First time poster, but long time lurker. 
Read most of the posts surrounding first time buyers and have decided to step up to the plate. Since I didn't have one of the GM in the driveway certs and didn't know anyone well enough to ask for one, I decided to pursue negotiating with the dealer. Started via gmbuypower.com and located several vehicles that matched my description (sounds like a dating service huh). Asked for their best quotes and received several back. Did some further phone conversations and then got into talking with some sales managers. Some didn't want to even discuss pricing unless you were present in their dealership, but I did find 1 that would.
Started out by mentioning that I could "obtain" a "certificate", but I couldn't get one until next month. I reiterated that I was a very serious buyer and that if they were able to get close to the "certificate" price than I would stop in and get a deal done. Well, he didn't go for that and I was basically going to leave it at that. Then, he paused and he said he may have a certificate back in his office
Bingo! So, to sum things up, he's giving me the discounted price and I'm meeting with him tomorrow to look things over. He did mention that this particular vehicle was on his showroom floor and had a couple of dealer extras so I could decide if I wanted some or he could remove them if I didn't like them. Some things like extra stiching on the seats I couldn't, but he has chrome 20's on as well. He claims the wheels are $750 a piece - so I'll have to see them and decide if I want to spend a bit more... I'm not going to nickle and dime him here though since he came through with the pricing, but I'm also not going to overspend. I wouldn't mind the nicer wheels, but I still would want the OEM's for winter use so I'll see if I can work something out. I'm also going to see what I can get for a trade in as well. I have a '98 Ford Contour SVT that I've babied since new. If I can get close to blue book for it then it's a done deal. If not, I'll probably still buy the Av and sell the tour on my own.
Just wanted to again say thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences on this site. There is an abundance on knowledgable people here and hopefully I'll have time to continue to read and hopefully post more about my own experiences.
Thanks,
Torxnut
Read most of the posts surrounding first time buyers and have decided to step up to the plate. Since I didn't have one of the GM in the driveway certs and didn't know anyone well enough to ask for one, I decided to pursue negotiating with the dealer. Started via gmbuypower.com and located several vehicles that matched my description (sounds like a dating service huh). Asked for their best quotes and received several back. Did some further phone conversations and then got into talking with some sales managers. Some didn't want to even discuss pricing unless you were present in their dealership, but I did find 1 that would. Started out by mentioning that I could "obtain" a "certificate", but I couldn't get one until next month. I reiterated that I was a very serious buyer and that if they were able to get close to the "certificate" price than I would stop in and get a deal done. Well, he didn't go for that and I was basically going to leave it at that. Then, he paused and he said he may have a certificate back in his office
Bingo! So, to sum things up, he's giving me the discounted price and I'm meeting with him tomorrow to look things over. He did mention that this particular vehicle was on his showroom floor and had a couple of dealer extras so I could decide if I wanted some or he could remove them if I didn't like them. Some things like extra stiching on the seats I couldn't, but he has chrome 20's on as well. He claims the wheels are $750 a piece - so I'll have to see them and decide if I want to spend a bit more... I'm not going to nickle and dime him here though since he came through with the pricing, but I'm also not going to overspend. I wouldn't mind the nicer wheels, but I still would want the OEM's for winter use so I'll see if I can work something out. I'm also going to see what I can get for a trade in as well. I have a '98 Ford Contour SVT that I've babied since new. If I can get close to blue book for it then it's a done deal. If not, I'll probably still buy the Av and sell the tour on my own.Just wanted to again say thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences on this site. There is an abundance on knowledgable people here and hopefully I'll have time to continue to read and hopefully post more about my own experiences.
Thanks,
Torxnut
The mod bug is a contagus(spelling?) disease that spreads like crazy through this group.
