Truck Pricing Online

GemStar · April 13, 2007

I went to Chevy site and went through building and pricing a truck then e- mailed a quote request to five nearby dealers. I got one legetimate response. The others " come on in let us show you what we got in stock" or we are having a sale test drive one and we will give give give movie tickets gift cards. I replied to each one and again asked for a price. I have a feeling most dealers do not like online dealing. What are some of your experiences? Any tips or suggestions are welcome

mschuyler · April 13, 2007

I've had a great experience online. In 2000 I researched everything for a new truck, sent e-mails to all the area dealers, and received ONE good quote, which just happened to be my closest dealer. It turned out mine was the very first internet sale they had ever done, a no-haggle deal where I got a fantastic price.

Just in March I bought my Duramax, again entirely on-line. I used edmunds and carsdirect to establish baseline invoice pricing and also used chevrolet.com to research inventory on local lots. I ALSO went to local lot web sites because the inventory wasn't always up to date, but you could get a good idea of what kinds of stuff was available. I got to the point where I could tell a Duramax without looking at the specifics. they were all listed for $44K. I had the options codes memorized at that point since I had been scrutinizing them so intently. I contacted two chevy dealers via chevrolet.com, but for various reasons that didn't go anywhere,, including a bait and switch scammer who ought to be in jail. Finally I went through carsdirect and had them shoot me to a local dealer with a target price. It was one I never would have considered otherwise. I began an email exchange with the dealership and got my salesman. We did EVERYTHING via email until he found the exact truck I wanted, then we went to phones. So we did price stuff by phone. I should say that the sales guy worked HARD to get me the exact truck: XCab, Victory Red, with FOLDING mirrors, LT3 leather. It's loaded with all but sunroof, which I did not want. He did it. there was exactly ONE anywhere in the Puget Sound region. (I was gonna say "in Puget Sound," but figured someone would ding me for it.) I did not visit the dealership until I was ready to pick up the truck. It was ready and waiting for me, perfectly clean.

Some guys have probably gotten better deals, but mine was invoice (which I verified) minus rebates. I figure the dealer has to eat, too. The best part of this , though, was the no haggle aspect. they did not push me AT ALL for anything. You know, they usually say, "Well you need undercoating, you need paint sealant, you need extra warranty, you need to finance through us, blah blah." I have NEVER purchased a vehicle where they did not do this, and this time--they did not. That was impressive, plus they sent me on my way with a full tank of gas (er, fuel.) I thought that was classy.

I know this is somewhat enthusiastic, but after two deals like this entirely over the Internet that both worked well, I'm a happy camper. (I did buy my Acura a coupla years ago more conventionally.) It surely saves a lot of time visiting dealer lots and having them say, "What can I do to earn your business today?" Highly recommended.

THE BIGPUNN · April 13, 2007

you need to most careful on over the phone or on-line values on your trade-in. its hard for a dealer to be accurate when they cant see your trade. i have heard of customers lieing and telling the dealer thay have a 4x4 when they dont. give the dealer your vin to start so they can be more accurate, other than body condition. online deals are big time, because dealers are forced to compete country wide instead of locally. i have found vehicle pricing in most cases to be similar on line, but each dealer will give you different trade-in values based on thier market on your trade. dealers trade-in values can differ by thousands state to state. also, the auto manufacturer may have different deals from state to state. so you should be open minded on traveling long distance. and then there is what i call " show me some love" incentives that differ from dealers. like throw-ins; free bedliner, nerf bars, gift certificates, or other things.

GemStar · April 15, 2007

UPDATE:

I heard back from my local dealer after a few exchanges with the come on in deal I shot a email back and said look, I am shopping online to find the best price then I will decide where to make my purchase.

He came back with a price on a truck with what I need;EXT cab, long bed, 4WD, Duramax, G80 rear ,towing package, and cloth interior. Classic or new GMC or Chevy. He gave me 3% over invoice. Still waiting to hear from others

Domano 68 · April 15, 2007

UPDATE:
I heard back from my local dealer after a few exchanges with the come on in deal I shot a email back and said look, I am shopping online to find the best price then I will decide where to make my purchase.

He came back with a price on a truck with what I need;EXT cab, long bed, 4WD, Duramax, G80 rear ,towing package, and cloth interior. Classic or new GMC or Chevy. He gave me 3% over invoice. Still waiting to hear from others

Wow, that is a very high quote. Do not pay more than $100 over invoice. Also do not pay doc fees. A good way to find a dealer that will deal at invoice is to go through Autobytel. Good luck.