stupid dealer or was I unreasonable

**pjsmith67** · 09-23-2009

Hi, newbie here... I was just wondering... last night I was all prepared to buy my first Grand Prix, a stock 1999 GT, 79,000 miles, fully loaded with leather seats, new tires, etc.

The problem was that the dealer wanted $8999 for it, which I felt was too high. After much negotiation and dealing with a really rude sales manager, I got them down to $6900 minus $2400 for my crappy Ford Focus (don't laugh, please). I still thought that was a bit high, but the car was in immaculate condition and I was ready to accept it until I saw a $185 "admin fee" tacked onto the sales contract. I was told it was to cover the cost of doing business. Well, I didn't like that and told him to remove it. He refused so I walked out.

Would this had been a decent price for it? Aside from the really rude sales manager was the dealer being unreasonable or was I?

As you can probably tell, I'm not too keen on car negotiations.

**windycitygtp** · 09-23-2009

lately ive seen newer models 04+ going for 8-9,000$ dollar range

**Scimmia** · 09-23-2009

Being in Iowa, the market shouldn't be that much different. About three years ago, I helped my aunt buy an 00 Regal LS (same car as the GP GT) with 64K on it for $6200, but it had virtually no options. I know the whole cash for clunkers crap screwed up the used car market, but it still seems high to me for a ten year old car.

**03GTPLE** · 09-23-2009

that's actually a pretty low admin fee for $185.... I'll usually find a place to take $4-800 from me for "dealer fees"...just one of the things that you will pay for when buying from a deler.

-Jesse

**ZR1Vette09** · 09-23-2009

Originally Posted by 03GTPLE

that's actually a pretty low admin fee for $185.... I'll usually find a place to take $4-800 from me for "dealer fees"...just one of the things that you will pay for when buying from a deler.

-Jesse

+1

When i found out there was a $400 fee from the dealer i bought mine from we told them to take it off and they said they couldn't so i had to go with it

**QUICKSILVER462** · 09-23-2009

There supposed to make money on the car, and then tack on a stupid admin fee?
Good for you on walking out, and that was too much for a 10 year old car too, I feel.
I always keep one thought in mind when buying a used car, "I am always willing to turn away", and have on past purchases, and sales on my own used cars.

**yulaw335** · 09-23-2009

go somewhere else you can look in auto trader or some other car book or website/paper and find one cheaper.

**reveregtp** · 09-23-2009

look in the vehicles for sale section

private sales > dealerships

**ZR1Vette09** · 09-23-2009

except i got a warranty ^

**reveregtp** · 09-23-2009

i hear you on the warranty, but from the dealer 7000 and from a private sale 2500, i dont care WHAT warranty exists, its not worth the extra 4500 IMHO

**reveregtp** · 09-23-2009

also, a 99gpgt with 79 k should go for 3500ish in my book

**pjsmith67** · 09-23-2009

According to my research, book value is somewhere between 5200-6500 depending on which service you believe in... Edmunds, Kelly, NADA.

Anyway, the dealer's chief sales manager just called me groveling for my business. He apologized for how I was treated and then offered me it to me for $4,000 + my crappy Ford Focus which puts it at about $6500. They also took off the admin fee. He tried to explain to me that the cash for clunkers deal did drive up the price for used cars.

I'm thinking about it, but still not sure. I did like the car, a lot.

Phil

**Sabrewings** · 09-23-2009

Sounds like a decent deal now. Shouldn't be too bad to go for it.

**reveregtp** · 09-23-2009

okay 4k is more reasonable. what kind of warranty are they offerring? 60-day?

**JayGTP02** · 09-23-2009

get it man. its a decent deal and ur getting out of that damn ford! buy it and do a top swap

blower!

**pjsmith67** · 09-23-2009

Originally Posted by reveregtp

okay 4k is more reasonable. what kind of warranty are they offerring? 60-day?

No warranty, unless I want to buy one from them.

**pjsmith67** · 09-23-2009

Originally Posted by JayGTP02

get it man. its a decent deal and ur getting out of that damn ford! buy it and do a top swap

blower!

Hehehehe... I'm not mechanically inclined at all. I just really like the Grand Prix. Every one I've tested so far has driven real nice and I love the feel of that 3800 V6 engine.

The Focus is really not *that* bad. Ok, well maybe it is compared to a Grand Prix.