I believe that the reason for all these deep discounts is what the factory is charging dealers for the cars.

If I had paid sticker, it would have cost me $6,230 more than what I paid (figuring in taxes, fees based on sticker price) ... and if I had walked sooner in the negotiations I probably could have gotten it for a couple hundred less.

I did the deal through e-mail via carsdirect.com. Highly recommended because they know you're looking for a price and you're not on their turf where they control the situation. It took me three days of haggling but I held my ground and stayed below my target budget.

 

Just out of curiosity - what are some of the used cars you have been driving over the past three decades?

 

In order...

1957 Chevy 210 (265 Powerglide) Earned the money to buy it by helping my uncle dig a well.
1965 Chevelle SS (First new car... $2,961 off the lot)

Went into the Air Force
1962 Plymouth Fury 318/auto
1963 Plymouth Golden Commando/auto

Out of the Air Force
1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu 283/powerglide
1968 Triumph TR250
1973 MGB GT
1974 Ford Pinto
1972 340 Plymouth Barracuda (!)
1976 Chevy Monza V8 (My ex-still owns this)
1976? Ford Fiesta (First year in the US)
1979 Lancia Zagato (Cool, but disproportionally expensive to keep running)

Unemployed
1972 Monte Carlo (Junker 1)
1980 Toyota Carolla (Junker 2)

Employed
New 1989 Honda Civic (Hey! I forgot I bought that new too)
1983 Honda Civiv Wagon
1984 Jeep Cherokee (Most reliable vehicles I've ever owned)
1994 Honda Accord (POS)
1997 Jeep Cherokee (Most reliable vehicles I've ever owned)

Retired
1951 Chevy 3100 pickup (warmed over235 w/SM420, disks, 3:55 r&p... stock on the outside)
2002 Dodge Dakota (4.7 5-speed which is my current daily driver and I LOVE it!)

 

Congrats