September 9, 2013

1. Shop on Sundays when you have time to view inventory at your leisure. Remember the advantage belongs to the consumer. Knowledge is Power according to Nick Matarasso CEO of Jumpstart Automotive Group.
2. Do your research beforehand.
3. If you are shopping for a new vehicle, it is essential that you review the pricing information for MSRP and dealer invoice. Remember to add optional equipment when applicable.

   Jumpstart Automotive found that 69% of shoppers listed price as a top criteria when deciding to purchase – making it the second-most important factor behind safety and reliability.
   
   Mr. Matarazzo said:
   
   

   As a consumer, you might never find out what Target paid for that Nikon camera, but you will find out what your local Ford dealership paid for that 2014 Explorer.

4. Review the rebates and incentives and take a copy for any applicable to the vehicle of your choice.
5. Make contact by phone or e-mail prior to visiting the dealer. The dealer’s website should have all inventories (new & used) posted.
6. Used vehicle pricing can be complicated. Retail prices are listed in four categories when available. Late models, as a rule, are the only vehicles that you’ll find under Extra Clean. These vehicles are low mileage and show very little wear and generally will be manufactured certified. You might find a new model available with only a small dollar amount between the prices of a new model of the same make. Often, mileage and condition are the factors between Clean, Average and Rough.
7. If the dealer doesn’t provide a vehicle history report on the used vehicle be skeptical and ask why. If the vehicle history report date isn’t current ask for one that is.
8. A mechanic of your choosing should inspect the used vehicle.
9. A test drive is an absolute and any repairs necessary should be completed prior to signing the final paper-work.
10. Use TrueCar or any of the other referral sites to obtain the dealer price. Use this to visit a competitor. Not all dealers pay referral fees and some could provide a price lower than what you’ve been quoted. Always remember the average amount a buyer saves is $3046 off MSRP so your discount could be much lower or much higher. On some models the dealer could receive a cash rebate from the manufacturer and use it to reduce the MSRP. So, if you have ever heard someone say they purchased a vehicle below dealer invoice, it could be true.