Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

Hello Everyone,

I'm very very very interested in buying my very first jeep. My old sedan is starting be be a really old sedan. I've had cousins and friends with them and I love the feeling of riding around without the top on splashing around in the mud. My problem is that my boyfriend (city dweller) and my dad (worried about me pushing my luck) don't want me to buy a jeep and I am worried about the stereotypical car salesman/woman ripping me off. I'm not sure what questions I should be asking. Any advice? Thinking about a 2012 Wrangler, 2 door, and I'm torn between the Sport S and the Rubicon (basically where I will probably go/what I'll need vs where I'd like to try to go :) ).

Also I heard about this deal available in the States with a "Tread Lightly" membership, does anyone know if this or something similar is available in Canada?

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

I just purchased a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S, I went with the 2011 purely based on the crazy amount of discounts and rebates I was able to get as they really wanted to get them off the lot. I was able to negotiate pretty effectively since I knew they wanted this Jeep out of their collection.

Ive bought a few cars over the years, from various dealerships, both new and used... it's all the same ----. If there is one experience I hate in life, it's sitting down with a car sales person. I have yet to find one who is truly transparent and honest. It's an unfortunately part of buying. I don't think you'll be taken advantage of though, just know what you want and don't want, and stick to your guns. If you get a bad vibe, go to a different dealership (owned by someone else ideally). You'll find most of the pressure doesn't come from the sales guy, it actually comes from the financing guy regarding rust proofing, warranties, etc. As long as you're willing an able to stand up and say "no thanks", the cards and money are in your hands.

I don't have any experience buying from the usa. I was considering doing so for a boat, and was told that id likely find my warranty service in Canada to not be as good as if i bought it here, since I wouldn't have developed the relationship of purchasing with them. I'm not sure how true this is, since a lot of money is in warranty work. I'd think they'd welcome you with open arms regardless of where you bought the vehicle.

I have to say, if you want a Jeep, nothing else will satisfy that craving. I am LOVING mine.

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

I ordered a Sahara in November (still haven't received it yet). Before going to the dealership I used the services of Car Cost Canada. For a few bucks they'll tell you what the dealer paid for the Jeep and for each available option. It helps you understand if you're being offered a fair deal when you meet with the salesperson.

I'm just outside of Toronto and there is a dealership here (Peel Chrysler) that offers a fair deal for people who use Car Cost Canada's services. Basically they sell you the vehicle at cost plus a few fees. They are very upfront about the fees, which are in the $700 range. Walk in, let them know what colour you want, walk out. No unpleasant negotiation. I got the dealership name and contact when I got the dealership cost report from CCC.

Good luck with this. Let us know how it goes!

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

Don't listen to the guys. And DON'T EVER let them borrow it after you've bought it - they'll try to sidle into the driver's seat at every opportunity, LOL! Even my detailer is trying to be my best buddy now so he can get a ride. :) I wish I'd bought my first Jeep 20 years ago - I feel like I missed out on a lot of life because I compromised on that. But now I've got my windsurfer, my trektop, and my awesome Jeep. Complete strangers tell me how cool I am, and anywhere I go I can find other Jeep owners to wave at or play with. It's a lot of fun!

There are lots of different ways of buying a Jeep. For me, I had to test drive a lot of them before I met The One for Me. Each Wrangler seems to have its own feel, road handling and engine noise. I ended up with a used 08 JKU that sounds like an electric car and can handle any offroading I've tried to date. Whatever much you pay at the dealership, it will be nothing compared to all the other costs of owning a Jeep... that's an 85 liter tank you'll be burning through, and those AT tires are way more expensive than regular Michelins, and then there's the bikini top, the grill inserts, the headlights, fog lights and air horn, and regular maintenance (+50% coz it's a Jeep). Oh, and extra tires for when you hit something offroading, and an extra little cost when you get water in the differential fluid the week after you change it (I was sure that puddle was less than 36"!), and all the extra love you have to put in to get those scratches off the finish, and... I LOVE my Jeep, and I wouldn't trade him in for anything! :)

And if anyone gives you guff, walk out. That's an attitude that will become a habit once you own a Jeep - after all, "No road, No problem". Have fun!

Go to a GOOD, established dealer (like I did!)
 

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

I bought my Jeep at North West Motors in Red Deer in June last year. I have had real good experiences there both sales and service, and would recommend them to anyone. If you want my salesman name PM me and I will gladly forward it to you.

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

Pricing on my 2010 in March, 2010. 2 door Sahara $29,200 (dual tops, upgraded sound system) all fees and taxes in with 0% financing for 3 years. Pricing has not changed much even with the PStar engine. Mississauga Ontario.

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

Big difference between the Sport and the Rubi. I'm still surprised at how many people in my area purchased Rubicon's and there isn't a trail within 4 hours of this place. Anyway, dealers in smaller towns are easier to get a deal with than larger cities (at least from my experience). The very first dealer I walked into gave me 2% over dealer cost without me saying anything other than "I'm not hear to dicker so what is your best price?". Fortunately I was able to get an employee discount (due to where my wife works) so they had no choice when it came to the discount.

Tread Lightly does not apply in Canada :( so don't bother signing up.

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

Just a couple of other thoughts - I like to check out edmunds to get a sense of pricing and options before I buy a car. That might help you get a real sense of what you can seriously negotiate price-wise. You will also need to get familiar with quadratec and the other Jeep gear/parts companies.

Also, from my 3 months as a Jeep owner, I'd have to say that if you want to do serious off-roading, you will want to lift it - I would go to 44". If you lift it, there is no point in getting a new vehicle since I think that voids the warranty. Personally, I would rather try out an already lifted Jeep than do it myself and find out I don't like it. Lifting is not an option for me since my garages at home and work both have 6'2" clearances and my Jeep is 5'11" on stock 32s.

If you want to seriously off road, get something you're willing to lose - not a brand new rubi. The first time I took my hubby offroading, he had visions of $$$ in his head every time we hit something. He says there is a big difference between driving an army Jeep and your own Jeep - the Queen can afford to pay the repair bills! Remember that whether you are buying new or used, it's a Dodge product, not a Toyota, so find a garage that has free loaners... Again, good luck and have fun! :)

Re: Worried about getting ripped off at the car lot
 

:urat00l: You just said TOYota :loser: