QuestionI want to buy a new car. It's year-end, and dealers want to unload their 2007 model year, so they're offering "deals" on the 2007's. The model I'm wanting had a "skin-change" in 2007, so no significant changes for 2008. I drive my cars for years, so to me, the year of the car isn't important. What kind of price reduction should I expect from the dealer as incentive for buying the 2007 rather than 2008? We're looking at a Nissan Altima priced at $26,500
AnswerIf one trades car regularly, then they should buy the newest model they can get their hands on. You say you "drive your car for years," so you should be looking at bargain-priced current-model year vehicles, or even a 1-2 year-old program car. When you finally sell your 11 year-old car, does it matter if it's 10 or 11 years old? Of course not. Save as much money as you can now, because resale value after 10 years is pretty much meaningless.
As for the "price reduction," you can buy a non-hybrid 2007 Altima in my area for just about invoice. If you want to know true invoice, along with what Altimas are selling for in your area, go to this website:
http://www.carsdirect.com/home
Very accurate retail/ invoice pricing, AND they can tell you what that vehicle is currently selling for in your neighborhood. Best advice I can give a consumer right now: no matter how much they tell you that the Altima sells for sticker, no matter how much they tell you that your trade-in is worthless, DO NOT get angry with their pitches and responses. That's what they're counting on, for the consumer to get emotionally involved. The buyer that remains as cool as a cucumber, that keeps their mouth shut and lets the salesman do all the talking, is the consumer that wins. Don't be afraid to check back with more questions, and good luck!
