Hey fellas getting on my soap box for a minute here. I know I’m new to the forums and may get beat up a little bit for this, but here it is. I am switching from Chevy to a new Ram. Been getting a ton of knowledge from the members here to learn about it. I have posted and been reading “the below MSRP post” and its great to see what everyone gets for a deal. Here’s where my opinion differs…
I need to lay a little groundwork as to my situation as it will be different from yours. I live the country or rural area. My hometown has a population of around 5000 or so. The local dealer is 10 minutes/miles from my house and the volume dealer that a lot of people in my area drive to is around 100 miles from me. My hometown dealer has sales and service employees that I know by first name and have kids that are in my kid’s classes/sports/ community activities. I have never lived in bigger city or heavily populated area. Ok moving on.
I have been reading about people flying/driving hundreds if not thousands of miles away to get a truck to save from the best I can tell a few thousand dollars. This happens here too with people in my community. What happens when you need service work done or warranty repairs, a tow in because your truck broke down? Are you going to go the same dealer you bought it from or are you going to go the closest ram dealer to you and have them do it? Should they have the right to refuse warranty work? How long before this local dealer needs to close its doors because it just can’t support itself or employees anymore? In my case the employees would be the people I see all the time in the community. I know that if I had a problem with my truck my dealer will make it right with me. If that means giving me a truck off the lot to drive till mine is repaired, they will do it. If need a ride home because I don’t need a loaner, they would do it. Pretty much within reason of course they are willing to do whatever I need. I believe that when I payed the extra couple of bucks up front to my local dealer I am supporting my community and buying a piece of mind for issues that I may or may not have in the future.
Ok getting down from my soap box now but before I do please help me understand this? Tell me your situation and why you do what you do. As I explained before I don’t live in the same area as you and don’t have the same reasons I suspect.
Here is some information for people who feel the same as Limited2021
Using the Affiliate Pricing Program (FFP). You will get 1% below Invoice Pricing (FWP) and any available incentives/rebates. This is a factory program that works at all dealerships.
Check to see if your employer is part of the Affiliate Pricing Program
LINK
If not join Access Fund for $50 -
LINK
or
Tread Lightly for $100 -
LINK
After joining you must wait 30 days before you take possession of the vehicle. This works at any dealership.
You can find invoice pricing for your model and all factory options at one of these websites.
NADA Guides -
LINK
Car Connection -
LINK
Alternatively you can wait for the "Employee Pricing for All" sale and get 5% off of invoice (plus $200) and any available incentives/rebates. This is a factory program as well.
Neither of these programs require you to negotiate with the dealership.
Next is rebates. None of these will cost your local dealership anything.
Ram Incentives & Rebates List
LINK1
BonusDrive $250 Rebate - You or someone in your household must own, lease, or trade in a vehicle that is not a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or Fiat. You do not need to be an Allstate customer for this -
LINK
Join PenFed and you will qualify for $1000 rebate
LINK
*After joining PenFed you must wait 60 days before you take possession of the vehicle.
Now you have an "okay" deal price wise and have still given the dealer extra profit.