[quote author=sfsuphysics link=topic=4224.msg50820#msg50820 date=1217704158]
I don't know how much having cash is a benefit, dealerships make money from having you take out a loan for a car through them. Granted could have been different with my Prius because it was (still is) the hottest selling car out there but paying 100% upfront wasn't an advantage for them.
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You're absolutely right Mike, for me it's a timing issue, I want to "help the dealer" get one of those "old" 2008 models off the showroom floor. I've had a couple of amazing offers (I've emailed at least 20 dealers), one of which is $8000 below sticker, but if you read the fine print it says you have to finance a certain percentage. Oh, well they're not getting my money.... Banks can kiss my ass.
I would get a slightly better price from a fleet dealer, however I'd have to settle for something as opposed to getting exactly what I want. One thing I keep in mind the whole time is, I have the money, not them. Right now car sales are at a low point, and there are tons of vehicles sitting on the lots. It's kinda fun having sales people run around and do all kinds of stuff for you.
Thanks for the heads up on SF Toyota, I've heard that they, and Napa/Vallejo Toy are both a bit sketchy. I really want to buy from Daland in Millbrae as I have some connections, but the sales person I am working with can't seem to get it through her thick skull that my client who is the commander of Millbrae Police Dept., and whose dad grew up with the owner of Daland wants me to get a real good deal. I'm thinking of asking him to walk in there in uniform to talk to her.
BTW, Tony the cash isn't just lying around my house, I'm doing some creative financing right now through family. Dad's my mattress if you know what I mean. I'm too pathetic with money, I just give it to him, he's real good with money, he spent a bunch of it on gold a while back, hence my sudden wealth.