All,
I'm looking at purchasing an 04 XC90 from a dealer. He wants 31,900, but I can't afford that price. Is it acceptable to offer 27k or 28k for the vehicle or would that be an insult? Also, the current tires are almost bald (the vehicle only has 20k miles), should I ask him if he will replace them prior to my purchase? Thnaks for your thoughts.
-todd

 

Insult??? Acceptable?? Those are words you should be using in reference to your treatment, not theirs. Offer what you want and ask them to replace anything. All they can do is say no. I wouldn't worry about insulting them, most have no soul. I doubt they will come down 12k, but it never hurts to ask.

 

If you have fear of insulting a dealer, you are going to get taken. If you want to pay 27K then offer 24.5K. If you offer $27 they will come back with maybe 30. I love to haggle with car dealers, but I really like to walk away when they won't take my offer. That's when they start to bring the price down. When you are walking away. Have you looked up the KBB price for that car? I did and his asking price is just a little high for a car in GOOD condition from a Private Party. If it's a Volvo dealer he will get what he's asking most likely, but you lose nothing by offering.

 

Insulting a car dealer, that's funny.

 

Thanks for the advice. My use of "insult the dealer" was a poor choice of words. What I meant to say was, at what point might the dealer say "no way" to my offer and possibly refuse to take my car in trade at all. I'm going to the dealer tomorrow and I have no problem coming in with a low figure for his car. Since I'm in no rush to buy, I will let him know that. Don't worry, I won't get screwed.
-Todd

 

watch, ull be coming home in that new volvo lol

 

From experience I know that dealers all over the world are the same. As if they all had one teacher that learned them to act and talk with a certain way! O.K there are exceptions, but i think you can count them with the fingers of one hand! Lol. The dealer's "no way" is where you will let him feel your limits!! If he senses that you are "in love" with the car you are negotiating to buy... then it is hell for you!! Otherwise you will see him playing hard to get, but looking to close the deal at the same time. The Volvo dealer in my region give me a living hell (and low price as well) when I wanted to trade my previous car with my new S60. He saw that i was dying for it! Don't do the same mistake with me..!!!

 

I test drove the XC90 today and loved it, but I didn't let the dealer know that I did. I am bringing my wife to drive it on Saturday, and the good thing about this experience is that we don't really need a new car. Were are not desperate, and our 99v70xc only has 79k miles on it and it runs like a top. I'll post again on Sunday to let you know if we made the proverbial plunge. Thanks for your interest.
-todd