Unfortunately it's that time to start the fun process of buying a car. I want a certified pre-owned- 1 owner/ low miles/ etc and am looking at the Lexus RX350 and Acura RDX.
Does anyone have tips to this process? USAA has a car buying service through Truecar- anyone have experience with this?
Should I have financing arranged before going to the dealer? Any advantages to financing through the dealer or paying in cash?
Any general tips on this process and how to get a fair deal would be appreciated. Thanks.
Can I ask why those cars? What are you willing to spend? (Those cars are obviously in the low 30s, but just checking)
Kids? Need for a 3rd row (which these dont offer)
How much you plan on putting down? Miles a year?
I ask all this because after owning both of those cars, I have now been converted to a lease and specifically through Infiniti. With good negotiating and timing, there is no better deal than the Qx60 Premium 12K a year mileage. Its just a better, bigger car with more features and bang for the buck.
Regarding your questions. Financing is likely best through lexus and acura, you should be able to get 1.9% usually. I would just shop around to 3+ dealerships for your CPO and create a spreadsheet to compare all the prices and features and just play them against each other. If youre not in any rush just keep stringing them along and soon enough (ideally end of next month) you will get a solid deal.
No need for a 3rd row- only have 1 baby. Probably will only do 10K a year. This will be a family car used on the weekends, not for a long commute anywhere. Don't need a big suv, but want enough to pack things easily.
What made you switch to Infiniti? Why wait until end of next month? I assume because of end of Q1, but does it make that much of a difference?
No need for a 3rd row- only have 1 baby. Probably will only do 10K a year. This will be a family car used on the weekends, not for a long commute anywhere. Don't need a big suv, but want enough to pack things easily.
What made you switch to Infiniti? Why wait until end of next month? I assume because of end of Q1, but does it make that much of a difference?
10k?? DEFINITELY LEASE!
Infiniti is the same quality, comfort, tech, durability, and efficiency with better styling and much better pricing.
End of Q is significantly better, I buy all my cars at 10 pm on the last day of the month. High volume dealerships are pushing to make their #s and will take a loss even to get their dealer-wide rebates/benefits.
If you're set on the CPO I would do as I mentioned, look at whos offering promotional financing and head to 2-3 dealerships and get pricing on all the cars that you like - negotiate for a few hours, get their best pricing in person. And leave.
If you know what you want to pay (which should be 3-4K less than what they say is their best price) tell them to call you when theyre ready to meet that price and you have 5 other cars similarly spec'd that you want to check out. If you do this enough times, youll get your price.
Still, recommend the lease - at 10k miles you could get a QX60 fully loaded for $400 a month 0 money down for 39 months quiet easily, possibly better.