List,
I just bought a new family car - a 99 Ford Explorer. I can guarantee you
that I paid no where near the MSRP. I shopped, did my home work and knew
what the dealer could sell the car for. In 1979 I bought a demo Mazda RX7
with 8,000 miles for full MSRP ($7,997). The new ones were selling for
$1500 over. In '89 I passed on buying an '89 Miata and bought an ALFA
instead because the dealers were getting over sticker for the MIatas.
When did I get screwed? Answer: never. All three times I bought what I
wanted at a price that I was willing to pay. That is supply and demand.
I cannot say I enjoy the process of purchasing a car or some of the people
you must deal with when doing so. However, I recognize that I am in
control because I have the power to walk away at any time. No one can crow
bar my wallet open but me. Like it or not, the auto trade is one of the
few places where pure capitalism is still working. If no one is willing to
shell out the cash for the new Honda the price will come down. Despite
attempts by some dealers, such as the Elway Auto nation franchises here in
Denver, to set no dicker prices, supply and demand remains in control.
Just remember "caveat emptor" - let the buyer beware.
Herb
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