Your Chances for a Sweetheart Deal 

Did you ever hear someone say, "I just got a sweetheart deal on a car I just bought?"  Chances are, they really didn't--especially if they bought from a dealer.  Chances are, they're trying to impress you with their "great negotiating skills," they want you to think they're "smart," they're trying to convince themselves they weren't "taken" on the deal, or they really don't have a clue about car pricing and mark-ups.

Chances are, only the dealer got a sweetheart deal; at best, the buyer likely paid the going rate for the vehicle.

Auto dealers aren't in business to lose money on cars.  All of their extensive (and expensive) advertising, facilities, staff, utilities, and financing costs add up.  They have to pay for it somehow, and they do so by marking up their inventory to pay for it.  However, they don’t just mark it up by enough to pay their expenses--that would make them be a non-profit organization.  As far as I know, there are no auto dealerships with a non-profit status. 

Legitimate dealers have to mark-up their cars to stay in business, but they don’t have to overcharge--though many do so.  The way to avoid being overcharged is to "shop smart."

What is the right amount to pay for a car that would be a good deal for both you and the dealer?  It all depends on what you are looking for, what you want/need in terms of "options," and what the "going rate" is for the combination you've chosen.   If you would like to know the value of the car you're looking to purchase, just email me, and I’ll forward the cost you should expect to pay.  If you're prepared to "shop smart," then chances are you'll know a sweetheart deal if it's there for the taking.