Easy Solutions for Car Buying

Among the things I really, really, really don't like is buying a new car.  In fact, there are very few people who enjoy the process, but they are out there.  So, if you enjoy the hours spent haggling for a great car price, don't read this.  Just that simple.  Stop right now.  You can find another topic on this blog, or another.

I'll stop while you leave.

But if you would rather walk over hot coals, have bamboo shoots slipped under your finger nails, and listen to nails being drug across a chalk board than go through the process of buying a new car, this is for you.  You ready?  Good.

First, relax.  Buying a new car was never easier.  No more haggling to get a good deal.  No more hours spent in the dealership as they hold the keys to your old car.  No more kids pulling at you to get you moving.  None of that.  Why?  The internet sales department.

That's right.  The internet sales department.  If you have not discovered these folks, and are in the market for a new car, find them.  Reach out to them.  Just about every dealership has one of these departments which can be reached through their websites.   The type of services vary a bit from dealer to dealer.  First, just about everyone will give you a no-haggle price.  It's been my experience that it's a discounted price.  You tell them the exact car you want, and you get a price for a specific car down to the VIN number.  Could it be easier?

Now, a few added services that some dealers provide through their internet departments might include pre-arranging the financing before you ever step foot on the car lot.  Others might offer discounted maintenance for your new vehicle.  And, still others might offer a number of free car washes.   

I discovered these folks about six years ago when I bought a Honda Pilot.  I contacted the internet sales department at several dealerships and sent them the same email using the power of copy and paste.  That way I knew everyone was working from the same basic information.  I generally received my answers back within a few hours.  From those answers, I made an appointment to purchase.  One hour after arriving I was driving out in a new Honda Pilot and could not have been more pleased with the transaction. 

Please remember to be honest in any answers you might give them regarding a trade-in and condition.  Since most dealerships use the Kelly Blue Book you can get a good idea about the value of your trade-in, if you have one.  Sites like Edmonds.com provide realistic pricing information that you can use as a guide.  And, finally your can use any one of a number of sites for reviews like Car and Driver, Motor Trend and many manufacturers now have reviews from just plain ol' drivers on their websites.  By the way, Edmonds also has reviews by current owners and professional drivers.

So, use the power of the internet to make car buying almost enjoyable and certainly easy!


Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.  ~Mac McCleary