January 31, 2016
There are many ways to impose value onto an automaker, but what yields the most accurate appraisal? One could say automaker X makes the best product, because a professional critic deemed it so. However, another could assert; that while technically impressive; all that really matters are the sales. I.e. Audi leads the luxury automaker market from a critical perspective, but Lexus sells more of their products; who is superior? Exploring further, Lexus may have physically moved more automobiles off of their production lines; each Audi sold each for a higher margin. Is the argument now; the company that earns more is worth more (literally yes unless they are heavily leveraged and... (no further digression)). Digression aside; this would imply that company is only as good as their marketing department is effective. That does not seem right. That begets a bias in favor of established corporations, which comes as a detriment to both the consumer and to fresh competition, (which is double damage for prospective buyers). If marketing be the only factor, ingenuity will take the back seat to simply out spending your opposition. Unfortunately, this is how car shopping was handled until frequently. The biggest factor in which car one chose, was whether or not one was exposed to it. A person would buy a car because they saw an ad in whatever medium they preferred; be it a flyer in a newspaper or a television commercial. Then upon walking onto the showroom floor, their only education came from a heavily biased party (a salesman). That could not be further from the truth, in the modern automotive market. For example, Tesla Motors has no traditional mass marketing mediums; all of their publicity comes from press events and critical accolades (peppered with a few detractions). This is possible because the internet. On it, one can learn anything and everything about a potential purchase from an abundance of online databases, preferably Auto Publishers. Now, that one is not victim to ignorance; they need not blindly follow the bigotry of a bloodthirsty sale succubus. To avoid such a vexation; one should carefully choose their prey, and research it thoroughly before even tangling with such an antagonist. After proper auto evaluation, one must remember that is in their best interest to hunt for more prestigious prey, before settling with the cheaper option. Even if the imposed monetary auto evaluation, of the buyer’s ideal, but expensive option, is beyond one’s budget, one should never dismiss it before taking a shot at it. Even at a dealership, there is far more wiggle room than advertised. Salesmen and dealers are typically competing with one another for sales numbers, not prices. Thus, in some senses, a sale is a sale. If they sell more products for less each, their commission is compensated with bonuses from total sales. If haggling is not your cup of tea, there are creative ways around sticker price. Most ‘new’ cars are indistinguishable from the specimens of the same generation (even up to 8 years old). Therefore, don’t rule out a used older model (even if only as a bluff, to drop the price of a new car), nor the surprising effects of a well rehearsed low ball; paired with patience and maybe a well placed lie or two. Many may have qualms with dishonesty, and it indeed a bit lacking in scruples, but never forget; thou dost not deal with noble Houyhnhnms who cannot say “the thing which [is] not” (a lie). It is in the dealer’s best interest to misrepresent facts, especially in regards to what is the best price they can offer. On the topic of bending the truth, there is more than one way to save money on a car. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of interest adds up, you should check what a Credit Union will offer before entering the dealership. Or not… you can just fabricate a number that you are comfortable with, you might be surprised to find them matching or exceeding it. If they openly distort the truth, and are comfortable offering less; why should you be honest as to what prices other dealers will offer or what APR your credit union (or bank) offered. There is no shame in how the sale is agreed upon; as long as both parties consent. If all else fails, prioritized budgeting can work wonders, even without much sacrifice. And, with gas prices so low, car sales going down, and innovation exponentially increasing; now is the best time to buy a new car.