Hey everyone

Thanks to the input and knowledge of everyone on the board I have decided to start negotiating on a 2011 Vantage S. I am negotiating with two dealers, a local one and an out of state one. Can anyone share advice on how much of a discount to push for? Both cars are similar options with the only difference being color

Thanks for everyone's help in my research!

 

Not sure what others think, but I think that around 10% off asking on a new car is doing okay, assuming the asking price is inline with other dealers. You're doing the best thing by talking to multiple dealers. Might even consider adding a third into the mix and see if you can get a bidding war going.

 

When I was looking at buying new, I had been under the impression that for most of the model year an 8% spread was the norm. I'm a pretty savvy negotiator, and I could not get them below that. On the other hand, the prices seem to drop more at the end of the model year (now) and AM allows dealers to take more off the top if the dealer proclaims the car to be a "demo". My understanding is that the dealer can only do this once per year, per model.

Will be interested to hear what others have found.

 

Don't know what your financial position is but you asked for some input so I'll give you mine. Personally, I would not buy a new AM. They just don't hold their value AT ALL. In fact, with the exception of the Ford GT, most exotics plummet in value not long after purchasing them. Let me give you some real numbers to wrap your head around to help illustrate my point. I have a 2008 sport shift vantage with 4K miles. It has every option under the sun including lifetime Sirius radio. I bought my car in brand new condition with some remaining factory warranty for nearly fifty thousand under MSRP. Please know that I love cars. But losing 50 grand on one would somehow take all the FUN right out of it! At least for me.

 

Thats an extremely valid point. Lets be honest though, Cars are always a bad investment and really shouldnt be seen as an investment. Even people who keep cars for a long period of time and keep miles low to try and get appreciation, eventually find that there was no point. The cost of storage, Maintenance etc usually turn out costing more in holding the car than it will ever appreciate.

I did notice the huge drop you talk about in value of pre 2008, but I do wonder if some of that is due to the refresh (I am new so please forgive me for any inaccuracy). It appears to me that 2009 was the intro of the 4.7 liter engine and new updated interior. I find you will always see a plunge in value due to a well done refresh of a car. That being said, I am not delirious enough to think I will be any different than anyone else. I will fall victim to escalated depreciation when the next refresh comes out.

My personal feeling with this is, If you have the money to blow and want to treat yourself then go for it. If you cant afford the car and are reaching to buy one than perhaps the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Something about this car has me throwing out my normal rationale. Its the slowest of the group I am looking at, Its the most expensive to upkeep of the group of cars I considered, and it has the biggest depreciation of the group. But still somehow I yearn for the car...lol its tough being a car nut.

 

I have a felling AM is feeling the sting a bit these days. The first offer from the local dealer was 10% via email. The out of state dealer came down about the same amount, but car came in higher for Transportation costs. I am going to try and push to 15% and see what I find. Both dealers have been sitting on the cars for quite some time. The local dealer has at least been sitting on this particular car for 4 months (I think). I also think with 2012 coming with better navi, they are wanting to clear out old before the better (New) comes in. I really dont care about the navi, as I wont use it much in this car. My Cayenne has the best nav I have seen in any car, and I still barely use that.

I will keep everyone posted as to what I find. Both dealerships are on the East Coast.

 

You're absolutely right. Being a car nut can have a serious impact on your wallet. Therefore, since money is not a major issue for you, I would suggest that you come up with an exact dollar figure you're willing to spend for this car and tell each dealer that number. You then say, the first salesman who makes this happen at that price gets the sale. Let them know that they are within sight of closing the deal. In short, let them know how serious you are. Salesmen are always dealing with tire kickers. Let them know your not one and remember this point "Car dealerships are not in business to sell cars, they're in business to make money". Selling cars just happens to be how they do it.