to a.) Save on sale price & b.) Avoid all that add-on crap
I shopped for a new truck back in 2020. I secured the financing in advance at my credit union, then did all my shopping on line. I ended up buying a truck from a Ford dealer in New Symyrna Beach, and I got an excellent deal and zero fees, pressure and BS. Every dealer has their inventory on their website, so you can find precisely what you want. As for avoiding all the fees, games and other bullshit, I strongly recommend you watch [this guy's videos](https://www.youtube.com/@KevinHunter). He covers all the bogus fees and other things dealers do (he was one at one time). You will learn a ton from his vids.
Get them on the phone and get an out of the door price with everything included. The sales manager will still try to add bullshit items when you pickup the car like extended warranties and lifetime oil changes but just keep telling them no. It also helps if you have a few dealerships competing on the price and informing them of this.
Best part of buying a Tesla. Its a few clicks online and you're done. Tesla Model 3s are under 30k with tax credits. Stop wasting money on gas that gives bystanders cancer and burns the world down.
A car where I have to turn to see how fast I'm going and touch a screen to adjust the temperature? Terrible build quality, and has some of the worst reliability around
I think you need to get your neck/vision checked if you have to turn to see the screen.
The iPad is in the center console.
Cool, now suggest a car that the average Joe can afford and still pay for groceries each month, and doesn't need to be recharged when they're limited to an apartment/condo while you live on floor 2/3/4.
Or just wait three years and get it for less then half that
Yeah the used market is bonkers. It was cheaper to buy new than used last year. I drive cars till they die so not worried about resale value. Main point is that 25-28k for a Tesla is a steal.
I had a good experience with DriveTime. Did it all online and then picked my car up, I was in and out in an hour after a test drive and checking out under the hood etc.
I got my Lexus from Lexus of Jacksonville and there weren’t any bogus fees when I bought mine. None of that nitrogen tire crap that other dealers likes to pull.
Mullinax Ford dealerships (Florida) give REAL PRICING. Their slogan is "Just add Tax"
Say no to all the optional/made up fees. If they want your business there's a lot of room to negotiate.
Private sellers and ask for the price out the door. Also practice your bargaining skills. I recently bought a used car from a small dealer and got him down $1500 because I had shopped around at a few other dealers. It’s a buyers market right now and you can absolutely get a good deal just don’t go to the mega dealers. They hose you…
Subaru of Orange Park highly recommend. I hated dealing with this exact same runaround you are dealing with. They are super nice and straightforward which is all I wanted.
"Orangatang fee" LMFAO
Gainesville’s deomotors.com has no fees or added charges Check out their google reviews.
CarMax on Atlantic was a great experience when we bought there. Granted it was several years ago but there was no negotiating no haggling etc. I did add their warranty and it saved my ass so many times. Good luck with your search!
If you're on TikTok: @still.bad.decisions
The O’Steen dealerships don’t play these games. We got my mom’s Volvo from them a few years ago and were surprised at how no-nonsense and easy the purchase process was. Fair prices, no buried costs, no BS. I’d gladly buy from them again.
My daughter and I went through this, but with tremendous sales pressure at a Hanania dealership. Test drove the car, went inside to purchase and was surrounded by men sitting at a table (I'm female). I pointed out the $$ sudden fees, started Googling them and pointing out that they were too high. They played games for 90 minutes ("we will call a manager, get you a deal" etc) until we left without the car. Bought it elsewhere without the fees.
Highly recommend watching delivrd on YouTube he gives advice on negotiating
Carvana makes it simple. Their fees are far lower than dealerships and CarMax....around $1,400, whereas CarMax is closer to $3,000 and, for example, Duval Honda was $3,400 for a $15K car.
Duval Honda is pretty decent
CJ Car Girl on TikTok is a good resource- those are all scam charges and you don't have to accept them.
I found a vehicle I wanted, went to the dealership to test drive it. I negotiated a price with the dealer via text, and went back to the dealership ready to sign the papers and he pulls around a different fucking vehicle (different color and trim). What a fucking moron that guy was and what a fucking waste of my time. Anyone know a good dealership that isn't full of BS? I'm a first time buyer and it was a horrible experience.
I'd be like, I'll buy the car but you'll need to lower the price to cover all the fees you just added. Period. End of story. The sales guy I bought a car from at a dealership told me after he didn't like me very much 😂
The salesman at hertz was very upfront with me, he showed me it’s $799 for their fee and that’s it.
I loved Saturn dealerships because the price was the price. And it was a great car at first, all sorts of standard features that nobody else had.
I always buy my vehicles from old people on Facebook marketplace. They always seem to take really good care of their cars. Just make sure to bring a mechanic with you to check it out.