Recently, a friend of mine went out shopping for a second vehicle. He and his wife just wanted to drive and experience the vehicles they were considering.  After that they would talk numbers on the vehicle they picked.

It wasn’t that simple.  Dealers badgered them for an offer or a commitment that would earn their business.  They stayed on task and drove the vehicles they were considering.  Once they picked a vehicle, they followed the program.  Emailing for prices and lease payments based on the same criteria with each dealer.

They had picked Civic LX so there was a good selection of dealerships.  They picked out three dealers and sent a quote request to each of them.  Two of the three dealers emailed the information as requested.  The third eliminated themselves by not quoting.   Next they had their trade in vehicle appraised for purchase by two used car dealers so they could get an idea of the cash value.  Finally they made an appointment and went to both dealers.  Their goal was to give their trade and no other cash. Just trade and drive out with a three-year lease at 12,000 miles a year. One dealer was at 157 and the other was at 149. That’s not a lot of difference so my friend called the dealer he preferred based on their geographic location, and asked for a better price.  The dealer lowered their price to $142 a month.  They agreed to the new numbers.

Fifteen dollars a month for thirty-six months is over $500.00.  Generally, the difference in payment was the difference in how each dealer valued the Trade In.  Trade In is somewhat flexible. 

It was a pretty friendly process and not difficult because they had done their homework and were diligent on following a plan.  They not only saved over $500.00 but also ended up getting the Civic at the dealer they wanted to do business with.  Instead of paying more to lease from the dealer they wanted, they ended up paying less.

I call that a Victory