So I've found an '07 Vantage I like at an independent dealer, and am starting to panic a bit. It doesn't have ALL of the options I would like, but does have some good ones. It has less than 5K miles and is in pristine condition. In addition, manual trans coupes seems to be a rarity in these parts (unless they're black), so my choices seem pretty limited. Asking price is around $80K.

I'm terrible at this process. I was able to negotiate a couple thousand off of the price of my GranSport a few years ago, but I was able to use clutch wear as a bargaining tool. I feel really uncomfortable haggling anyway, and even more so since I can't really find any issues with this car. I've read all of the tips on purchasing a car, but they don't really seem to apply in my circumstance. Any tips on how to go about getting a better price? They already have an advantage over me, because I would find it very difficult to walk away from this one.

 

Just like women, never let them know how much you're in love until they're yours. First things first; don't call them. Let them call you, then, don't answer when they do. When you call back, pretend that you didn't check the message. Tell them that you're busy with business and you haven't had time to think about the car. Ask them what they're willing to do for you and maybe you'll consider it. They will ask you what your willing to pay. Tell them nonchalantly a number 2-3% lower than your number. They will tell you that they would buy it them self for that price or something lame to try to make you feel bad. Just respond with some kind of statement that you really didn't have time to crunch numbers and don't know if you can afford more. Tell them that you were going to shop around for a deal when you get a little time and that there appears to be a lot of cars out there (because there is). Pause and after they respond ask them to split the difference with you and maybe you won't have to look at other cars. No matter what, like women, there will always be another that catches your eye. The deal will tell you if it's meant to be.

 

Jaymoney has the right idea. The issue is one of "what can you live with". They are in the business of selling cars; if they don't like your number, they will come back with a different one. Hold steady......If you pay more than you want to, you will always regret it.

You have the advantage-all you have to do is stall. They WILL come back to you with a better figure. Let them sweat. Car guys know that they can not let a live one get away.........

 

Also try and close the deal on the last day of the month since they too have quota to meet.

 

I agree, wait it out for 2 reasons, 1) you don't seem 'thrilled' with the car and 2) the car, in my opinion, is not priced competitively so you don't need to worry about it being purchased anytime soon.

 

Brumma,

Here is the best advice I can offer. Time is always on your side. Sure, you want it now; but you really don't need it now. No one needs an Aston Martin. Find the price point in which listed cars seem to disappear. Then contact the sellers that have had their high price for months, with your offer. Let them know you contacted 3 or 4 other companies with the same spec low mileage car, and this is your max price. I spent about 3-4 months just watching daily prices of cars, and told 3 dealers that $69,000 is what the fully equip 07 gray roadsters with SS and 17k-19k miles go for. You will see a few listed at 72k, 74k, and 75k, they are still listed because they are just too high.

The second most important advice, don't fall in love with the car. I had a 2003 Mercedes SL55, which had more HP, more Torque, Hardtop conv, lift control, balance control, and many other features not found in a more expensive Vantage Roadster. Because of this I was also pricing 06-07 SL65s, and never really had my heart 100% set on this car. That makes it so much easier to negotiate and to walk away from. NEVER fall in love with THAT car, it will always be less tomorrow and even less the following day.

Keep your friends and family out of it. Your friends will egg you on, as they want to ride in this cool new car. It's not your friend's money. Your family will ask you why you need an Aston Martin, you should just buy a practical car!

I have 4 months of data, if you need any help. BTW, here is a 5k mileage 07 with a SS (remember SS is a option that adds to the value of the car).



Use it as a comp against the dealer you are working with.

http://tinyurl.com/6kodkwy (clean url)

Good Luck,
Ben

 

What other just said +1

"Don't let them know you are very into the car."

I am gonna be the same circumstance as you, tomorrow i m going to AM dealer for rapide. Wish both of us good luck!

 

Everyone has great suggestions here so far, I like Jaymoney's suggestions, treating it like a girl. Just a heads up I paid $500 over what the dealer paid. I think 6400 off the asking price. Another good suggestion I read was theres no one that needs an Aston, so they arent selling within 2 business days. At the end of the day, do some negiotiating, but after a while you should weigh time/money and make a decision that works for you.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!


Heres manheim for you just in case you were curious. Keep in mind manheim is wholesale and you get what you get.

01/13/11RIVRSIDELease$64,00010,493AvgGREY8G6Yes
01/13/11RIVRSIDELease$63,50022,579AvgGRAY8G6Yes
01/13/11RIVRSIDERegular$62,50029,076AvgMAROON8GAYes
01/27/11RIVRSIDELease$58,50029,167AvgBURANY8GAYes
02/10/11RIVRSIDERegular$62,50018,271AvgGRAY8GMYes
02/23/11SAN DIEGRegular$63,50020,091AvgGRAY8G6Yes
02/24/11RIVRSIDERegular$56,00035,280BelowBLACK8GAYes

Finally, manheim says wholesale a Vantage coupe with 5500 miles should have been traded or bought by the dealer for about 70, then add in a few bucks for registration/detailing/insurance/etc.

Hope that helps.

 

Look into my eyes ... you NEED THIS CAR .... YOU NEED THIS CAR NOW .... MUST HAVE THIS CAR RIGHT NOW ... did that help ... just tryin' to lighten the situation ... set your price and walk ... get an extended warrenty thrown in; does not have what you really want for options; not your favorite color; thus not really there at that price... you have some nego items ...

 

This is a little off topic but I thought I would share with you guys anyways. The problem I've encountered purchasing a vantage is NOT the price of the car but rather the attitude of the AM salesmen I've dealt with along the way. Last September, I gathered 100K to buy either a vantage or an R8. I'm not a super wealthy guy, just a blue collar who loves cars enough to pay a lot for his favorite toy. That said, I would prefer to spend 70K on a vantage rather than 100K for the R8. Especially, in these uncertain economic times. Being a very upfront and honest person, I came right out and asked how much movement there was on the price of the car? Usually, they would shave off about 4K without much of a fight. But here's where things would get ugly. I would then ask to see the service records for the car and the stalling and fumbling soon followed. Ah, well, Ah let me see here, that's private information and I don't have access etc...... The last sales rep I spoke with told me that he did not have the maintenance book for the car but he would provide one and back date the stamps accordingly. Yes, this was an official Aston Martin dealership. I have spoken with numerous reps mainly in Florida, Texas and Cali. You know, big cities. With the exception of one rep from CA, I have been treated so disrespectfully and carelessly that I simply cannot bring myself to give my hard earned money to AM. I have been lied to, hung up on and most of all NEVER, not once have I received a return phone call. I truly and firmly believe that AM feels that their car is so beautiful that it will sell no matter how badly they treat their customers. That coupled with the fact that most potential customers are fairly well off would also help ensure a steady stream of fresh buyers. So let's sum it up like this. California is pretty much bankrupt. Home foreclosures are at all time record highs, Wisconsin is trying to strip unions of their collective bargaining rights and Providence RI just sent out pink slips to every single teacher in the entire city. Meanwhile, AM won't return phone calls. Final thought: please don't fall under the assumption that maybe I'm just a difficult person to get along with. I am very good at communicating with others and this skill has served me extremely well as a 20 year veteran hostage negotiator who more than most; understands the philosophy of give and take.

 

Will buy car. Will buy car. Will buy car.

Can't get an extended warranty from an independent though.

By the way, is your car meteorite?

 

very curious - was this a.m. dealership in a bad neighborhood outside of boston????

 

I have seen only the reverse. Virtually everyone with whom I have spoken has done what they said they would do, treated me with respect and shown infinite patience.

 

hehe, a hostage negotiator that has problems negotiating prices. funny.

and i get that kind of treatment from bmw. lol.

but no problems at merc or porsche yet

 

I guess it depends independently of the sales person. ( some of them don't have a life outside the dealership and they act like mini Hitler's when they attend people )

I had both kind of sales man, some very nice other very stupid. mostly very nice.