Best method to order/purchase car? Finance aspect? Insurance?

[Buggy51]

Bridging some random train of thought I had in this topic:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2344

I was wondering what was the best approach to purchase the FR-S/BRZ in the United States. From some off-putting rumors that the car may have limited production (I presume optimistically it wouldn't be that bad and the cost is still relatively low--22kish?) @Longhorn248 who mentioned that it may depend on the area's dealers, I was hoping to get some input (well any would be great) from people that sells cars as well.

My first plan of action for buying either FR-S/BRZ is to well scope out the map and take a look of all the nearby dealerships around me. From there, just go in person to the dealership and see if there is a waiting list for the cars and well decide from there. However which dealership is on an easier waitlist?

The Scion waitlist might be easier to get onto considering that there are typically more Toyota dealerships than Subaru. However, for what its worth, it seems less people are aware of the Subaru BRZ than the Toyota FRS.

After slogging through all the dealerships, I think it would be a good idea to see what the deposit amount for each dealership (lets just say $500?) to get onto the waitlist would be. Then at the dealership that you like, get a writtencontract signed by both parties to see that the deposit is completely refundable, and that if you choose to purchase the car, you can use the preorder as money for the downpayment.

The conundrum that I am having is wondering if I can use leverage between the different dealerships to lower the cost of the car. I understand that the Scion purchasing plan is essentially a set-price (maybe some discrete haggling on the side when test driving?) but for the most part what you see is what you get. On the Subaru side, I presume I can haggle but I do not think I can get it anywhere close to invoice price (if not below) if there are people after me on the waiting-list. Do you think leveraging a Subaru dealership to compare price with Scion would be doable? Also curious if I can use the vip discount.

Thirdly, one concern I have about the preorder is essentially the test-drive. I think I'm one of the few people on this forum that would even consider the automatic (Frankly I have next to no experience to adequately drive a conventional manual). Considering that they want to leverage the car to your enthusiasts, how likely is it that an automatic transmission will even be on the lot for me to test-drive (yeah, this is the lazy US, but this is also a sports coupe)? I mean sure, I'd want to give the manual a stomp but I don't want to break anything lol.

And when considering financing to pay for the car, how would you guys approach this? I'm thinking first that I should get my credit score and credit report checked out about a month in advance (before the arrival of the FRS/BRZ) so I have a decent idea where my credit is so I can get a decent idea on how low my interest rate would be. Then go online and get a price quote from all the dealerships that I placed a deposit down upon. After that, look at the banks/credit unions that I have and discuss with the bankers what my loan would be on the car? With all this information, finally approach the dealership in person and give the car another test-drive to see if that is the car I really want. Sleep on that for a day and then go negotiate with the sales representatives.

Now at this point, should you ask about the VIP program at the Subaru dealership? Use that information as a trump card? I really am new to the idea of purchasing an automobile and I was hoping how you guys approach buying things.

Lastly, should I talk with my insurance company to see the difference in quotes with the Scion/Subaru brands?

[Longhorn248]

I don't know how well you can haggle on price for a car with a limited production run. If the numbers are going to be as low as the reports we're getting out of Japan I wouldn't expect the asking price to move very much. As for the rest of your questions hopefully there are some experienced car buyers here to give us some pointers.

[blur]

The only thing that bothers me is

"Frankly I have next to no experience to adequately drive a conventional manual"

I mean, me neither, but why not give it a go? Automatic will suck the life out of this car. Not to mention you learn numerous driving techniques and advance in car control; I'd recommend you to get a manual sir, I'm sure you'll be happy with it if you drive spiritedly.

[Username]

Getting in contact with a local dear as we speak. I will let you know how it all turns out.

I know people will say that it is crazy to put a deposit down on a car that doesn't even have a price yet. I agree, yet with all of the information that I know already, and how close all have the numbers have been to the rumors, I feel pretty confident that the price will be where I need it to be.

Also, if the dealer says that I can put a deposit down on a wait list, I will make damn sure that it says it is a refundable deposit in writing.

[Deslock]

Originally Posted by Buggy51

My first plan of action for buying either FR-S/BRZ is to well scope out the map and take a look of all the nearby dealerships around me. From there, just go in person to the dealership and see if there is a waiting list for the cars and well decide from there. However which dealership is on an easier waitlist?

I put down a refundable deposit (purchase contingent on test drive) almost 3 months ago.

Originally Posted by Buggy51

The conundrum that I am having is wondering if I can use leverage between the different dealerships to lower the cost of the car. I understand that the Scion purchasing plan is essentially a set-price (maybe some discrete haggling on the side when test driving?) but for the most part what you see is what you get. On the Subaru side, I presume I can haggle but I do not think I can get it anywhere close to invoice price (if not below) if there are people after me on the waiting-list. Do you think leveraging a Subaru dealership to compare price with Scion would be doable? Also curious if I can use the vip discount.

Don't think you'll be able to haggle the price on this or use the VIP discount.

Originally Posted by Buggy51

Thirdly, one concern I have about the preorder is essentially the test-drive. I think I'm one of the few people on this forum that would even consider the automatic (Frankly I have next to no experience to adequately drive a conventional manual). Considering that they want to leverage the car to your enthusiasts, how likely is it that an automatic transmission will even be on the lot for me to test-drive (yeah, this is the lazy US, but this is also a sports coupe)? I mean sure, I'd want to give the manual a stomp but I don't want to break anything lol.

Buy a dirt cheap MT car and beat on it until Spring.

Originally Posted by Buggy51

And when considering financing to pay for the car, how would you guys approach this?

In general, do not do your financing through the dealer (they sometimes have high interest rates and penalties for early pay-off). Going to a bank ahead of time to find out your options seems like a good idea.

Originally Posted by Buggy51

Lastly, should I talk with my insurance company to see the difference in quotes with the Scion/Subaru brands?

I doubt there will be a significant difference between the two, unless their MSRPs are really far apart. Also, until these cars are out and their values are known, your insurance company probably won't be able to give you much info. Having written that, it doesn't hurt to ask.

[Buggy51]

Originally Posted by Longhorn248

I don't know how well you can haggle on price for a car with a limited production run. If the numbers are going to be as low as the reports we're getting out of Japan I wouldn't expect the asking price to move very much. As for the rest of your questions hopefully there are some experienced car buyers here to give us some pointers.

That's very true, I have considered that the limited production (if its true) will be difficult if not possible to negotiate and lower the price. Hence why I'm thinking (wishfully) that the Scion one would be the lower cost one and allow some room to negotiate with Subaru. I was hoping that there would be a good enough stock that I can apply the VIP pricing for Subaru and well just leave it without hassle as my trump card lol but it looks even more difficult -_-;

Originally Posted by blur

The only thing that bothers me is

"Frankly I have next to no experience to adequately drive a conventional manual"

I mean, me neither, but why not give it a go? Automatic will suck the life out of this car. Not to mention you learn numerous driving techniques and advance in car control; I'd recommend you to get a manual sir, I'm sure you'll be happy with it if you drive spiritedly.

Well I wouldn't mind giving it a go, but I really don't have time right now to go and mess around with and practice driving a manual car. Not really trying to digress from the topic (and I'm sure I made one of these topics back then) I'm currently schooling and I don't have the time (my priority's on school). And from what I've been reading from the past reviews, the automatic isn't as tragic as most people would consider (and I'm sorta a tech enthusiast in that regard and I do see a trend towards dual-clutch systems and that will be the "standard" [don't kill me]). I don't see a transmission that is based on the IS-F as a bad thing. Also ... I live in SF and I don't want to go spiriting away into a hill lol--not too fond of that. Also most of my friends/family don't drive or care if you drive a manual so I can't really ask for help or borrow their car.

Originally Posted by Username

Getting in contact with a local dear as we speak. I will let you know how it all turns out.

I know people will say that it is crazy to put a deposit down on a car that doesn't even have a price yet. I agree, yet with all of the information that I know already, and how close all have the numbers have been to the rumors, I feel pretty confident that the price will be where I need it to be.

Also, if the dealer says that I can put a deposit down on a wait list, I will make damn sure that it says it is a refundable deposit in writing.

Best of luck Username. Give me a run down, and I'll ask about it next week at my local dealers if I have time... -___-;

Originally Posted by Deslock

I put down a refundable deposit (purchase contingent on test drive) almost 3 months ago.

^ was that written on paper or what? How much was the deposit? And well... how does that work?

Originally Posted by Deslock

Don't think you'll be able to haggle the price on this or use the VIP discount.

As alluded to the other replies, yeah :/ but well I placed myself on the partnership program just as a possibility. My idea would be go down with a Scion first and if the Subbie's cheaper go with that. Not that tied down with aesthetics though currently I'm liking the GT86's front a lot more.

Originally Posted by Deslock

Buy a dirt cheap MT car and beat on it until Spring.

Well, as stated in previous post, not that much time, and well I'd rather just have the cash in deposit lol.

Originally Posted by Deslock

In general, do not do your financing through the dealer (they sometimes have high interest rates and penalties for early pay-off). Going to a bank ahead of time to find out your options seems like a good idea.

Ah that sounds good. Never knew they actually had a penalty for early pay-off. Guess I should double-check with bank terms on that.

Originally Posted by Deslock

I doubt there will be a significant difference between the two, unless their MSRPs are really far apart. Also, until these cars are out and their values are known, your insurance company probably won't be able to give you much info. Having written that, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Hmmm yeah that's true, but I was wondering if the stereotype for Scion might apply to the car? Though I guess for me since I'm just slightly under 25 if I get the car, insurance premiums would still be through the roof. Woo

[Longhorn248]

I've been thinking about the whole deposit thing, and I was wondering if there was a way to find out the volume of sales that various Scion dealers do? I figure putting a deposit down with a dealer that moves a higher volume of cars would be allocated more FR-S' and would increase your chance of getting the car earlier. It would be pretty disappointing to put down a deposit and then not get a car because the dealer only got one or none.

[Giccin]

Your interest/financing thingie-ma-bogger won't be much help for you if you're a first time car buyer. Your interest rates will be high as F and that's what you'll be paying for your first year. Your best bet is to have someone who already has bought a car/house and have them co-sign with you so your rates aren't so insane.

[Buggy51]

Originally Posted by Longhorn248

I've been thinking about the whole deposit thing, and I was wondering if there was a way to find out the volume of sales that various Scion dealers do? I figure putting a deposit down with a dealer that moves a higher volume of cars would be allocated more FR-S' and would increase your chance of getting the car earlier. It would be pretty disappointing to put down a deposit and then not get a car because the dealer only got one or none.

Hmmm that is true, going to a higher volume dealership will tend to mean that stock comes in and out a lot faster. However, that can also mean that there are more people interested in the vehicle and well pushing you down the list if there are others on it. Dunno, advantages and counteradvantages to both. I'm not sure what's a good way to determine the volume of sales at the dealership except maybe by overall lot size? Dunno, I expect bigger dealership to have higher volume (that or they'll just fold).

Originally Posted by Giccin

Your interest/financing thingie-ma-bogger won't be much help for you if you're a first time car buyer. Your interest rates will be high as F and that's what you'll be paying for your first year. Your best bet is to have someone who already has bought a car/house and have them co-sign with you so your rates aren't so insane.

True, I'll most likely have around 1/3 down payment and another 1/3 already available for a 1.5 year monthly payment (give or take) of what I presume is a rough estimate price in the 20kish range. Most likely I'll have my parents cosign (I don't think anyone else is willing to have their credit tank :P) and in that way also help with the insurance. However I'm also using the idea of buying a car and getting debt as a way of building credit (I'll need it if I want a home of some sort). I doubt they really care about my credit card history as much if I never had something substantial in my history.

So that's a financial idea that I have. Though if the car is truly around the 30k mark, I'll be looking at other cars.

[dalli]

i learn to drive manual from gt5 brah ( using the g27 wheel)


.. im srs lol

[Buggy51]

>_> kudos?

[Deslock]

Originally Posted by Buggy51

was that written on paper or what? How much was the deposit? And well... how does that work?

$500. The Purchase agreement stipulates that it's for MSRP, is contingent on test drive, and the deposit is refundable. I've never paid MSRP for a car before (nor have I pre-ordered one), but I'm making an exception for the Toyobaru.

Originally Posted by Buggy51

Well, as stated in previous post, not that much time, and well I'd rather just have the cash in deposit lol.

Most people that can't swing $1000-2000 for a cheap beater (that can be sold after 6 months without much of a loss) shouldn't be buying a new car. My intention isn't to judge as I don't know your situation, but new cars are huge money pits and if it were me I'd make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. Search various auto enthusiast forums and you'll find posts by people that purchased an AT because they couldn't drive stick and later regretted it.

Originally Posted by Buggy51

Hmmm yeah that's true, but I was wondering if the stereotype for Scion might apply to the car? Though I guess for me since I'm just slightly under 25 if I get the car, insurance premiums would still be through the roof. Woo

I wouldn't put much stock in stereotypes; make some calls and get estimates.

Originally Posted by dalli

i learn to drive manual from gt5 brah ( using the g27 wheel)


.. im srs lol

Actually, that's a good point. I taught my brother to drive stick on a G27 playing GT5. 30 minutes of that plus 15 minutes in my MX5, and he was doing it quite smoothly.

But I still suggest getting a beater to learn thoroughly on (before buying a brand new MT). Or at least get some real wheel time in a friend's car after learning on the simulator.

Anyway, good luck Buggy51.

[keiri]

Originally Posted by Deslock

$500. The Purchase agreement stipulates that it's for MSRP, is contingent on test drive, and the deposit is refundable. I've never paid MSRP for a car before (nor have I pre-ordered one), but I'm making an exception for the Toyobaru.



Most people that can't swing $1000-2000 for a cheap beater (that can be sold after 6 months without much of a loss) shouldn't be buying a new car. My intention isn't to judge as I don't know your situation, but new cars are huge money pits and if it were me I'd make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. Search various auto enthusiast forums and you'll find posts by people that purchased an AT because they couldn't drive stick and later regretted it.



I wouldn't put much stock in stereotypes; make some calls and get estimates.



Actually, that's a good point. I taught my brother to drive stick on a G27 playing GT5. 30 minutes of that plus 15 minutes in my MX5, and he was doing it quite smoothly.

But I still suggest getting a beater to learn thoroughly on (before buying a brand new MT). Or at least get some real wheel time in a friend's car after learning on the simulator.

Anyway, good luck Buggy51.

That's one of the things I mainly regret about my Celica; I bought the auto because the only seat time I'd had with a manual was my roommate's old Integra for about 30 minutes. Also, because 5 speed GT's were rare when I started car shopping...

I'm planning to either buy a cheapo 5spd beater to learn in until I buy the car or steal a friend's.

[willtehill]

Trust me dude. I bought an auto thinking "well i dont NEED a manual" only to slowly come to realize that driving an auto car is like having sex with an obese woman... it's still happening... but it's just wrong.