Step 1: Configure Your New Car Online
Your first step is to get your specific configuration information from one of several sites. This step is important because you need your exact car details to compare pricing.
Here's what you need to get on your new car quote:
- Make or manufacturer information
- Model or specific version number
- Detailed list of all options
- Specific groupings (sport package, audio system, etc.)
- MSRP - Window sticker price for that exact configuration
Why do this?
Simple answer: You'll lock-in savings of 10% off MSRP list price. You
simply select the
exact make, model, and features you want. Then, you'll develop a list of dealers willing to
compete strictly on price for your business using this exact model and set of options.
Here's the list of car buying sites.
Objectives:
1. Work up basic configuration and options list
2. Build a quote file folder of pricing and dealer sources
Advantages:
1. Shopping online is a hassle-free way to compare cars
2. You’ll already see approximate savings of 5-8% off list price
Action items:
1. Get quotes from at least three of the ten sites listed below
2. Assemble your “baseline pricing” and dealer sources
Time required:
1. Deciding on make - model - options - Varies (depends on your
decision making)
2. Getting five quotes & dealer contacts - 25 minutes
Getting started
Now its time for the fun part - going online and putting together your car with
the options you need. Do that first before you start adding extras that you
“want” but don’t necessarily “need.”
Keep your focus on just the main items that you need right now. We’ll cover the
best ways to add other options at the best price later.
What to do
Online car sites are great - Talk about a time saver! You can explore virtual
models, colors, and configurations in minutes compared with the hours of
high-stress time you’d spend traipsing around to various car dealers.
We provide the top ten sites and recommend that you use at least five of them in
Steps 1-3. That’s because you want to build a list of ten dealers to fax your quotes to.
Websites are listed in alphabetical order with a capsule description of each. They’re just a quick click away for your “test drive.”
Next: Car Buying Sites Related: Dealer Invoice Sites