Ready to buy, but crappy day at the dealer

[aslw]

Greetings all!

I discovered this forum several weeks ago and through all your posts, I have decided that I am finally ready give up the weekly test drives and just do it! It's time to buy. I had planned to spend the morning at Hummer of West Covina in socal....barely slept a wink last night cus of the excitement.

But after an hour of fruitless negotiations, I left. They just wouldnt budge. I was looking at 06's thinknig that I might be able to save some money. The incentives were either 0% financing OR $2500 off. But it semed that there was no room to talk down from window sticker. Or maybe I'm just not very good at negotiating....I can admit it....not good at all.

I really like the luxury pkg, but sorry, $36K+ for the '06 is too much right?

Has anyone had a good buying experience in the socal area? If so, please help! Any help or tips is much appreciated!

[lotus4s]

Get a GMID certificate and save the hassle....If you don't know what GMID is, use the search button.

Good luck!

[K9sH3]

DO NOT GO BACK!!! go to another dealer or get the cert.. and avoid the BS! I am sure that with all the S.Cal H3 owners someone can help you with both. I had the same problem with a dealer in Central FL, so I went elsewhere. By the time the first dealer decided to call back to negoiate I already had my 3.
Good Luck!

[HUMMJAY]

H3's havent sold for sticker in over a year... dont go back to that dealer... Icant belive there are still o6's out their, we ran out four months ago

[aslw]

Thanks for the input lOTUS and K9. This GMID certificate sounds awesome!

Anyone out there willing to help out a stranger with the GMID?

Also, does anyone know if the GMID can be used with the 0%financing?

[weiner703]

Go here to get a GMID if no one on this forum has an extra one for this month:

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,67302.0.html

They got me one 2 weeks ago. The pricing is fixed. No dealing or haggling required. It will turn out to be roughly 2% over Invoice. If you are buying an 06, you will also get 0% or $2500 off. You will also get $500 off for GM Supplier rebate. Print out this and bring to the dealer when you're ready to buy:

https://www.gmfamilyfirst.com/GMVPP/pdf/ff_bonus_cash.pdf

If you are getting an 07, you will only get $750 cashback and no $500 GM Supplier rebate.

[TexasRTR78]

I bought my 06 H3 Luxury/Off-Road Package with front window tint last year (August 05) and I paid 38,000...I know it was probably too much but I think the vehicle was/is well worth the money...I love it that much. My husband and I didn't really do any "dealing" with the Hummer guys...knew I really liked the H3 and was willing to pay....they did give us a good trade-in on my old car, though. Overall, I think the guys we did business with in Lubbock did goog by us.

Just my 2 cents :)

[aslw]

Wow, talk about prompt and useful advice....thanks everyone. If anyone on this forum does have a GMID they can help me with, please please let me know.

In the meantime, I will continue to drool over the wonderful photos of all your H3's.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Wow, talk about prompt and useful advice....thanks everyone. If anyone on this forum does have a GMID they can help me with, please please let me know.

In the meantime, I will continue to drool over the wonderful photos of all your H3's.

Window Sticker Price is like a fairy tail, not real...You should be able to buy an 06 H-3 on your own for less money then a GMID would get you.

For an 06 H-3 you should pay no more then FACTORY INVOICE minus the $2500 promo, minus a little more to help the dealer rid itself of older inventory. Just remember DEALER OPTIONS are blind price HIGH MARKUP items so do your price bargining before calculating those options. Ask to see the factory invoice. All they can say is yes or no. Best time to buy is Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 10am and 3 pm at the end of the month (slowest days of the week, slowest time of the day, trying to make that months quota)

Good luck and keep us informed...

RYD

[weiner703]

aslw, if you are ready to buy, email Tim in the link I provided...the turnaround is 1-2 days...you will be required to give him your BDAY and last four of your SSN...if you are as bad as I am at haggling, I would still use a GMID on an 06...all you have to do is walk into the dealer, give them your GMID authorization code and they do the rest...no fuss no muss...

06 2% over invoice - $2500 - $500 = not a bad deal...
07 2% over invoice - $750 = could be better...=)

[Texasbeachbum]

I bought a '06 in Aug. It has the lux package, nav system, side step rails, moon roof, roof rack, lojack, and its YELLOW. I had a GM employees discout. The final price with tax & title was $34,000 and change.

[usetosellhummer]

used gmid plus rebates and paid 28500 for my 06 (base and auto)

[K9sH3]

Wow, talk about prompt and useful advice....thanks everyone. If anyone on this forum does have a GMID they can help me with, please please let me know.

In the meantime, I will continue to drool over the wonderful photos of all your H3's.


Well... we are waiting :popcorn: What did ya get??

[aslw]

Thanks for checkin up on me K9!

Went to a new dealer today but did not tell the sales guy about my GMID certificate. Btw, thanks for the help getting the GMID Mike, and weiner....I have one now and it's definitely reassuring.

However, I tried to take rubher yellow ducky's advice and see if i could negotiate even lower than GMID, since it's a 2006 lux that I'm shootin for. I mean, aren't they trying to move the 06 stock by now? My buddy just came back with an avalanche below invoice at 0% financing. And I know the Tahoe's are selling cheap too. My brother just got into an '06 jeep commander with the hemi engine at $12000 below msrp. I have to admit, it was tempting to consider the jeep, but I really want the satisfaction of pulling him out of the mud with my H3. My point is that there seems to be great deals to be had near year end on '06's.

I asked the dealer if they had any 06 boulder grey, blue, or white H3's.....they had 12.....ALL OF THEM BLACK. I don't have anything against the black, there was one with all the chrome that looked very sexy, but I just prefer some color without the bling. And I realize it is year end and I can't be too picky now. No problem, I'll take a black one as long as we can work on the price, I said.

Anyhow, I made my offer, and received an empty stare in return. I offered $32K for a black LUX, auto, sunroof, tow hitch, but wanted the 0% fiancing also. MSRP was $35,700. They said they'd call me. It felt like the end of a bad date...."I'll call you", then came the handshake, and I drove away once again - yet another failed attempt in becoming the proud owner of a new H3.

Don't most dealers try to keep you there until a deal is made? not this one, I guess.

Does anyone think that my offer was really that bad? If so please tell me. I won't be offended. I can admit I'm kinda young and just don't have a lot of experience buying new cars.

My plan is to return to the first dealer I went to, that started this whole thread....they had 16 units in several colors, and a whole lot of attitude in their sales tactics....nearly impossible to negotiate with. But what's the worse that could happen now that i have the GMID cert? I get the color I want at the GMID price? I can handle that....I guess I was just trying to see if I could go even lower like rubher ducky suggested. Anymore suggestions on how to negotiate?

I will keep everyone posted. I just gotta be set up in my H3 by mid December as I have a duck hunt in some pretty muddy stuff with my brother and his jeep commander, and my buddy with his new FJ. That should be an intersting day. I'm pretty sure we will end up doin more driving than hunting that day.

[K9sH3]

Your doing good, just keep at it...
If all else fails you can buy mine... hahaha just kidding :jump: .. mines a lifer though I may have to buy another one to go play in the mud with.
Good luck!

[dochummer]

Hah! they're dreaming if they stupid enough not to budge on the msrp... I had a similar experience purchasing my wife's new vehicle. Nobody would budge - except for one guy...ended up getting it $3k less than what everyone else wanted. I just checked yesterday, and all the other vehicles still haven't sold yet....:twak:

[Lex_Ordo]

When I bought my H3, I ordered & had it built in March '06, with delivery to the dealer in April '06. About Five weeks. No incentives at the time.
The total for the Adventure Package, Sunroof, Auto Trans, Trailering Package, Cargo Cover, Rubber Mudder Mats, & Carpeted Cargo Mat, was $34,255.00 window sticker.

The dealer invoice was, $32,269.35. I was told that I would pay $300 above invoice.
I paid, $32,522.26. I ended up saving 47.09.

The dealer holdback was, $1010.70. They still made their money from the holdback.

I don't understand the whole concept but, After all the taxes and fees were added to the price I paid, the total came out to $34473.80. That was $218.80 over the sticker, out the door. Not bad.
I felt like I got a good deal, and I will use this dealership again.

Hope this helps you gage a better price for the '06 you're looking for.

[wordstew]

GMID really is the way to go. I bought a H3 with Adventure package, Monsoon stereo 6 cd, chrome side steps, Automatic, oversized carpet floor mats,Tow package,lojack, and backrest DVDs for $32,000.00 out the door including taxes title.

Just remember that even with GMID you can still negotiate all the extras the dealership adds on to the vehicle such as the side steps.

good luck

[aslw]

Thanks Lex and Wordstew....for giving me your purchase numbers....that definitely helps.

Will visit the hummer dealer again this week. Maybe they'll be more willing to talk about the numbers being thanksgiving and all. Fingers are crossed.

Will keep you all posted.

[lotus4s]

Most dealers won't negotiate off the GMID price except for maybe dealer add-ons. I know mine wouldn't.

Some dealers for whatever reason just won't deal.

A month ago I tried to buy a 2007 Audi A6 for my wife with a list price of $48,500. I offered them $42k but they wouldn't go a dime lower than $45K. They've called a couple of times but haven't come down on the price. The local Audi and Hummer dealers are owned by the same group. :violin:

[aslw]

Well folks, just thought I'd let you know where things are at...

Just to recap...dealer#1 total bum wholes...wouldn't go less than sticker. dealer #2, easier to talk to, friendlier, I offered $32K for the black 06 LUX with sticker of $35K, they said nope, we'll call ya.

They called back. at 7:45pm too! Working late I suppose. However to my surprise they did not try to continue the negotiations on the '06 H3...instead, they tried to sell me a lease on an '07.....Anyone find this strange since it is November and they still have 12 '06's on their lot? Why are they trying to lease me an '07?

Haven't really looked too much into leasing, so it's kinda hard for me to go about considering it. approx numbers are 2500 down, 400/month, 27 months, 12000 miles/yr.

Any H3 leasers out there with input for me? Can I use the GMID towards a lease? How would that work?

Again, why are they trying to sell me an '07 lease at 8:00 pm at night over the phone, when I approached them about buying an '06? Any thoughts friends? Is there a huge red flag waving that I just don't see?

Thanks for the input all.

[eugenebeauxbuton]

Well, aslw, I don't know where you are in SoCal, but I went to Cerritos Hummer and they were very helpful. Ask for Desean. Much luck.

[lamric]

The lease may be more profitable for the dealer. The numbers for a lease contract are difficult to decipher and kind of work like this:

Dollar value in [a miracle occurs] you owe us $400 a month.

If you plan to do any modiifcations to the vehicle a lease isn't for you unless you want to bring the vehicle back to original condition prior to turn-in. Also, normal wear and tear is acceptable but subject to interpretation, if you scratch a fender chances are you'll have to pay to have it repaired.

If you drive more per year than allowed by the lease then you'll have to pay a mileage penality that's usually in the area of 50 cents per mile.

Insurance costs are higher with a lease to due to the fact that the leassor will want $300,000-$500,000 in coverage.

The plus sides of a lease are you get a new vehicle every few years, there are less up-front costs and the monthly payments are usually smaller than if you went with traditional financing.

[eugenebeauxbuton]

http://cerritoshummer.com/Default.aspx?page=new-inventory
Here's a link to their available vehicles. Paltry, I know.

[aslw]

Eugene, thanks for the link. I have sent Cerritos Hummer an email, but wasn't able to request the person you spoke of. I will ask for him when they call me.

Oh dang, the incentives for '07 just got better...Last week it was $750, now it appears to be $1750. Must take delivery by jan '07 as per gm.com.

So here is my dillema:

1. $2500 + $500 family friends rebate for an '06

2. $500 family and friend rebate with 0% financing for an '06

3. $1750 with 4.9% financing for an '07 with slightly better warranty and a bit more power

What do you all think? '06 or '07?

Math was never my forte but I think it's still about $2000 more in the end for an '07? Worth it?

If I buy an '06 now is it pretty much already depreciated a whole year?

[SNUGGIE]

Oh dang, the incentives for '07 just got better...Last week it was $750, now it appears to be $1750. Must take delivery by jan '07 as per gm.com.

So here is my dillema:

1. $2500 + $500 family friends rebate for an '06

2. $500 family and friend rebate with 0% financing for an '06

3. $1750 with 4.9% financing for an '07 with slightly better warranty and a bit more power

What do you all think? '06 or '07?

Math was never my forte but I think it's still about $2000 more in the end for an '07? Worth it?

If I buy an '06 now is it pretty much already depreciated a whole year?

At this point it is going to come down to your personal taste. If the dealer has an 06 on the lot that matches your exact wants and needs I say go with it. If not the depreciation on the 06 vs the 07 makes a good case to get exactly what you want in an 07.

[aslw]

Visited another dealer today....That makes it 3 dealers now....I don't know why but it seems that I just can;t swing a deal lower than GMID/supplier prcing even on the 2006 models they have left.

So if none of these dealers want to rid themselves of '06 stock then why am I still looking at '06? I can get the same deal on an '07! Nonetheless, I am definitely surprised and bummed because I thought I was going to be able to get a super deal on an '06.

So I did test drive an '07 today....I must say, couldn't really feel the extra 22 ponies? Does anyone agree or disagree? Or maybe I just ate too much turkey. But the warranty is definitely better.

[HumbleAg]

Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in here.

If you are going to keep it for a while (4-5 years), go for the '06. If you think you'll want something else in 2-3 years, go for the '07. Depreciation will still hit you pretty hard, but not as bad as the '06.

GMID minus the incentives is a pretty good deal (at least for those of us who paid MSRP because the trucks were so new and hot). Still worth every penny.

If you aren't that comfortable with negotiation (or just don't want to waste the time), bring out the GMID upfront and save the hassle. Try to avoid playing the games the dealers sometimes play and be straight with them from the start. You may not get your "best deal", but at least no one will be pissed off and you may be able to build a relationship that'll pay off when you buy your next Hummer.

By the way, 15 months and 30k miles into mine I still grin every time I walk out to get in it. Get one and I'm sure you'll do the same.

Good luck! :)

[dochummer]

have you tried faxing all the dealers in the area with what you are looking for - asking for their bottom price.... Might save you time as far as trying to visit every dealership.

[K9sH3]

Don't take this wrong... But maybe you go in to excited about buying a H3. I have done that when buying something I realy wanted and the "salesman" goes in for the kill. I was thinking if anyone on here lives near you, buy them lunch or dinner and have them take you to where they bought.
Sorry to hear you having so much "BS" from those dealers.

[aslw]

Well I have decided to abandon my negotiations on the H3 for a sweet deal below GMID pricing plus incentives as RYD suggested. I have approached four dealers now and the lowest price I can get is GMID/supplier price minus whatever current incentives offered by GM.

That's OK by me. I have also elected to do everything by email since it has been incredibly time consuming to visit dealers over and over again.

My question now is regarding the incentives. The dealer seems to be only willing to give me the regular incentives on '06 models as posted on gm.com. That's $2500 rebate OR 0% financing.

However, when I search incentives with supplier pricing off of gmfamilyfirst.com, the incentives are slightly better....0% financing plus $500, OR $3000 rebate.

With my GMID/supplier certificate, aren't I entiteled to the family and friends incentives as stated on gmfamilyfirst .com? or am I wrong?

Can anyone clarify for me please?

Thanks everyone.

[Lex_Ordo]

So I did test drive an '07 today....I must say, couldn't really feel the extra 22 ponies? Does anyone agree or disagree? Or maybe I just ate too much turkey. But the warranty is definitely better.

I bought my '06, in April, after having it built in March. I wasn't sure if I should have waited till the '07 was released. In hindsight, I'm glad I did.
The differences between the '06 and '07's are minimal at best, and I agree with your assesment above.
I test drove an '07 in Sept. just to see what was changed, both asthetically, and design wise.
The motor, didn't inpress me. Looks great on paper with 242 HP, & Ft. Lbs. of Torque, but I can't notice 22 HP more. And with a price increase for this, I'm fine with the 2006, 3.5 liter motor with 220 HP/ 225 Torque.

The warranty, is because the motor is a new design. What GM dosen't spell out is that the 4 year/50k mile warranty hasn't changed. They just added an extra 50k miles to the power train only, so if there are problems with this new engine design, they'll cover it. That came from a phone convesation with HUMMER.
As for the look, Nothing was changed, other than some small motor components. Interior is identical.
The only litmus test to be used now is the deal on '06's vs. '07's. Sounds like not too many folks are interested in moving old stock. I guess they're holdbacks are okay to have vehicles sit on their lots for an extended period of time.
IMO, buy. Lease is great for low payments, but you'll have no equity in the future towards the purchase of another car.

[aslw]

Thanks for the input Lex. I agree.

Can anyone clarify the use of gm incentives for me please?

The dealer still maintains that I only qualify for the regular incentives on '06 models as posted on gm.com. That's $2500 rebate OR 0% financing.

However, when I search incentives with supplier pricing off of gmfamilyfirst.com, the incentives are slightly better....0% financing plus $500, OR $3000 rebate.

With my GMID/supplier certificate, aren't I entiteled to the family and friends incentives as stated on gmfamilyfirst .com? or is the dealer right?

[PackerFever]

I sell homes and have used this tactic a couple times when buying a few items in the past.

Just give the salesperson your bottom line and tell them that ithey are haveing a slow day or week and would like to make a sale that they should call you and you would come right over. Sure enough...within a few days the salesman usually needs a sale and makes the call. End of the month is usually a good tim for this tactic.

Good luck.

[Crash ?]

But maybe you go in to excited about buying a H3. I have done that when buying something I realy wanted and the "salesman" goes in for the kill.

I made this mistake the first time I went in looking at the H3.. I went in with exactly what I wanted, what I expected on trade-in, what I was willing to pay, as well as what I expected the note to be.. The salesman looked it over, told me what he had on the lot, what he expected me to pay for it, how upside down I was in my trade and when he told me what the monthly note would be he couldn't hardly keep a straight face.. Roughly $750 a month on a lease... I asked for the keys to my truck and told him to have a nice day.

The next day he called me and we started actually trying to make a reasonable deal. Somehow my trade that they said I'd have to pay them $1500 to take off my hands became worth about $5750.. He dropped the price of the trailering stuff I said I had no use for.. And I relented and paid for the sunroof I said I didn't want.. We were still $75 higher per month than what I said my max would be... No Deal...

I did some soul searching, Jeep Commander looking (I won't go into the hassles I got from that place) and insurance shopping, went back a week later and told him I'd split the difference between his monthly payment and mine and we did the paperwork.. I found an extra $25 a month in lower insurance premiums (an 06 H3 has lower insurance rates than a 98 Isuzu Rodeo 2wd) and knew I wouldn't have been happy with a Commander even over the Rodeo I already had...

IMHO the Commander isn't anything more than a 4WD street vehicle.. I have no idea how Jeep has managed to stick it's Trail Rated badge on that thing.. My 2wd Rodeo did better offroad (good ground clearance) than the Commander could ever hope for...

I was still a bit over what is being reported from the GMID thing (that I knew nothing about then), but still felt like I got a reasonably good deal.

Rob