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Quick rundown of buying from a dealer?

bkpr

Ready to race!
Hey everyone.

My wife and I are heading to some dealers this weekend to look at and hopefully buy a pair of cars. (Might consider going next weekend as its closer to the end if the month).

As I've only need in the US less than a week, can someone please give me a quick rundown of what to expect? I've read a lot in this ordering forum, but I just want to be aware of what could/will happen at the dealer so I'm prepared.

For example, I've been given a price of 30K for a 2013 Autobahn GTI 4dr DSG, but it had +TT or something after it. I assume this is tax?

What other costs would they add to the price? Truecar has a price of ~32K, is the extra 2K typical for taxes (in TX)?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Cheers
 

Skitals

Ready to race!
+TT is taxes and title. That cost will depend on your state. I believe VW includes the delivery/destination in their prices (Subaru I know doesn't, and that's always an extra $700 fee). Your OTD (out the door) price should just be the price quoted +TT.

I always think its a good idea to go in with outside financing. That way you can negotiate a CASH price, instead of them trying to sell you on some financing BS. My experience they will always try to beat whatever bank loan offer you come in with anyway, but do this only after you negotiate a cash price.

While it sounds like you are already in negotiations, I would shop around online and get some quotes from different dealers. I firmly believe you will always get the best price when dealing with their internet sales specialists. Whole different type of folk then the bozos that stalk you on the lot. If you know what you want you can do all your negotiations via email/phone without stepping foot on the lot before a test drive/inspection, signing some paper work and driving off!

Good luck!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 

bkpr

Ready to race!
Thanks for the quick reply.

I haven't gone too far, just contacted one dealer via online chat service. Still waiting in DeMontrond TX to get back to me.

I'll spend time today talking to three dealers in my area and see what they offer. Are tax and title fixed costs (per state), or do they depend on some outside factors? Ie, why won't they give the cost of that also when giving the car cost?
 

Balt21

Ready to race!
Tax, at least in Ohio, depends on the county you live in. If you can figure out what percent sales tax is in your county, you should be able to figure out a rough number of how much tax you will be paying.

I agree with what Skitals said about doing the deal over the phone/email. I had the deal all worked out before I stepped onto the car lot. I just took it for a test drive, signed the papers, and was on my way. Good luck!
 

bkpr

Ready to race!
Hey thanks for the vote of confidence. Been running the numbers from the online sites, as well as reading carbuyingtips.com — so much to consider, especially for me with zero credit history in the US (arrived a week ago).

See how we go.
 

dbizzle22

Go Kart Champion
Don't fall for any extended warranty pressures from the finance manager. The same VW extended warranties are available from many sales reps over the internet at a huge discount from what they'll be offering you inside the "signing room".

I'm not saying not to get one because that choice is yours and how safe you feel without one. Plenty of pros and cons regarding the warranties. I believe I was offered the warranty at signing at almost $900 more than what I was quoted from the online warranty salesperson.
 

bkpr

Ready to race!
Thanks for the tip.

At this stage we'll only be in the US for 2–3 years, so an extended warranty would suit us I don't think. I expect the manufacturer warranty would cover us for any mechanical failures.

Also, I've found out we're eligible for the VW supplier program; $500 under the invoice price - any incentives (none for the GTI) + TT + dealer charges. (Although its up to the dealer to decide which models they let qualify for this program).

Is the invoice price the price the dealer buys the car for from the manufacturer? Is there a way to know this online to work out some numbers?
 

bkpr

Ready to race!
Dealer related: if I buy from VW dealer A, can I go to VW dealer B for servicing if it's more convenient/closer? Or will I be bound to have services from dealer A?
 

Bender1

Banned
Dealer related: if I buy from VW dealer A, can I go to VW dealer B for servicing if it's more convenient/closer? Or will I be bound to have services from dealer A?

You can get serviced anywhere you want. Remember, VW Corp pays dealers for warranty work.
 

reelknead1

Go Kart Champion
I'm assuming you are in the Houston area after you said you are talking to DeMontrond VW. I used to live in Houston and bought my GTI from West Houston VW. The sales lady I dealt with was top notch and gave me a killer deal but unfortunitly she no longer works there. The dealership itself might be worth checking out if your in the area. They aren't the largest dealer but they usually have a good selection.

Some other things that might help you out. Tax in Texas is 7.25% so on a $30,000 you are paying $2,175 in taxes. I would also ask them for a breakout of other fees such as title and document fees. A document fee is what the dealer charges to process your paper work. If i remember correctly West Houston was $70 which was the lowest I had found but I have heard of dealers charging upwards of $450 for doc fees so it is definitely something to ask about.

All of these fees will be on the contract that you sign to purchase the car but it is best to find out what these fees are before you go to sign the paper work.

I have also dealt with the VW dealer that is in downtown Houston with little success. They were very nice and had a nice dealership but in the end the numbers weren't working so I walked.
 

Sleepy1

Ready to race!
I do OTD (OUT the DOOR) pricing. Don't let them get you with the monthly payment trick. I got burnt once when buying a Honda Ridgeline.
 

lilfleck

Go Kart Champion
Know how much you want to spend... and stick to that. Don't let them trick you into spending more with better payments (as someone suggested above). They have many tricks, just look at the basics: how much am I spending at the end of this transaction (also known as "out the door price"). Sorry for repeating a guy above, just wanted to reiterate it.
 

bkpr

Ready to race!
Thanks for the advice everyone.

I have a good OTD price from a guy at Archer VW, and he's given me the breakdown of costs. Looks pretty good.

As we don't have socials yet (just arrived in the country) I have to hold off a week or two to get everything in order.

I have a dealer at Momentum also wanting me to come in and talk about a price. They refuse to give me a price via email. PITA, but now a have a bit off time I might as well go in and see what they say.

Thanks again!

Also, I think tax in TX is 6.25%?
 
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