How to find the best price on new vehicle?

Joined
May 30, 2022
Messages
1,233
Location
Torrance, CA
In 2017 I decided to buy a new Civic. Used the True Car app, linked through Consumer's Report, and received emails with offers. Took the best offer, and shopped it further, and no dealer I could find would even match, no less beat the price. So I went to that True Car dealer, and bought the car.

Last year I used True Car to request pricing for a Lexus IS350, but this time I had to provide my phone number. Big mistake. Dealers didn't send pricing though email, other than MSRP, they pushed me to come visit their dealership to discuss in person. No, thanks. No joke, I received at least 50 phone calls.

Is there a venue these days where someone can just get pricing similar to what True Car offered in 2017? Do I need to email dealers on my own, and would this even work? I don't like playing games, just want the best price.
 
Edmunds says you should be getting about 6 grand off sticker for an F Sport - as a true transaction price in Torrence CA.
So upper 30's out the door. Not a bad price at all for a "Camry V6 made in Japan!"

In my dreams! Only one dealer offered anything under MSRP!

Edit: Edmunds says "0" new IS350's available within 50 miles
 
This is apples to your oranges, but when we bought the Pilot a couple of months ago, I used visor.vin . I paid $5 for their short-term, premium service. It doesn't show you the lowest price offer from dealers. You'll see the same price as if you've gone to a dealer's website, but you'll need to do the legwork from there. It quickly helps you find which dealer has what you're looking for.

Now that I'm looking for a replacement car for our daughter, I paid the $60 annual fee because we're not in a hurry. Once you've saved searches, they'll send emails with new cars offered matching your criteria.

For the Pilot, there were only five in Texas that matched what we were looking for. I was able to call each and quickly eliminate all but one. Everything was handled over the phone and text, and final negotiated price documents were emailed. We drove the 100 miles and picked up the car with minimal hassle. Good luck on your quest.
 
In my dreams! Only one dealer offered anything under MSRP!

Edit: Edmunds says "0" new IS350's available within 50 miles
I
In my dreams! Only one dealer offered anything under MSRP!

Edit: Edmunds says "0" new IS350's available within 50 miles
I am sorry for misinformation, I deleted that post I saw it was a leftover 2023. I can't imagine any leftover '23's that were not service loaners.
 
I always look at prices mentioned on forums for the vehicle in question, as well sites such as cars.com, Auto Trader, etc going through the mileage radii, as well as nationwide to get an array of prices. Then I work the e-mail and get OTD prices. When I narrow it down, I'll then follow up by phone, and if all goes well make arrangements to view and/or pick up.
 
Thats south bay deal I posted in post #3 was 2300 off. Bet you can do another grand or two better than that easily right day right time - if it's on the lot. OTW put in an order and wait. Edmunds says the V6 is lazy. IDK about that.

here is the monrony


Screenshot 2025-07-29 112857.webp
 
Send me model, trim, colors, etc and your zip code, and I'll see what visor.vin shows. It only takes a few minutes.

Actually, you can start the search yourself without purchasing anything. If you want more, then let me know.
Thank you for your kind offer to help. I don't want to waste your time at this point, since I'm just window shopping.

I'd love an IS350, or maybe a Subaru Legacy with tubo engine. Gotta swallow hard, though, because my Civic is low mileage. If I found the right "window shopping" price I may jump though.
 
Thank you for your kind offer to help. I don't want to waste your time at this point, since I'm just window shopping.

I'd love an IS350, or maybe a Subaru Legacy with tubo engine. Gotta swallow hard, though, because my Civic is low mileage. If I found the right "window shopping" price I may jump though.

You sounded like a serious buyer in your first post. No reason to grind out the best price if you're window shopping.
 
I got another $1000 conquest cash off my new Accord... thanks to Mitsubishi... got a great deal and 4.49 % interest
 
On the Monroney I spy a 500 buck upcharge for premium paint?!
The ubiquitous White Pearl. What do they paint a Lexus with if you don't check that box?
Sherwin-Williams with a rolller?
 
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