New Car Questions

Hi Bob,
In an earlier issue of the Dollar Stretcher, the "Ask Bob" section contained this statement:

"Another thing that will save time is be getting a vehicle locator list. This list will tell you where your model vehicle is located in your local area. But local might not be so local. I live in Central New Jersey with car dealers everywhere. I had to travel over 65 miles one way to find my car."

I would like to know how to get a "vehicle locator list"?
Greg D.

Well Greg,
There are several ways. There is Auto-by-Tell located on the internet that can tell you where there are dealers in your area. There is also "Find-It" (I believe) also on the internet. But the way I got mine was actually through a Ford Dealer. He was trying to find a specific vehicle for me and was having troubles. He gave me the list because none of the other dealers would co-operate with him. This is a rare occurrence. But, just surf around awhile and you will find car locator services.
Bob

Dear Bob
I loved your article in the Dollar Stretcher about buying a new car. I am going to be buying a car very soon. I would really like a Toyota Corolla DX, but am afraid I cannot afford one.

Please tell me how I can find out the dealer cost and find a buyer's club. Do those hints work when buying a "leftover" 96 model? Also, how do I compare option packages? Those really confuse me. Thank you for any help you can give me,
Cindy

Dear Cindy,
There are several buying clubs out there. Some are free and some are not. Go to www.edmunds.com. From there, you can download the actual cost to the dealer for your particular model. Some manufacturers include option pricing (you usually get a discount if you take "pre-packaged" options). From there, you can go to your dealer. Don't talk to them yet. Instead, just look at their lot and inventory. When you see what you like, write down everything that is on the sticker. Then use your guide that you just downloaded and see what the dealer is supposed to pay for it. Generally, if you can pay around $500 over invoice, then you did good. Also, check out auto- by-tel. They will point you to a dealer that will already give you $200 to 500 over invoice without any haggling.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man

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