Finally decided on my new car

Mike, you raise some valid points about the Accord. I've tried to check one out since their quality, reliability, and retained value make them an attractive option. Unfortunately being 6'5" tall I don't fit, as my head is smashed into the headliner. :(
 
Well things can change pretty fast. Since you have to go to the top model of Avalon just to get 8-way passenger power seats, the price got a bit out of my range. They did not want to make us the deal of the month to keep us interested, so we had to look into alternatives.

The Accord was a good idea, but I don't really like them (Honda in general)
The Audi A3 is just too small

So we went and looked at the Buick LaCrosse last night because we are now in a slightly higher price range altogether to get the seating we want. I was really expecting a higher priced Chevy, but was really surprised. I had never owned a Buick because they were always a bit more money than the rest of GM line. I was really surprised when we got there. They actually had the 2014 with the colors we wanted sitting right in the showroom with nice pin-striping and only one extra option. We drove one similar and the ride was beautiful only bettered by the Chrysler 300. The doors are heavy and solid and the sound dampening is spectacular, inside and outside. We also plugged in my USB stick in and sat in the car to check out the sound system. The guys in the showroom could barely hear Adrian Belew Side 4 Live blasting from inside the car.

The best part was they really wanted to sell the 2014s. They had $4K off sticker with 0% financing. We worked the extended warranty down and haggled more off the sticker. We eventually worked our way down to 12.5% off the sticker and decent numbers on the warranty. Looks like since it is raining heavy all day today, we will get it tomorrow afternoon.

The best thing ever, is I will finally have that Top Of The Line BOSE Audio system I have always wanted :)
 
Brian - how many toyota dealers do have within 100 miles of you? If more than three, I will tell you my car buying strategy. Never fails.

You go to each of their websites. Find their email for websales or fax number if they don't have one. Then, send an email and/or fax to each of them - separately.

In the email/fax - tell them you are serious, you are going to buy before Sept. 30, you want this model, in either of these colors (or one color), with these options (list them). Tell them you are ONLY buying on price - nothing else matters (read: we don't give two craps about how nice your parts department is). Give them a deadline for response and all your contact info (one of them is likely to say "we will beat the best price you get".)

If you have 5-10 dealers within 100 miles - you will be shocked at how good a price you can get. SOME will give you sticker price (because they are smart asses). Some will wait until the deadline and literally you will end up with 2 or 3 battling back and forth ($20 here, $50 there) until you are down to very close to cost. Why? Dealer incentives from the manufacturer drive them at the end of the month.

I've bought several cars this way and helped many friends do the same.

Good luck.


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Mike, no matter what Toyota can do, any of the dealers, they are not discounting the car enough because there are so few left. Toyota Incentives are $1000 and 0% financing, while the Buick (sticker price already $4k below Toyota) was $5k off sticker or $4k and 0% (plus we worked them down more)

So after all the haggling, I would maybe get down to $39k out the door on the Avalon, while I am getting under $36k out the door with exactly the features I would want and use. (and my wife is extremely happy now as she was never as keen as I on the Toyota) The ride is so much nicer in the Buick it is not even comparable to many others in same range.
 
Shadowfax said:
Mike, no matter what Toyota can do, any of the dealers, they are not discounting the car enough because there are so few left. Toyota Incentives are $1000 and 0% financing, while the Buick (sticker price already $4k below Toyota) was $5k off sticker or $4k and 0% (plus we worked them down more)

So after all the haggling, I would maybe get down to $39k out the door on the Avalon, while I am getting under $36k out the door with exactly the features I would want and use. (and my wife is extremely happy now as she was never as keen as I on the Toyota) The ride is so much nicer in the Buick it is not even comparable to many others in same range.
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Doesn't hurt to try. You never know.

A car broker is another option. May find a nice used one.

Just trying to save you some coin. Money saved on a car is money used for audio gear and music! :)


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I hear ya Mike, and really appreciate all the good suggestions from all. This is such an exhausting ordeal and I am happy with where it ended up. I really didn't want two of the same brand vehicles, and having the Rav4 got me one of the $1000 incentives to buy the Buick. The only real thing I compromised on is just a tad less leg room due to the wider console. But, they were smart about it and unlike the Impala, they added a soft padded trim along the whole thing. The Lexus Motor and stuff may have been a little better, but the ride wasn't.
 
Mike said:
In the email/fax - tell them you are serious, you are going to buy before Sept. 30, you want this model, in either of these colors (or one color), with these options (list them). Tell them you are ONLY buying on price - nothing else matters (read: we don't give two craps about how nice your parts department is). Give them a deadline for response and all your contact info (one of them is likely to say "we will beat the best price you get".)
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Man...Don't I hate these kind of customer Lmao !!!!

Brian. the Buick LaCrosse is super nice vehicle with comfortable seat and all new tech stuff. You won't be disappointed. As you mentioned its a different league compare to Accord.

Also new Buick vehicle doesn't have an old man's car appearance anymore :) plus longer warranty always give you peace of mind.
 
Shadowfax said:
I hear ya Mike, and really appreciate all the good suggestions from all. This is such an exhausting ordeal and I am happy with where it ended up. I really didn't want two of the same brand vehicles, and having the Rav4 got me one of the $1000 incentives to buy the Buick. The only real thing I compromised on is just a tad less leg room due to the wider console. But, they were smart about it and unlike the Impala, they added a soft padded trim along the whole thing. The Lexus Motor and stuff may have been a little better, but the ride wasn't.
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No problem. I totally get the bad back thing. Did you try Hyundai? My Genesis had a million ways to adjust the seat. Super comfortable. Road like a dream too. No issues either.


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Paul said:
Man...Don't I hate these kind of customer Lmao !!!!

Brian. the Buick LaCrosse is super nice vehicle with comfortable seat and all new tech stuff. You won't be disappointed. As you mentioned its a different league compare to Accord.

Also new Buick vehicle doesn't have an old man's car appearance anymore :)
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Thanks, Paul.

The appearance is pretty sporty for a car that rides like it does. I also noticed that as far as all the controls and gadgets go, the LaCrosse is way less cluttered and confusing than most of the others. (which still caters to the little old ladies that drive the majority of these) I just hope I can fit my large cooler thru the little trunk opening, otherwise I will have to utilize the fold down back seats and put my cooler there when traveling. (LOL, maybe forced to buy a new cooler)
 
Mike,

I did initially look at the Genesis but it was way out of my original range. After checking back this week, it was still in the same range with discounts as the Avalon. They do look real nice so I'm happy to hear personal positive feedback on it.
 
Paul said:
Man...Don't I hate these kind of customer Lmao !!!!

Brian. the Buick LaCrosse is super nice vehicle with comfortable seat and all new tech stuff. You won't be disappointed. As you mentioned its a different league compare to Accord.

Also new Buick vehicle doesn't have an old man's car appearance anymore :) plus longer warranty always give you peace of mind.
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I would wear you down Paul. I'd have you paying me to take your car. :)


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