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Originally Posted by geoff5093
Some of you may have seen my last thread, but so far everything looks good for me getting a brand new 2007 Camry CE!! It all depends on the price, but im hoping to get it down to $17K or so. Included in the price is a free extended 10 year / 100K miles powertrain warranty, 2 new sets of tires for free, and a couple other goodies.
I went for a test drive (with the auto), and it was a great car, but the salesman was in the car with me, so I didnt want to do any crazy things with it.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should look for during the test drive, or what I should ask for before I sign for it?
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Well, first of all, congratulations for thinking in terms of "new Camry" when it comes to making a decision like this. Sure, folks are trying to "talk you up" to a higher level Camry, but at the prices you're looking for, the "competition" is more like a lot of the much smaller, noiser little "econoboxes." As compared to those cars, even the CE-level Camry will probably be as well-equipped, if not better, than the others. So, I think it's a pretty darn good, mature choice you're making, along with fighting for a fantastic deal in order to make it happen.
So, here are my suggestions:
1.
DON'T "do any crazy things with it." Can you afford to waste $17,000 by ruining a brand-new car? Treat your car with care, and it'll take care of you for many, many years.
2. Test-drive
EVERYTHING. Yes, test-drive an LE. Test-drive both a manual and an automatic CE. Test-drive anything else that might interest you that you could get for the same money. You may have already done quite a bit of this already, but just keep on test-driving cars until you're sure you're choosing a car that you will really be happy with for years to come.
3. Pay very special attention to your driver seat. Make sure, above all else, that you're happy with your driver seat. Over the years, I've seen people describe being both "very happy" and "I can't stand it!" in regards to virtually any driver seat in any car offered -- it's a very personal thing. So, make sure that the seat you wind up buying is a seat you are very happy with.
4. Pay attention to rattles or other noises you may hear.
5. Once you get down to the exact car you're going to buy, go over it "with a fine toothed comb," about 10 times. Look at every single detail you can find:
Do the doors line up with the body?
Is the upholstery all correct?
Are there any fit and finish issues with the interior panels?
Are there any fit and finish issues with the exterior of the car?
Are there any problems with the paint?
And on and on and on. If you see anything, even the tiniest little thing out of place, then get them to fix it before you take delivery.
6. Beware of the "paperwork process." They will try to sell you an extended service contract, and they could quote a price for anywhere between in incredible range -- maybe $500 through $3,000. Most likely, you'll hear a price around $1,500. Take it, don't take it, try to negotiate a cheaper price, or whatever you want to do, but be aware of extended service contracts before going in and doing the deal. Bear in mind that you can usually get these for INSANELY lower prices online than whatever your dealer will try to charge you.
Also, beware of things like "gap insurance" if you're financing the car. Make sure you know what good interest rates are. And so on. You could get a good deal on the car's price, but then "get screwed" in the financing. So, again, make sure you know about this stuff, as much as you can, before you go in there.
7. Finally, remember one thing: For all of the pressure your dealership might put you under, you really are in control of the deal. If the price isn't what you want, if the car isn't what you want, if anything isn't what you want, all you have to do is shake your head and say, "No, that's not what I want -- thanks for your time, but I won't buy that from you." And then walk out the door.
"Walking out the door" is your most powerful weapon. If price is an issue, make sure to tell them how you just won't pay more than whatever amount it is that you want to stick to.
Obviously, the desire to get a new car is always a strong one. And, of course, "deal in good faith," and hopefully your dealer will do so, as well. But, if you have a question, don't be afraid to ask it. If you're unsure about anything, ask them to clarify it for you. Just be as aware of everything that you can possibly can get, and in the end, remember one thing: Toyota isn't going to stop making these cars. You don't have to get "that" one that you happen to be working on during any given day. Yes, you
can wait another day or another week or another month, and keep on working in the meantime to get exactly the car you want at the best price you can get.
So, relax, and have fun with the hunt!
Finally getting a new car! (hopefully)
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