BMW i8 Spyder Concept 2012 - Car Photo at Dieselstation
During the last 11 years, I’ve purchased over 90 cars for the Consumer Reports auto test program. I’ve probably seen it all. Been there, negotiated that. However, my latest experience was notably frustrating, and I suspect, it wasn’t unique.
My usual buying routine isn’t complicated:
List the exact make, model and options we’re looking for on paper.
Go to the manufacturer’s website and configure the car.
Check a running list of all the dealers from whom I’ve bought cars, so I don’t keep going back to the same ones.
Send the configuration to a couple dealers and ask that most communication be done via email, using a personal account.
The dealer that follows up with the car and good price gets my business.