I have always bought cars this way. I figure what is a fair discount on the car, what's a fair value for my car before I go to the dealer. I then arrive a difference price, subtract 1k and start there. If the initial offer from the dealer is different, I give them 1 more try, thats it and then I leave. No hand me the drivers license. First tell me what my trade is worth before i tell you what I want. I don't sit down or go into the showroom to chat. I here to buy a car today, if the deal is right. Sometimes I get the 1k lower, sometimes I pay 2k more but then I am in control not the dealer. My 1 month old 911 was done this way, deal was done in 5 minutes. I also respect the fact the dealers need to make money. Also if you a repeat customer I always try to deal with the sales manager, its much quicker. Of course on some cars like Ferrari, you need to understand your screwed before you go to the dealership. Just my 3 cents worth.

 

I think you missed my point, I am certain that Senior Management at the Jim Ellis Automotive Group corp office was not aware of what was happening to you at their Porsche unit. I have always found if I have a problem, it is best to communicate my dissatisfaction directly to the most senior management. Always remember that everyone at each unit of Jim Ellis Automotive has a boss they are accountable to at their corp office. As a high milage Delta customer, when I have problem with one of their airport/flight employees I always send my written well constructed comments directly to Richard Anderson, Delta's CEO. He always responds directly with a phone call or letter thanking me for bringing bad employee behavior to his attention. You would most likely find similar response from the Ellis Group.

 

Thank you and I will take your suggestion. I will be sure to let you know how it comes out.

 

For most people, this is probably true.

That depends on the person. For me, that hour is time I'd rather be spending with my customers and/or employees earning money to pay for the car I'm buying. I've done my research before I come into the dealership; I know what the car's worth and what I'm willing to pay long before I walk in the door, and you should be able to see this in the first 10 minutes of discussion.

As an example, if the car is worth $65K and is stickered at $67K, I'll probably offer $64K. If you come back in 30 seconds and say "It's worth $66K, but I'll give it to you for $65K", I'll probably take the deal on the spot. If you want to waste 2-3 hours of my time telling me why it's worth more than both of us already know, you're locking me down to not accepting a price of more than $64K. If I have to spend more time than is necessary, I'm going to want something for it.

Put another way, I'll pay you more for the car if you give me a fair price upfront than if you want to take up a bunch of my time. Consider it a marketing consulting fee for the value of my time.

That said, I fully understand that I'm probably not an average buyer.....but are Porsche buyers average as a group?

 

Details on their tricks to watch out for?

 

Well to begin with I believe that making customers wait for long periods just plain tires you out and makes you less apt to vigorously negotiate. Second, deriding a trade in with comments like "Hertz and Avis have dumped a lot of your model car on the market and it has driven your values down" REALLY? A high end 2013 Mercedes Benz? How many high end MB's do you see on the AVIS lot? Especially when you have already done your homework on the value of your trade in before you arrive. Also the back and forth to the sales manager with the whole " I'm on your side" and " I'm going to go back in there and fight for you!" comments! How dumb do you think I am?

 

And you didn't think that had anything to do with the large discount?

 

How does one negotiate a new build??

Go through everything you want with them at the computer and then ask them to discount off MSRP 5% or so??

 

I really want a Tesla! Love my P-car, don't get me wrong but man, I really want one of those Tesla machines. Thanks for passing that along Moe!

anyhoo, well, back to the regularly scheduled rant.

 

one of the largest factors that determine used car vales is new car pricing, this is always most evident when you try and trade in a same model year or 1 model year car. When your the new car customer you always haggle and fight for the lowest price, keep in mind though that lower price now = lower value later. Let use that high end 2013 MB as an example, the fact of the matter is right now MB is giving these cars away on lease specials, great when you get that nice low lease payment but it completely destroys the value of the car. Take a 79,000 E class that will have about 73,000 invoice and another 4000 dealer hold back, so net cost is 69,000 then between loyally, conquest, & rebates you can get another 4,000 so now your down to 65,000. OK so now if the dealer wants to sell that 2013 used car on his lot there are certain expenses the dealer has to pay when he certifies the car and also any necessary recondition to the tune of about 2500, you also need to create a gap between the price of a new car and a used car, so in order to proper market that 2013 79,000 2013 E class as a used car the dealer would have to take it in on trade for 50,000 or so. He would own the car for 52,500 with his fees and put it for sale for 57,995 and has about 3k to negotiate. Any more than that and the customer will say well I can buy i new one with 0 miles a full warranty and get a lower rate so why would i buy this?? So because of the huge discount up front that car is worth 29,000 less than msrp with 3,000 miles on it!!

 

Since I have purchased two Porsche's from Jim Ellis in the past 15 mos. (a 2012 997.2 and a 2013 Panamera S; and my experience was the polar opposite of yours, I'd like to lend a vote of support of this Dealer. First, I shopped Porsche's for probably 4 years or more and made many visits to Jim Ellis where there was absolutely no pressure, and I was allowed to drive, drool or just shoot the breeze for as long as I cared. I met and became friends with more than 1 of the Reps, but stuck with the one who first helped me out and has always been interested in getting me exactly what I wanted. I've never met anyone there (parts, service, sales, reception) who did not go out of their way to be helpful and courteous.

As to the negotiations, I would say they were much easier and pleasant than I expected, but you always have to negotiate from your own research and your own bottom line. I've been to both Atlanta Dealers, and found no real difference there. If you can't accept the deal as offered, then it's just business, tell them where your offer ends and move on until either they - or you, realize there is room for flexibility.

In the end, I cannot say I've ever had a better car buying experience, anywhere, ever. I've bought 4 cars from Ellis Dealerships over the years, and I've met the GM at the Porsche Dealership, and Mr. Jimmy Ellis personally, and you couldn't find nicer people who are more interested in your satisfaction and ownership experience.

But best of luck with it, it's a short life, just go enjoy your Porsche!

 

I'm glad you had a great experience! Hopefully your experience is more of the norm for Jim Ellis! Cheers!

 

7% WAS absolutely a good deal and obviously you are happy so good for you. Enjoy your ride!

 

Very true.....

 

I'm sorry you had a Bad Experience. Don't let them get the Best of ya'

If you want to get back at them go there and negotiate for 2 days. Use their tiring strategy on them! I do it for fun because what-the-Heck. I'm retired! I gonna enjoy it.

In the End, I'm going to win and That's all I'm gonna say about that!

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ps. Last Deal I did, I got them to give up another 13k just to get rid of me...lol!