🚀 go-pugleaf

This is a repost necessitated by some net.vandal who cancelled
the original post this weekend.

I want to pass along what has simply *got* to be the best way to buy
a new car/truck.  It's run by a not-for-profit group known as Consumers'
Checkbook, and it's called Car Bargains.  Here's how it works:

1. Call them at 800 475 7283 and give them the make and model of the
   car you're interested in.  At this time you'll also need to square
   away a payment of $96 to them (this can be done via credit card).

2. Within ten working days, they'll furnish you with bids for a markup
   commitment from at least five local dealers (in my case they got 11).
   These bids include the charges for destination, advertising allowance,
   document fees, and surcharges for getting a car from another lot, or
   ordering one from the factory.  Near as I can see, there are no
   variables left for them to juke you with.

3. Pick the low bidder, or a near-low bidder who's very close to your home,
   and visit them.  Blow off the salesleaze and ask for the sales manager.
   Show him the bid for a reminder.

4. Peruse the selections and choose the car that suits your tastes for
   color and options.  This is the beauty of Car Bargains -- because of
   the markup commitment, all options are yours at dealer cost.

5. Arrange financing or payment and drive off.

Car Bargains will also give you some information about your current
vehicle's value, as well as what the dealer is likely to offer.  They
throw in some tips about financing and extended service plans, and in
general it's the best $96 a car shopper can spend.  No hassle, no garbage
from the dealer, and a great price.  Because the car I bought is a new
body style and very "hot", I paid $1200 over cost.  The friend who
turned me onto Car Bargains recently got a BMW 325i for $495 over cost,
and I suspect that this is a representative figure.

For the Bay Area residents, let me throw in a plug for Val Strough Mazda
in Seaside.  Their sales manager, Mark Brosseau, is a real breath of
fresh air -- professional, low pressure, and accomodating.  Anyone
considering a Honda or Mazda should give him a chance to earn the 
business (using, of course, the Car Bargains service).

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
-- 
Michael Zimmers                                    |  Home:  408 996 1984
SoftHelp                                           |  Work:  408 996 1965
Software Solutions for Open Systems                |  Data:  408 996 1974