I recently test drove a new RX8 and loved it, great handling and great interior. The dealer was so agressive that i was totally turned off to the whole experience. Has anyone else had the same experience.

 

It's the nature of the beast... some dealerships are aggressive, some are laid back. I usually deal with the Fleet Manager/Internet sales... since they always get the inquiries, there is no RUSH to buy immediately.

 

O.E. is right. My personal feeling is that you should never go onto the dealer's turf until the deal has been struck and all you're doing is signing the contract. It's 2004, and it's way simpler to get the deal you want remotely and not have to be subjected to the sales games many dealers still insist on playing if you walk in off the street.

 

This is a very long series of articles but it really goes into detail in the tricks that some dealers use.

Find it at edmunds.com

 

In most areas of the country, cars are selling within $1k of invoice and you can usually get a lot better than that. If there are other dealers where you live, call them and negotiate over the phone. Only go in to the dealer when you have agreed on a price.

 

Also consider Costco's auto purchase service. I know a lot of people have been very satisfied with the pricing and service they've received.

T.

 

If your ready to buy, the aggressive attitude is a good sign. The dealer is presently motivated to sell cars. Give the salesman your offer and see what happens. Overly passive salesman that have a take it or leave it attitude are usually a bad sign if your looking for a good price. I have had salesman call me at home and at work for days after a test drive. I had to tell one guy that I bought another car before he would leave me alone.

 

Good point. But only if you know what you are prepared to offer for the car and have the money to move forward. I never go into a dealership until I'm ready to haggle and buy. I found a Millenia I liked but it was $22K and I only had $16K to spend. Salesguy gave me the "what can I do to get you to buy the car today" spheel and I said "sell it to me for under $16K". After some BS, I walked out with the car under $16K which was under wholesale cost. If they're agressive, they may be hurting and ready to make you a majorly good deal.