Car dealers also make more money if you finance vs. coming in with 'cash in hand'... I think we finally figured out what the problem is though, you're trying to buy cars where the company just isnt interested in wheelin' and dealin'. They do their research, figure what a fair price is and sell for that (the old Saturn model... and before you go off saying "exactly that's why Saturn is out of business" that has much more to do with not releasing a new model car for 12+ years than anything else).I agree with you. I wouldnt travel 500 miles for a car, but I do hit up as many dealerships I can within a reasonable range. The last 2 cars I bought, I show up with cash at hand, tell them what I want, what I want to pay, and spent the rest of the day working out a fair deal. I just bought my wife a car a few weeks back, and It was like pulling teeth. She wanted a new VW Jetta, so we go to the dealer with cash, test drive a few, find one she likes, and then make an offer. The guys goes "Nope!" and that was that. Not even the "let me talk to my boss" routine, or the "have you ever thought of leasing?" Just a big no, and let us walk out the door. Blew my mind.
I'd find it impossible to believe that if you went into a dealership with any sort of local competition that they wouldn't be more than happy to at least feign making a deal.
If so please do tell me where you're located so I can open up a dealership there!