Success Stories
Edmunds.com visitors tell us how they saved money
Share
your Success Story with us.
Please note: All items sent may be edited for length and/or clarity and may be published or republished by us in any format or medium and/or licensed to others for publication. If we publish your letter or e-mail, we may attribute it to you and may include your name, city and state, unless you expressly request that you remain anonymous. See our Visitor Agreement for more information.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002
Mark M. 12/17/2002
I recently purchased a 2003 Kia Sorento, using your web site to determine what
I considered are reasonable price range for the options I wanted this was my approach.
I decide on an LX trim package, with the only options of alloy wheels, floor mats
and roof rack. I was interested in Silver for the color. I had determined your
MSRP for this vehicle was $22,510 your TMV was $22,400. My price range goals was
$21,600-$21,900. I based this upon Invoice ($205.80)+ Options ($715) + $300 to
$600 dealer profit.
4 Kia dealers quoted MSRP, but one dealer offer $21,900 as the price. So that's
the one I went to visit, after I got there I liked an ebony Sorento better (same
options). I offer them $21,500, stating that was my target price, them came back
with $21,800. I pulled out my check book and said $21,700 and I'll write you a
check, which they took. I came in $700 below your TMV and felt good about it.
Christopher W. 12/15/2002
I want to thank you and your site. I love to read it every week to see which reviews
you post and what new cars are on there way. I am also happy to state that I used
your site to pick up my 2003 Mini Cooper. I was surprised to see how many road
tests you had for the Cooper. I was also glad to see that you even tested the
CVT model. After reading that report several times, I was prepared to go to the
dealer. After test driving a '03 Cooper CVT I was impressed and knew what to expect.
I put down a deposit and picked one up a few weeks later. I only paid MSRP (Luckily
my dealer is into moving Mini's) for such a hot car. Thanks Edmunds.com for giving
me enough information to go and get the car that I wanted.
Rick H. 12/13/2002
Thanks Edmunds. I just took delivery of a special order Avalanche 2500, 4WD with
all the bells and whistles. MSRP was 43,250. I went in to the dealer more prepared
than I have ever been thanks to your website. When they saw the data I had, there
was nothing to negotiate-I bought it at invoice, less a $2,000 rebate plus another
$1,000 cash back. My cost including tax and DMV work was $36,999.29. Their only
profit was the 3% hold back and the 1% advertising cost from GM—when they
knew that I knew that, there was nothing more to discuss—what a pleasant
experience this was thanks to your site.
Eric E. 12/10/2002
Thanks Edmunds!
The research information, recommendations and forum posts on your site helped
me determine that a used 2002 low mileage Hyundai Sonata GLS was the best deal
for my budget. I found one on a local dealer's web site and called them. I told
the salesman his asking price was way out of line and mentioned Edmunds.com. He
acted like he wasn't familiar with your site, but said he'd talk to his manager.
He called back 5 minutes later and dropped the asking price by more than $3000.
I was stunned. The price came down even further after negotiating face to face,
and I got them to finance it BELOW 5%! Thanks Edmunds!
Mike D. 12/7/2002
Just got a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE auto for $23,075 ($23,210 TMV). I used the
internet manager and never had to bother with the back and forth of the four-square.
Your articles and info are more solid gold than even Dick Clark has seen! Thanks
again!
David S. 12/4/2002
I used your site to do all research, narrowing of selection and determine the
price of what I should pay for my 2003 Acura TL-S. Basically I took your TMV and
contacted several outside dealers internet departments, got the prices (which
were dead on the TMV) and went to my local dealer to deal. Your info on Holdbacks
was also invaluable. I went in told the salesman I had the TMV prices for the
area and made my offer, 10 minutes later and after walking away once the salesman
asked if I'd be willing to pay a little more for a local purchase, I told him
about the holdback and that they were not only getting that, but a fair price
over invoice and he said it's a deal on my first offer. I ended up paying 200
under TMV. Thanks for all your wonderful info and I look forward to visiting your
site for more!!
Doug E. 11/25/2002
In short...Thanks for your help! Armed with thorough research gathered from your
site, I went shopping for a 1998 Subaru Outback 5-speed at a very large local
Chevy dealership's used car section. All I took was my budget restriction and
your customized TMV appraisal showing the "others are paying" retail price, which
was my first offer. Amazingly, the store's list price was more than $2000 above
retail Blue Book, and $7600 above your TMV - the highest listed price I'd seen
for this year/model! As expected, they never acknowledged the validity of your
TMV pricing, claiming the Blue Book was the industry standard, but I stuck to
my guns. They blinked first, I gave a little then stood firm, and we settled after
I'd come up $600 and they came down $7000! I have to believe your discussion of
TMV vs. KBB was right on the mark. They knew who you were, and I imagine they
knew exactly what your TMV pricing means. Good luck to you, and I hope it catches
on as a new "industry standard" for those who do their homework.
Erin M. 11/14/2002
Thank you soooo much for your information! I just leased a 2003 Audi A4 1.8T.
Your information on the vehicle, and leasing itself, was invaluable. As a single
female, I knew I had to have my stuff together so that I would not get taken advantage
of. Well let me tell you that I sat there with my calculator and my Edmunds printout
and played hardball. I was able to get my car for $1000 dollars less than your
TMV quote and saved an additional $450 when I asked them to waive the security
deposit. I felt comfortable and confidant when I signed that contract. I followed
your advice on the test-drive and asked all of the right questions. As I was leaving,
the salesman said it was obvious I had done my homework and that he hoped his
next sale wasn't as tough. So thank you so much for the service you provide, forever
grateful..........
John P. 11/11/2002
I just bought a 2003 Impala Base with 1SB and Custom trim 60/40 seat package:
including 6 way power driver seat driver side-manual lumbar, and split folding
rear seat. The cost? $18,000.00!!! After manufacturer and dealer rebates,
the price was wonderful!!! The real success is that I offered another dealership
$20,800 for the same vehicle and he turned me down. Said he couldn't sell it at
such a cheap price because of a $1500 cash back offer. So, like any sensible person
who had been reading Edmunds.com buying advice (and knew the invoice price). I
very nicely said "thank you" and walked away. Because I was willing to walk away,
I got this unbelievable deal way below invoice. Thank you.
Jim W. 10/30/2002
A big THANKS to you guys for your website! I walked out of the dealer paying $1700
under invoice for a 2003 Durango! I was trying to get a 2002 at a special deal
price that they were offering in the papers and on the radio. When I got to the
dealers, there were no more 2002, so, of course, they wanted to sell me the 2003
(at a MUCH higher price per month). Interesting.... Well armed with numbers from
your website, I let them know that I was there for a 2002 or a 2003 with a 2002
price and that I would fully understand if they couldn't do it.
Well, they did it.
After all was said and done, they said "Man, you came with your numbers, you came
with your numbers..." I am 100% confident that I saved a ton of money having all
those printouts to fall back on! THANKS AGAIN -
Jason K. 10/23/2002
Thank You! You made my task of researching and buying my car the most favorable
internet experience ever! After going to other websites and doing internet searches
for information on the vehicle I wanted to purchase, I remembered that in the
past I went to Edmunds.com per a friend's advice, so I went to your site once
again. Its amazing that in this day and age of technology and the internet revolution,
no one else has a site that is so easy to use and full of tangible information!
I since bought my 2002 CRV EX via a banner ad on your site from my local dealership,
Autowest Honda, after much research from your site. This referral from your site
turned out to be the best car buying experience also! The only thing I would suggest
is more up to date videos and write-ups on newer vehicles sooner, but besides
that you can bet I look forward to referring my friends and family to you for
your excellence in editing, commentary and support in local high-quality dealerships.
Bernard C. 10/8/2002
THANK YOU! I just bought a new 2002 Nissan Maxima SE today. Because of all of
the information on your website I made a really great deal. I paid $400 LESS THAN
the TMV price you listed. I saw someone else's testimonial that summed it up best...
"Information is power!"
Again, I'd like to thank you for providing such a valuable service!
Sean M. 10/4/2002
Hi, my name is Sean Myers. My wife and I were interested in the 0% financing
that has been available and I remembered I had visited your site and found it
very informative. We decided to look at Mazda 626s so I started doing research
on your site. I used your advice on how to deal with the dealer and it worked
out great. After the initial test drive they told me they would come down $500
off the $24110 sticker price. After telling them that I had done my homework and
I felt that $22500 was a fair price, they informed me there was no way they could
do that. It would be taking a loss on the car. After haggling a bit and leaving.
I came back the next day and bought the car for $22500. I am on cloud 9. Not only
do we get the car at a great price I also get the memory of the look on the general
manager at the time of the sale. Needless to say he wasn't all handshakes and
smiles. I will never be afraid of a car dealership again. Thank you Edmunds!!!
John W. 10/3/2002
Edmunds is the best!!!!!!! I told my sales representative, that I was looking
for an "Edmunds" deal. He gave me $300.00 over invoice fully loaded, plus the
$2500 rebate.
Paul K. 9/20/2002
Today my wife and I bought a 2000 Honda Odyssey LX from a local Honda dealer.
Thanks to your website, I knew about how much I should pay from researching the
car on TMV. I also knew all the specifics of the vehicle. I'd venture to say I
was more informed about the Odyssey than our salesman, who was no slouch himself.
Our new van has about 27200 miles on it, has the upgraded stereo with 6-disc in-dash
changer, and is a Honda Certified Used Vehicle. We paid $21,500 before TTL&fees.
I also had the dealer run a Carfax.com title check - all OK. I was very happy
with our purchase at the time we left the dealer and am happier now that I've
found that the TMV price for this vehicle is $23,503. We paid $2000 LESS than
TMV®; a truly good deal. Thanks for helping to create a legion
of informed and educated car buyers.
Robert Z. 9/18/2002
Wanted to take a moment to thank you for your services! I have been an Edmunds.com
user and fan for many years (even before the evolution of TMV pricing! , remember
the 3% above invoice rule-of-thumb?). Once again, I have been able to use the
information provided by your web-site to provide me with data and leverage, to
obtain my best position in negotiations. This time, I was able to do so with two
transactions - buying a new car, and selling my car as a Private Party.
With my new car purchase, I negotiated an aggressive deal that I don't think I
could get twice! On the sale of my car, I was able to get the full asking price
for my vehicle - which based on the options of my vehicle, was Edmunds TMV price!.
The buyers are very satisfied, and even stated that the price was fair for the
great condition my car was in. Your data seems to be right on relative to Private
Party pricing.
FYI, I was not so lucky on the Trade-In side. Edmunds.com listed $4,494 (happy
to provide details) for Trade-In. The best offer I received from a dealer was
$2,900. Obviously, these numbers aren't even in the same ballpark. I even experienced
one dealer willing to walk-away from the entire purchase transaction if I insisted
on continue to include the Trade-in as part of the negotiations. Incidentally,
Edmunds.com is not alone. I was also prepared with data from NADA.com, kbb.com,
and consumerreports.org's Car Buying Service (fee-based). The problem is, dealers
are playing the wholesale game, and passing those figures off to consumers as
"Trade-in". So, this was frustrating, but the point is your site helped assure
me with confidence that I could take my car to the market as a Private Party seller
and get what I knew the car was worth!
Keep up the great work, and great site.
Andrew E. 9/17/2002
I have been researching cars on Edmunds for about 3 years now. I read with great
interest the 'How to lease a car' section, and found the information to be right
on the mark. When I finally decided on a car, the 2003 VW Jetta GLI , I went to
the dealer and mentioned that I had done all my research on Edmunds. Their price
came in more than $1400 under the TMV, but I remembered from the site that the
dealers make their money in the leasing office, and that the deal is not done
until you drive off the lot. Sure enough, the lease agent tried to sell me everything
from the extended warranty to the twice a year polymer coating. Seemed upset when
I refused both, but the normal warranty covers the length of my lease. When the
lease was printed, there was an extra $350 security, which the salesman told me
would be waived, on the printout. The leasing agent told me nothing could be done...until
I collected my wallet and checkbook off his desk and told him that I had agreed
on a certain figure, and if that was not the case, I'd be going. He excused himself,
returned with the salesman, and changed the figures. Thanks to Edmunds, I got
exactly what I wanted at a great price. Thank you!
Ledford R. 9/13/2002
Thanks to your Town Hall chat forum, I was able to solve a problem with my 2000
Toyota Avalon Battery discharging. The trunk light was staying on after the trunk
was closed. I am sure it would have taken the dealer forever to find the problem,
if ever. Even the dealer was impressed that I found a way to find the problem!
I passed on your Town Hall address to him in case he needs help in the future.
Thanks again and I will surely be using Town Hall again in the future for any
info and problem solving!
ANorelius 9/13/2002
Used your TMV pricing and held the line. The dealer wanted $2K more for a 2000
Cadillac Deville DTS after reducing his price as an Internet offer. I walked,
found an identical car (also on the Web) two days later at another dealership.
Offered below TMV and settled for less than TMV. GREAT CAR at less than I was
willing to pay! Thank you, thank you.
Linda J. 9/10/2002
I would NEVER buy a car . . . . without first reading everything on your website.
Some time ago I discovered Edmund's.com and read EVERYTHING, followed all the
links, and wrote pages of notes. I was ready. I knew exactly what car I wanted
based on features, color, size, and price. I knew how much I should pay and what
NOT to pay for. Made an appt. with the fleet manager and was in and out of his
office within a couple of hours. No tricks, no hassles, just the price and car
I wanted. Went back the next day to pick up my shiny new 1999 Nissan Altima. I
paid $300 over their invoice cost and no added fees. Way below the sticker price.
THAT WAS FUN!
Now it's 2002 and I want another car. Back to Edmund's.com to do my research.
Made my decision to buy a 2002 Honda Civic EX. This time I called the fleet manager
and made the deal over the phone. Had him cut out the holdback fee, deduct the
incentive, and made sure no advertising fees were included either as I was buying
the car at the end of August, right before their incentive program expired. The
whole process took an hour or so and was enjoyable. Went in the next day to pick
up my new "baby". I saved over $3000. THAT WAS EVEN MORE FUN!
As a woman, I feel that salesmen take advantage of you and think that because
you're a woman, you don't know anything about car buying. After reading all the
information found at Edmund's.com, I felt like I knew more than the salemen did!
They knew from the get-go that I had done my homework and there were no haggles
or tricks. Plus if you don't even deal w/the salesmen and go directly to a fleet
mgr, the process is even easier! If you don't take advantage of all the information
found at Edmund's.com, you deserve to be taken to the cleaners!!
Thank you so very much for your service!!
Denise W. 9/5/2002
I bought a 2000 Solara and thanks to your pricing I came in $1000 below even your
suggested retail price and $4000 below the dealers first offer (and that was before
my trade in). Ultimately I decided to keep my '95 Stratus for my teenagers to
drive.
E.R.B. 8/19/2002
I recently purchased a new Toyota Camry, and thanks to your information and price
guide, I saved $2,000. off the sticker! I also sold my 1996 Nissan for a higher
price, than others had sugested, thanks to your used car pricing. Between Consumer
Reports and your service, I know I purchased a great car at a great price.
Thank You!
Nicholas W. 8/5/2002
My wife was looking for a new car, and really liked the 2002 Hyundai XG350L. We
had an older car for a trade. The initial discussions with the dealer were very
much in their favor. Using Edmund's, I determined the true market value of both
the new and old car, phoned the dealer, and told them my offer. The dealer called
back offering a demo instead of a new car, and I would not consider it. They called
back later and met my price. Your service saved me $2,500 and allowed me to negotiate
over the phone, which is much more powerful than in the showroom. You provide
a valuable service to the public.
Thanks for the help.
Jerry G. 7/26/2002
I just wanted to let you know this is the third time. I used your system for three
years and a row. The first year I bought a 2000 Firebird with a savings of $3,000
and then a year later I bought a 2001 Silverado fully loaded like my firebird
and I saved $2,000, I just purchased a 2002 GMC Envoy and I really saved a bundle
this time $4,000 dollars and they even payed my truck off. All I know is your
system is working for me so I'm buying me a new one every year now I dont have
to worrying about getting the ole shaft from the dealers. Now I'm walking in and
leaving with great deals and great confidence about getting the deal I want and
the vehicle I want also. Thanks again for a great job of this site you have if
it wasn't for you guys I would've gotten beat by the dealer's again I'm grateful
for your help. I am a very satisfied customer for three years in a row.
Mike H. 7/26/2002
I've been a reader of edmunds.com for several months while I was researching 2002
Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Editions. Edmunds really helped me know ahead of time
what everything should cost and what to expect from the salespeople. I was able
to locate two identical vehicles at nearby dealerships which further helped me
to get a good price.
Armed with the information from Edmunds, once I chose my Jeep, the entire deal
and F&I process only took about an hour, and most of that was because I read everything
carefully. There was only one back and forth required when I informed them that
their offer (which was reasonable), was $100 higher than the first dealership.
They matched the price and I saved the extra $100. Of course, they "forgot" to
put the extra $100 on the F&I paperwork but they didn't get that one by me. Once
they realized I knew my stuff, they didn't even try to mess with me. They never
tried to sneak any dealer prep fees, or any advertising fess in, which actually
surprised me as I was on guard for it. In the end, the numbers came out to the
penny on what the purchase price + tax+ title should have been! I was thrilled.
Furthermore, I got the free 7 year / 100,000 mile power train warranty and financed
my vehicle for 0% interest! While the salesperson was in the back I snuck a look
at his "profit sheet" which basically tells him the commissionable profit he made.
They only made a profit from the holdback and even part of the holdback was used
to cover the difference between the purchase price and the invoice cost. I got
a good price and the dealer made somewhere in the range of 2.8%-3.0% profit on
the car. Everybody came out a winner.
K. S. 7/22/2002
I'm writing to tell you how incredibly useful and informative I found Edmunds.com.
Without it, I would have been snowed over yet again by a new car dealer.
I purchased a new car in 1999 and the experience left me with a bad taste in my
mouth. After spending several nights researching at Edmunds.com I knew exactly
where I went wrong and how I fell for the salesman's tricks like most do. I vowed
it would not happen again and journeyed to the VW dealer with an arsenal of information.
My fiancée and I were shopping for a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS with an automatic
transmission and no other options as that's what fit our budget. However we ended
up with much more and because of tools like the TMV calculator and insightful
articles like "Confessions of a Car Salesman" we were able to haggle like a pro.
We began bargaining on a stripped down Jetta GLS with our salesman trying to sway
us toward a loaded GLS several times. I knew exactly what to expect at every step
of the process and cut the dealer of at the pass every time. Sure enough the 4-square
sheet, confusing odd numbers and the good old "it won't last long" all made an
appearance. The game ensued for over 5 hours and 4 different "closers" as we haggled.
F. P. 7/19/2002
I just wanted to let you know that like all other success stories I too walk into
the dealership with the TMV on my new Protege 5. Determined to not pay much above
TMV, I saved almost 1,800!!! The dealership even admitted that they had marked-up
the price of the Protege 5 because of its demand. Thanks to you guys I know I
didn't get taken for a ride. Your website is truly a great to have available.
Thanks.
Judy W.
7/15/2002
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you, I am a 38 year old female, I recently let
my car battery run down by accidentally leaving my radio on. I needed my car badly
to get to work, the only help I could get was a girlfriend that also did not know
how to hook up batteries cables, I have batteries cables but not the slightest
clue how to hook them, Yes I am Blonde.;) I was able to print out instructions
from your site with pictures even. Yeah! I got my car started, thanks SO Much.
Michael J. 7/15/2002
I just wanted to say keep up the good work! I purchased a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
Trac recently and was able to negotiate a deal within $10 of Edmunds TMV. I walked
out of the first dealership when they would barley lower the price from the MSRP.
However, I was resolved to not purchase anything priced above the TMV and ended
up purchasing the car from a competing dealership in the Dallas-Fort Worth. I
saved almost $1,800.00!
Chris V. 7/15/2002
Sirs:
I spent a great amount of time comparing trucks to replace the 1995 Nissan truck
my wife currently drives. After deciding upon a large, mid and small truck I let
my wife pick the make she wanted. She chose the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. Based
on the information provided by your site and some tidbits gathered from friends
in the industry I went and "got my hands dirty".
Your information about "holdback" ultimately put the deal over the top. I ended
up with a vehicle that I expected to pay $17,900 plus tax and title. Instead,
tax, title and some options not anticipated (like bed liner) the total price was
$17,500. I feel very pleased with the vehicle chosen and the price paid.
I could not have come close to the price without the help of Edmunds.
Jamie L. 7/15/2002
I just wanted to thank you for the service you provide. Recently, I had to purchaseI
a new car while visiting my parents in the Los Angeles area. My husband and I
used your site to research small wagons and came up with the Toyota Matrix. This
was the first new car I'd purchased in 15 years, and I was dreading it. But the
information you provided was excellent and I felt confident about finding what
I wanted at a price I could be happy with. It turned out that I received a quote
using one of your advertisements that beat all the other quotes I'd received -
and they were the only ones that had the car I wanted in stock. They were wonderful.
I bought the car and was able to return home just a few days later than originally
planned. For the first time, purchasing a new car was painless - in fact, it was
rather fun! Thank you, again. Jamie Andres-Larsen
Marty R. 7/14/2002
I have been using edmunds.com for the last couple years. You have saved me thousands
of dollars that I would not have been able to otherwise. I bought a 2002 Chevy
S-10 for three thousand under the sticker price, a 2001 Chevy Impala for four
thousand six hundred under the sticker, and I was able to negotiate a much better
deal on a 94 Chevy Camaro, all by using your TMV pricing and especially by using
your new car buying tips. I was amazed at just how much the salesman followed
all the steps and "tricks of the trade" that were talked about on this site. Thanks
for the education. I plan to visit this site and all the links very often in the
future.
Albert F. 7/14/2002
You website was absolutely invaluable during our recent car purchasing experience.
With so much information at hand, we became totally empowered consumers, and were
able to negotiate a selling price on a 2002 Audi A6 that was almost $1,000 BELOW
your listed TMV!!!! My favorite moment, however, was at a Cadillac dealership
when the salesperson started feeding us the line about the car selling for MSRP
because of popularity. When I notified him that I was fully aware of the invoice
price and had no intention of paying sticker price, a quick trip to his manager
resulted in his lowering his quote by $1,200, and that was even BEFORE there was
any further negotiation. I'm certain that if we hadn't researched the cars so
thoroughly on your website, we would have easily been taken to the cleaners and
hung out to dry!!!! Your TMV, the invoice info you provided, and your advice on
fair profit margins, saved us A LOT of money, and we THANK YOU!!!! If you're ever
in CT, come on by and we'll take you for a spin!!!!!
Albert F.
David P. 7/10/2002
My wife and I are having our first child and we thought it would be a great time
to trade-up to two vehicles that would last awhile without much trouble; also
safety was a great concern. We came to your website and found a great deal of
information that helped us pick the two: Lexus RX300 and ES300. Then, with the
TMV values clearly spelled out, I went to the dealer with my "folder" of information
and they didn't try to take me. I offered them $31,800 for the ES300 with premium
package #1 and window tinting and they accepted ( $455 per month, 36 month lease
$19650 residual, TTL and first down), and $34,000 for the RX300 with premium package
plus with rear wing (+TTL) on a purchase with a 5.6% 48 month rate. Thank you
so much for the help. I now look at the TMV to find out I really did get a fair
deal for both sides, which is what we wanted. You are great.
Joseph H. 7/9/2002
I just bought my first car, a Nissan Maxima and I have you to thank for it. I
love cars and have always used your site for information on new vehicles and reliability
reports. Recently I decided to buy a new car and used an online auto broker. I
was very happy with the service but the price wasn't the best. The next day I
came to your web site to do some more research and a page popped up to send e-mail
to several local dealers. I selected the one I didn't already contact and within
2 hours, Alta (a sales rep from Royal Nissan in Baton Rouge), contacted me and
gave me a great price. To make a long story short, between two dealers "fighting"
for my business, I got the perfect car at a very fair price. Both Glen and Alta
were very pleasant and professional to deal with. Buying a car without Edmunds
is like skydiving without a parachute. Thanks so much for the valuable and free
information. I will push your website until my last breath.
Alfred G. 6/19/2002
Dear Edmunds:
At the age of 38, I just bought my first car! (I live in New York City, so it's
not _that_ unusual.) I could never have done it without Edmunds.com. The balance
of information and advice on the site was both helpful and incredibly reassuring.
I feel that I had the chance to consider 3X as many vehicles as I could have taken
seriously without your help. Thanks and I will see you again in a few years!
John S. 6/17/2002
I wanted a good used car and thought this could not be done with confidence. I
worried I would have payments close to those of new car with none of the benefits.
I changed my mind after reading Edmunds site regarding buying used. Originally
I thought that buying from an individual I could save a few bucks, but ended up
buying a certified car from a dealer. This gave me 1.5 years of factory warranty
on a 3.5 year old Acura Integra GSR and a dealership to go back to if things go
wrong. I ended up buying with confidence and was well satisfied not to pay the
new price. Oh, and that part about paying more, I didn't. That's because I took
the print out of the TMV, that along with the CarFax allowed me to negotiate from
an informed point of view. When I offered Edmunds TMV (, they declined until I
pointed out from the CarFax, that the car had been bought by the dealership 2.5
months earlier, and said based on this I said my offer was firm. In addition,
I used the strategy of putting a certified check on the table and asked them to
help me sign it. Worked like a charm.
Thanks Edmunds, I couldn't have done nearly so well without you!
Adam R. 6/16/2002
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R. I am just writing to express
my thanks through all of your in depth reviews, TMV, and comparisons. The TMV
helped to get a deal equal to invoice price excluding tax and such. The 10 Steps
helped me to be able to bargain quite nicely, but being that I knew all of the
prices on packages of the car, bargaining was easy. Being that this was my first
car purchase, I was not intimated at all thanks to all your help! Good thing my
mom knew about your website and relayed it to me. Thanks again for all your help,
and believe me, I'll be passing on the name of Edmunds.
Richard B. 6/6/2002
I am the happy new owner of a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche truck. I want to thank
Edmunds for first helping me learn all about the vehicle so as to make an informed
purchase. Secondly, Edmunds made it possible for me to walk in to the showroom,
armed with the knowledge on vehicle pricing, and able to negotiate a price within
a few dollars of your TMV.
I was not able to negotiate a discount on a GM extended warranty, however, as
the dealer claimed that FL insurance law prohibits discounting an insurance product.
I have been unable to substantiate this, but overall, I was very satisfied with
my vehicle purchase, and with the deal that I made.
I am confident that following Edmunds TMV concept saved me at least 2000 dollars
on my purchase, and perhaps more. Thanks to Edmunds
Richard R. 6/6/2002
Your car information and TMV was a great help in my search for a new Camry. It
allowed me to quickly weed out the spurious quotes and hone in on the better values.
Further, everything was completed on the net and by phone so all my wife and I
had to do was go to the dealership to select a color and set up the delivery date.
I have taken bids in the past, but your data combined with the internet made the
process rapid, smooth and enjoyable.
Michael C. 6/2/2002
The information I was armed with when purchasing my 1999 Lexus LS 400 and when
trading my 1996 Lexus LS 400 was invaluable. I got a Private Party trade-in allowance
and bought the '99 just above the Private Party price. Had I been flying blind,
without the Edmunds info to track my deal, who knows what might have happened?
All I know is when I finished, I was $6000 better off than when I first sat down
with the salesman.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002
Share
your Success Story with us.
|
