Granted, this is for a new 2003 Protege5, not a 3, but I paid $12,700 for a car that stickered at $18,100. Brand new, exactly the color and options I wanted. Perfect. They had one of those price leaders in the paper at $11,999 that sells immediately or doesn't really exist. I wanted a car at that price, but they said it was long gone. But the only option I wanted over a base model cost $700, so I said I wouldn't pay more than $700 over the price of that base model car. And I got it!
And, about that article on dealer add-ons like rustproofing and extended warranties and salesmen who size you up for vulnerability. I was thinking I bet I could use that against them. One of the first things to ask the salesman would be about the warranty or rust protection on these cars. He may or may not say the dealer can extend it. If so, I would act like I'm very interested in doing that, so they will think they'll be getting an extra $1500-$2000 in back sales. They may be more lenient on the actual selling price of the car if they know they'll be getting money from me later. Then, when the paperwork time comes, I'll decide against those extras.
And, about that article on dealer add-ons like rustproofing and extended warranties and salesmen who size you up for vulnerability. I was thinking I bet I could use that against them. One of the first things to ask the salesman would be about the warranty or rust protection on these cars. He may or may not say the dealer can extend it. If so, I would act like I'm very interested in doing that, so they will think they'll be getting an extra $1500-$2000 in back sales. They may be more lenient on the actual selling price of the car if they know they'll be getting money from me later. Then, when the paperwork time comes, I'll decide against those extras.