🚀 go-pugleaf

In the referenced article, mzimmers@netcom.com (Michael Zimmers) writes:
> 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).
> [etc. ...]

Seems somewhat reasonable, but I have a few questions/problems regarding this:

1. How does this compare, final-price-wise, with other methods of
obtaining a low price on a car (dealing with brokers, putting in bids
at dealerships, negotiating with the so-called "fleet manager")?  Is
there empirical evidence that this yields a better price?

2. You still have to deal with a salesperson/sales manager at the
dealership, who gets to try to squeeze a few more bucks out of you, or
switch cars, or explain, "Oh...that agreement doesn't apply to
<desirable car>," or "Oh, we don't have any unsold <desirable cars> but
maybe we can find one for you...of course, it won't be at that special price."

3. I don't mind paying them $96 for this service, but you're not
buying a deal, you're buying a hunting license.  If you can't make a
deal with any of the dealers, you're out the $96.  (Is it refundable
in that case?)  I would be glad to pay the $96 as part of the deal,
just as I don't mind paying a broker's built-in fee of $100-150 per
car.  Same finder's fee, but at least with the broker you don't have
top pay unless they find you a car.

--
Michael C. Berch  
mcb@postmodern.com