After we test drove the co-workers car, we decided to go to Metrotown to look at another car. The car was at a dealer of well known Japanese cars, not some shady front for a money laundering operation. It’s mid-December so we figure they’ll be motivated to move another car this close to Christmas.

The car was a 2008 and had a few more features than the co-workers but nothing special. It was however, a few thousand dollars more expensive than some other comparables we had seen.

We arrive and begin to walk the lot before a salesman approaches us. I told him which car we were here to see and he took us over to it. The car seemed nice enough and he asked if we’d like to take it for a drive.

Me: “Yeah sure”
Greasy used car salesman: “Let me photocopy your license, we’ll go for a drive and then write it up!”
Me: “…”

We go for a drive over some of the worst roads in South Burnaby (his choice) and he guides us back to the dealership. Not wanting to give Mihwa and I anytime to talk, he drags us into his office and starts writing up the invoice. We sit there and don’t say anything; might as well see where this goes.

Said agreement is written for the asking price and includes a $590 documentation fee.

Me: “What is this documentation fee?”
Greasy used car salesman: “See? Right here…” He points helpfully at the word Documentation on the invoice.
Me: “We’re not paying you $600 to fill out a transfer form”

He ignores my protests and asks what we would like to pay.

Me: “What is your best cash price?”
Greasy used car salesman: “You give me a number and we’ll see what we can do”
Me: “I take it you don’t want to go first…”
Greasy used car salesman: “What do you think it’s worth?”
Me: “Alright. Christmas is in just over a week and you’re coming up to your month, quarter and year end. If you don’t want to negotiate, we’re going to lowball you to get this going.”
Greasy used car salesman: “OK”

We lob the lowball knowing it’s too low but feeling it’s within a realistic range to start negotiations. The greasy used car salesman goes to ‘talk to the manager’. For a few moments we actually allowed ourselves to worry that they might accept it. He returns with a counter offer $200 less than the asking price. My jaw dropped and Mihwa laughed out loud.

The greasy sales manager now shows up and says that he can’t take us seriously. I told him that I didn’t expect him to accept it but to counter with something he felt more realistic. I believe it’s called negotiation…

Me: “Dropping the price $200 is insulting.” At that point we got up and left the dealership. The greasy salesman followed us out the door, clearly not ready to see us go yet.
Greasy used car salesman: “It’s hard for him to take your offer seriously but he might drop it another $200″
Me: “Thanks but we aren’t interested in doing business with you”
Greasy used car salesman: “Here’s my card”

Within fours days, they had dropped the asking price $1000. That would have been in the ballpark…