Negotiations

[Pahnda]

So lately I've started the testing of cars for my eventual purchase. I've tried a used 2007 328xi, 2007 G35x, and 2009 A4 2.0T Quattro Premium. I've already ruled out the G35x since the car doesn't make up for the lack of a manual transmission, as I REALLY do prefer it and AWD is another thing I'm shooting for. Hence why the IS isn't in here either. I'm going to test an 07 530xi on Monday, but I'm going to assume it'll feel a bit more boaty than I want when compared to the 3 and A4.

Today I was on the verge of dropping the 3 series also since the new A4 is much better overall (for me anyway) than the 3 series. I like the look (other than the side profile) more than the 3, the interior is miles ahead of the 3 series in terms of quality and looks, and the A4 is simply much more fun to drive for me. That's pretty high praise for me, considering I really didn't like the previous generation of A4. I guess another bonus of the A4 is much better efficiency when compared to the 328xi.

Anyway, I'm sorta wondering now, what's common to negotiate down by for a new car Vs. a used car. I realize the used car may have more wiggle room depending on what imperfections I notice in it. However, what would be reasonable to ask for with the A4? Anyone have some stories about what they got off of their purchase?

[tylere]

I am in the same boat for the A4, here is a CCC report which is a good starting point. First number is MSRP second is Wholesale cost. Keep in mind you need to give the dealer some profit so you will need to play with these numbers.

Base $45,000.00 $41,346.00
Freight $800.00 $800.00
Optional equipment selected
- FEDERAL AIR CONDITIONING EXCISE TAX (-EXTAX) $100.00 $100.00
- PDI CHARGE *PDI amount may vary - see local dealer for more information* (-PDI) $849.00 $849.00
- METALLIC & PEARL EFFECT PAINT (-EXTRA) $750.00 $683.00
- SPORT PKG -inc: 18" 10-spoke alloy wheels w/245/40R18 high performance tires, sport steering wheel w/shift paddles, sport seats, sport suspension (PPS) $1,800.00 $1,638.00
- REAR SIDE AIRBAGS (4X4) $500.00 $455.00
- TECHNOLOGY PKG -inc: Audi side assist, adaptive headlights, Homelink, advanced key w/start button (PTC) $2,200.00 $2,002.00
- NAVIGATION PKG -inc: Audi parking system w/rear camera, English dialogue system, driver information system w/colour display (PNK) $3,500.00 $3,185.00
- BANG & OLUFSEN SOUND SYSTEM (9VK) $1,100.00 $1,001.00
- AUDI DRIVE SELECT (PDR) $2,500.00 $2,275.00
Totals including all items above $59,099.00 $54,334.00

Incentives
Security Deposit Waiver $0.00 June 30, 2009
Incredibly Simple Audi Sales Event Lease Cash/Factory to Dealer Rebate $750.00 June 30, 2009
Incredibly Simple Audi Sales Event Finance Cash/Factory to Dealer Rebate $1,500.00 June 30, 2009
Incredibly Simple Audi Sales Event Alternative Cash/Factory to Dealer Rebate $3,000.00 June 30, 2009

I dealt with Doug Shostak - 403-568-2834 @ Glenmore Audi

EDIT: If you are not paying cash here at the finance rates

Retail Finance 1.9% 24 June 30, 2009
Retail Finance 1.9% 36 June 30, 2009
Retail Finance 1.9% 48 June 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.9% 60 June 30, 2009
Retail Finance 2.9% 72 June 30, 2009
Retail Finance 4.9% 84 June 30, 2009

[Pahnda]

Thanks for that info, pretty useful stuff.

I would probably be doing some financing + generous down payment. I was originally planning on the 1.9% for 48mo, but I'm thinking that it may make more sense to do 2.9% at 60mo since the money I save would be better used paying off student loans which are at a higher interest rate. And since I was planning on paying more originally, I can do a lump sum every year to cut down the term to be effectively 4 years... Would have to calculate again for 72 months because I suppose it may extend out to be better as the interest rate is the same, but maybe the total paid interest would overtake savings in interest from student loans...

Anyone have an idea when Audi will do some 09 clearouts? :devil:

[canuckcarguy]

Not to be a killjoy, but if you've got enough student loans to make a difference here, why would you buy a new car on payments? Seems more logical to buy a cheaper used car and pay down your debt, or am I missing something?

[tylere]

I doubt there will be much clear-outs. From what I recall there was very little stock of A4's at both Royal Oak and Glenmore. The wait for a loaded A4 is 3-4 months right now.

Don't foget about the extras as well. I factored another 5k for tint, 3M and an extra set of Audi rims and winter tires.

[Pahnda]

Originally posted by canuckcarguy
Not to be a killjoy, but if you've got enough student loans to make a difference here, why would you buy a new car on payments? Seems more logical to buy a cheaper used car and pay down your debt, or am I missing something?


Mostly because I can afford it comfortably according to the spreadsheet I made for my budget. Actually, the A4 is lower for both insurance and gas than I was budgeting for originally. Also paying off my loans in about a year; except for provincial and federal loans since the interest for me is low enough it doesn't make sense to pay it off ASAP.

I do have my 2004 Aveo studentmobile that's been super reliable thus far (and is apparently generally reliable long term), which is why I'm not in a rush to buy anything. The interest on my loans isn't as big an issue as I may have made it sound, but it is just more of a little detail that may make 5 years at 2.9% (still relatively low, and only $1000 difference over 5 years compared to the 1.9% @ 4 years) a better choice for me. My plan would be to still pay Audi off at the 4 year rate with additional money I happen to have, which is a bit since I do tutoring on the side.

You are right though, it may make more sense, logically, to pay off student stuff before getting a car loan, but it's hard to accurately balance something tangible like money with something intangible like having a car I would enjoy.


Originally posted by tylere
I doubt there will be much clear-outs. From what I recall there was very little stock of A4's at both Royal Oak and Glenmore. The wait for a loaded A4 is 3-4 months right now.

Don't foget about the extras as well. I factored another 5k for tint, 3M and an extra set of Audi rims and winter tires.


Yeah, that's what I was assuming also, thanks again for the info. I'm thinking what I would like is a 2.0T Premium with Tech. I don't particularly like Audi's navigation system (Actually, the only one I honestly do like is Subaru's that I tried in the current Legacy) and the speakers that come with the Premium sound pretty good to me, then the other options I'm not one to care about. The 3M, if actually done properly by Audi, could be something I would be into.

Thanks again for the info!