[BigWalmac]

Hi all,

I have been in the hunt for an 09 E90 for what seems like a lifetime. I have a general question.

Do you deal with the online sales department or walk in from the street when making your purchases? Also, who can typically give you a better price?

I think that any educated consumer nowadays is searching inventories online. All online listings say to contact the online group, but personally I want to go in, test drive, and be treated like an appropriate purchaser. That said, when dealing with most SA’s it seem like as soon as you bring up the online price, they say that’s the best they can do. What gives? Should I be contacting the online sales group? Surely their online price (the online sales groups opening price) isn’t their final and best price.

Just looking for your thoughts on who to talk to and how to go about it.

Thanks!

[serg1282]

I would definitely try to do business with someone in online sales. That shouldn't prohibit you from meeting said person for a test drive either. Online sales are generally volume driven vs. 'on site' sales which are commission driven; result: you get a better price from an online associate.

[matrix76]

The online inventory is generally not current and I found going in will get you the best deal with any dealership.

[Peter@VMRWheels]

You'll probably get the best deals from the online sales departments, and perhaps even better from the ones representing forums and/or recommended by forum members. But one major drawback is that to save a thousand or two, you can't just walk into the closest dealership. You may have to go far. The online sales depts may be more competitive with pricing if they know that you are not in their immediate vicinity. If they know that you will pass by 4 BMW dealerships on the way to theirs, you can bet that pricing will be better

Originally Posted by BigWalmac

Hi all,

I have been in the hunt for an 09 E90 for what seems like a lifetime. I have a general question.

Do you deal with the online sales department or walk in from the street when making your purchases? Also, who can typically give you a better price?

I think that any educated consumer nowadays is searching inventories online. All online listings say to contact the online group, but personally I want to go in, test drive, and be treated like an appropriate purchaser. That said, when dealing with most SA’s it seem like as soon as you bring up the online price, they say that’s the best they can do. What gives? Should I be contacting the online sales group? Surely their online price (the online sales groups opening price) isn’t their final and best price.

Just looking for your thoughts on who to talk to and how to go about it.

Thanks!

[bavarianboar]

Online prices are still negotiable further.

Some dealerships mark them up or mark them down, pros and cons. Competitive Search results vs. higher profit

Find a car, ask for pricing, don't negotiate before you see or drive the car. Most dealerships do not consider you a serious buyer if you have not seen the car, this is especially true in the case of CPOs and used cars. Sales managers seem to instruct their Client Advisors and internet sales department to make sure that the buyer is serious before they give out a competitive price on which the dealership is willing to make a transaction.

Best negotiations are done face to face.

I would not make the online posted price as a deal maker/breaker. Would still look at the car and/or negotiate the price. Now if you are located too far away, dealerships can start playing tricks. Worst case: You finalize the price after pressing them into negotiations, they find a buyer who pays them more, or they think price is too low for them to make 'good' profit, they will say "A local buyer bought it, sorry"

For right price, Galves is a good source.
Just my $0.02

[BigWalmac]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

For right price, Galves is a good source.
Just my $0.02

I went to the galves site. I can't figure it out. Do you have to purchae a subscription?

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by BigWalmac

I went to the galves site. I can't figure it out. Do you have to purchae a subscription?

Yeah you have to. It is not free. I recommend getting it though, it is an eye opener, as to what is the trade in whole sale price of the car and then on you have to add a few things to arrive at a decent selling price where you are also leaving some profit margin for dealer.

a little and you will find posts by TJDiCandido who has elaborated in many threads on how to arrive at a fair price.

Good luck