Chris C.

Hi all:

I am close to closing on a heavily optioned '01 coupe. What is the best discount I can expect in today's market, given the '02s are just around the corner?

I saw 3-5% off MSRP on 2002s on some earlier posts. I live in Atlanta GA, the state with only ONE dealer!

(not up for waiting, and don't like the new nose, since you're gonna ask)

Thanks in advance!
Chris C.

brobbinson

The dealers in my area (NYC/CT) were not discounting much at all (approx 2%) on 2001 c4s (maybe because there aren't as many c4s available as c2s and the rumour is that the 2002 c4 will cost significantly more since it will only be available in a turbo body type) in May (post announcement of 2002 MY changes) when I was looking - so I opted for a very low milage certified '99 c4 (better sticker price and no luxury tax!). Since the 2002s haven't arrived yet, the best deals on 2001s are likely to be had in a few more months when dealers start receiving unallocated 2002s.

doody

you should have decent leverage in GA (as compared to New England, NY, or CA).

i'd start at 10% under MSRP and argue (i) it's the end of the model year, (ii) it's on the lot - the carrying cost clock is ticking.

expect to pay 4% off. 5% if you're lucky.

if it's on the lot, the dealer wants it off. it's not like he's going to get $20K over MSRP for it or anything like that.

good luck.
doody.

ben in lj

Chris, I'd try Bert Smith in Tampa, Fl as well as Champion in Pompano, Fl. It'd be hard to believe that they (and many others) wouldn't beat the sole dealer in Atlanta. Sole dealers in a giant city are not usually very competitive. NC seems to also be a great state for deals on both used and new cars for some reason.

ben in lj

BTW, be aware that using the "02s are just around the corner argument" has a drawback - dealers won't have ANY new cars coming in soon while the factory is shut down for retooling and 02 production. So, they won't be exactly dying to empty their lots so they'll have nothing to sell.

PS. It's probably a REAL good idea to stay away from 1999 models as they are notorious for bearing the brundt of "R&D".

doody

all i was suggesting on the "2002s are coming" issue is that once the car is in delivery to the dealer, the dealer starts paying interest on the money. figure $400 a month in carrying costs solely on the capital. insurance, et. al. are extra beyond that. sitting on a car for two months gets expensive when they cost this much.

i agree that it's going to be a major pain in the butt to get ahold of a 996 until probably 2002 since there's been pent-up demand for the new revisions.

good luck!

doody.

Phil

Doody, I am a Gmc, volvo, buick, pontiac, honda dealer. We do not start the "flooring expense" till the car hits our lot! You might want to try the san francisco/san jose area!...Champion in fla..is Great.and of course always wait too the last day of the month!!