For those that purchased their cars from NorCal dealerships...
 

First time buying a new car and i am really looking into getting a brz. I looked into buying out of state for below msrp but i didnt want to deal with additional paper work and not seeing what i was buying.

As you all know already, norcal dealerships are charging insane markups. I just want to know your strategies for negotiating on the brz (kbb, truecar price match?).

Check this thread: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26887

I would look for MSRP or below. Never pay the stupid markups.

I know I had a pretty atypical experience, but I randomly called the dealership at 10am, and by noon I was signing the papers.

I called and said I wanted a manual FR-S w/o any extras like the bespoke audio, leather seats, etc. Got a call back saying they had a white FR-S but that someone was coming in to look at it that afternoon, but that it was "first come, first served". I basically told them on the phone that I would take it, and that I was coming in immediately. I gave him my info over my phone so that he could start running my credit. I was also on a huge time crunch that day so I stressed that I was trying to get the transaction done as quickly as possible.

So, I was able to go in and buy the car pretty much sight unseen in a very short period of time. I actually bought the car without even driving it first, I just knew it was going to be amazing and of course it is. They also actually listened and didn't wash the car - sweet!

So I guess my point is that it's definitely possible to pay MSRP and get what you want, as long as you stress that you are ready to buy immediately. For the record, I did get stuck paying for the stupid wheel locks, but I figured that wasn't too bad, all things considered.

Yeah that's what I did I just call them and told them that I just want the car stock
And that I not paying more for add on so they give a good deal you got to be real and told them you won't be paying any more just the price that the car is listed for men

There isn't really much room for for leverage when it comes to getting a BRZ in Norcal. If you can get MSRP or 500 below MSRP, take it.

Things like KBB really won't help you. For example say if the car value was 27k on KBB do you think the dealer would actually sell it to you for that much knowing they can make still make the sale at MSRP?0
Another strategy would be to get the dealers to compete with each other, get an offer from one, see if the other one would like to beat it. But that I also see is impossible in NorCal.

Anyways the best thing you can probably do is just bring up MSRP. If someone who bought a BRZ in norcal can give you a copy of the quote/offer sheet you can bring that to the dealer to negotiate with. Otherwise you truthfully you are better off waiting or trying to get the FR-S.


I understand as a first car its really difficult to buy out of state, BRZ was my 2nd car and I have to say I was paranoid to buy something I never sat in but the experience was pretty good and I would consider doing it again in the future if price was a factor. And just a FYI: I got more than 1k off MSRP buying out of state plus when you go to register, guess what? The sales tax amount you will be paying will be lower as well because the purchase price is less. I'm in the process of registering my car right now (like planning to hit up the DMV soon). All you have to do is fill out a 2 page form, bring the paperwork the dmv that the dealer will send you later and get a smog check beforehand (with the results on paper), and a check to fill in to pay the sales tax.

come in start talking yada yada, then say I will buy it right now at msrp. if they say no then get up and leave. Leave your phone number and tell them to call when they want to make a deal. They will call you before you get back home.

This.

You best bargaining strategy is your ability to leave. Don't let your emotions make you go with a deal. Whether it's buying a car or a house or something else a good salesman will try to get you emotionally invested in the product and once you are in that state you are more likely to overpay.

That being said I think getting MSRP is a good price for the car at this moment. If you get below MSRP kudos. I paid MSRP but then I pre-ordered the car in March and it was a painless process...outside of waiting for it to be delivered.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess i haven't been aggressive enough with my offers.

Whatever you do, don't go to Subaru Serramonte. Their pricks. I went to a few dealerships in NorCal and wasn't happy with their mark ups. The lowest I could get them down was 30k, and that was from Subaru Marin. Luckily I had a friend who works at Toyota/Scion in Daly City and he told me they had a couple FRS' coming in that day, and my color too. I didn't want any of the extra's either, but went with what they had, bespoke system, and a trunk mat. Walked out paying $25,900. I lost $ on my trade in, but whatever.

OP is talking about getting a BRZ but people are responding with FRS strategies. It's much easier to get an FRS at MSRP due to availability and Scion Pure Pricing.

I disagree, it took me 3 month to get a dealer who wouldn't put bullshit appliques and trunk mats on it, another month after that to actually walk away with one. It's unfortunately a sellers market for these things, you just gotta call everyone in the area and hope you get a salesman that isn't on his knees for his boss just to get an extra $100 out of the deal.

I had good luck talking with people up in Washington/Oregon, if I didn't have one at this point I would probably be setting up a deal and flying up to drive it back.

MSRP meaning no markup, regardless of what "options" are added. Mine had the trunk mat, rear bumper appliqué and wheel locks installed, but I still consider what I paid as MSRP. If you're picky and want a bare bones car, of course it'll take longer to find what you want, especially with the BRZ.

Things that don't add value are markup in my book. Enjoy your "rear bumper applique"!

still a sellers market right now, as some have said. that whole leave number and walk away don't really work in the situation. if you won't pay the price, someone will. that's why the markups hasn't really come down.