Unable to get a price from dealers for 2012 or 2013 Focus?

[billand]

Just remember at the end of the deal to check all your paper work to make sure the dealer isn't messing with the price and adding things on the back end of the deal. Never and I mean never get the detail package that they claim will last for ever. And the decision to buy the car rest with you not the dealer or sales person it's not there money.

[roderunner]

IMO buying can be pretty simple. Preparation is key for good pricing and is worth the time IMO.
1. get any necessary financing lined up in advance if possible
2. be prepared to walk away
3. if possible, sell your old car separately -- it's worth the hassle!
4. look up MSRP, invoice and dealer "inventory on hand" from ford web site. Visit the dealers who physically have what you're looking for.
5. determine your requirements vs. nice-to-haves -- in my case, SE, stick shift, one of 3 colors, no MFT or spoiler; sunroof optional. Some flexibility helps. I don't necessarily communicate all of this to the dealer ahead of time -- if it's there, I'll usually find it in the looking stage.
6. know your eligible incentives (from the internet mostly). Call Ford marketing if you need clarification.
7. check out the local ads for loss leaders

Now you're ready to play -- you know what they have and should have a pretty good idea of what you can buy it for. The ideal deal will be simple with no trade and no financing issues. Realistically, invoice minus incentives, depending on time of year. End of month, end of quarter, end of year and major holidays typically best.

I've bought several new cars and found this method to work well. For my recent Focus for example, end of calendar year; MSRP $19,585; local Ford rebates $3395; dealer discount $1890; net price $14,300; T&L $1705; out the door at $16, 005. This was at the second dealer and I was half way out the door to the third. Remember, every dealer is different, with different motivations. Other than "Private Cash" there were no special discounts, no internet deals, no extra add ons and this was not a "loss leader" (which can even be better if it's close to the car you want).

If any salesmen were dissatisfied for not having a big enough wage, they never acted like it or whined about it. No doubt they work hard for their paycheck but their salary/commission/bonus is between them and their dealer and none of my business. But if the salesman is good, I'll go out of my way to buy again from him if possible.

[2526b]

Thank you for the in depth response and information.

[2526b]

After a week or so of failed attempts, I am beginning to look at other vehicles. My last attempt today, on "Presidents Day" was: Focus Titanium 2013, MSRP + Delivery = 24,590. Here's where it gets confusing, "$2500.00 rebates, $500 Private Cash" an estimate of $1500 negative trade equity."

My quote, $27,081.50. I have no idea how this number was reached, but its $2491.50 OVER MSRP, before adding back $1500 in rebates.

[ShoOff]

Check things like floor mats and such. I kid you not my car had three different sets sold off to it. Lol

[AZfocus2012]

Originally Posted by 2526b

My quote, $27,081.50. I have no idea how this number was reached, but its $2491.50 OVER MSRP, before adding back $1500 in rebates.

But what price did you say you would give them? They always come up with some over the top number, you just disregard that and offer them your researched fair price or low ball number and go from there.

[2526b]

After that experience I, I asked about an SE, which got even more confusing. The SE was MSRP 20,090, $3000 in rebates. They then wanted $21290.00 + 2100 down, bringing an MSRP of 21000 to over 23K.

I said thank you and left.

[imccrea]

Originally Posted by 2526b

After a week or so of failed attempts, I am beginning to look at other vehicles. My last attempt today, on "Presidents Day" was: Focus Titanium 2013, MSRP + Delivery = 24,590. Here's where it gets confusing, "$2500.00 rebates, $500 Private Cash" an estimate of $1500 negative trade equity."

My quote, $27,081.50. I have no idea how this number was reached, but its $2491.50 OVER MSRP, before adding back $1500 in rebates.

well it sounds like MSRP plus your negative equity plus tax approximately. If they back the rebates back out you are at MSRP plus negative equity is where that figure comes from.

What would be helpful is
Selling price of vehicle:
Rebate:
Trade value:
trade payoff:

taxes, etc doesn't matter since you have to pay that regardless of where you buy it.

[2526b]

Thank you. It appears to be:

What would be helpful is
Selling price of vehicle: MSRP 24,590 / "SALE" Price he wrote is $23999.00
Rebate: $2500 + $500 Private Cash = 3000.00
Trade value: They said 10,000 then wrote TTA 13000 calling it 13000.00
trade payoff: 15K is an over estimate, but in the 14.5k's. 14500.00

[2526b]

This vehicle also had an added $595.00 "Summer Only" 18 inch alloy tire package. Which I addressed should be discounted as I would need to spend an additional $800 to get a set of all weather tires.