Not me. I've wanted one for quite some time - and picked one up for really cheap. My car payments are the same. My gas mileage is the same as I was getting before in my mini van. But now I've got a dreamy car I've always wanted and paid about $8k less than KBB.

So - at least I'm even steven.

Although if gas prices go back up I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune.

On the other hand, I keep hearing about how the auto industry is on the rocks due to the crappy economy, and that getting a loan right now is tough. Moonie, are you preapproved, or are you paying cash? ;)

We'll be paying cash which makes me even that more irate. You can usually get a discount for cash.


Mrs. Moonie has a buying service via work so we are checking that out as well as the AAA. Thanks for all the ideas everyone.

Wow, I'm impressed! :eek: I did not expect that answer. WTG! :snap:

I don't think that has been true for new cars for quite a long time. Everything I've ever read for years now says to hide that you're paying cash until negotiations are done.

The modern structure for car dealerships means that they're no longer in the business of selling cars but in selling financing and cash just deprives them of their business.

Yes, I over simplified. The negotiations involve the implication of financing through them and working a price based on that.

Although with all the Internet based info available now, most of the haggle aspect has gone out the window. I know the dealers actual price, they know I know, I know what a reasonable markup is, they know I know, etc...

One would think, but when I went car shopping with my mother last year, it still took us all day, starting with the MSRP+ quote and including endless head-shaking and trips back to the manager before we got where we needed to be. I don't know if it was because they thought my mother was old and not up to the battle or they're just jerks, but it was definitely old school.

Haggling is still alive and well. On my Explorer I haggled on the car. On my Mazda3 I haggled on my trade in (I had friends and family pricing on the car).

For a popular car it may be hard to haggle.

It took me 3 trips to get my Volvo. When I got the price I wanted, I then told them I had to run to the CU for a check. :) I love car buying.

OH, GC - remember my Honda "boyfriend"?