How do I know I am offering a fair profit to a car dealer? (& not being ripped off)?

From my research I have discovered that the Consumer Reports bottom line price for a 2007 Toyota Camry LE (automatic) is approximately $18, 756. This takes into account dealer incentives such as manufacturer rebates and "holdbacks." Knowing that this price also has a built in 3%-5% profit margin, how much more above the CR bottom line price should a buyer offer without being taken to the cleaners? I realize that this vehicle is in high demand also which does not help the buyer when negotiating a reasonable price--just looking for a little bit of help to secure a deal. Thanks in advance for your advice.





http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/...

How do I know I am offering a fair profit to a car dealer? (%26amp; not being ripped off)?
If your paying under MSRP on a new Camry your doing OK.





As long as the sales guy and the finance guy (the real crook) get a couple hundred bucks between them (at least in a large dealership) you should be good. Also, if you want to make a bottom-line offer do so at the end of the month as a salesman who is not doing so well would just love to sell one more for the period, if his stats are poor. It might be his job, esp if he's new.





Also, if you feel you can't get them to go as low on the price as you'd like, try adding options or features to the car at little to no cost.





I know on Scions, which are all set and sold at no-haggle prices, you can negotiate free additions like floor mats, tint, satellite radio, etc. instead of lowering the car's price.
Reply:A new model year is more difficult. You should be able to find a dealer that will sell a car in inventory for 400 to 500 over invoice less rebates. If you have a trade, this is were most people get into trouble. The other place to save is financing, check out credit unions in your area. Each interest point saved will save you $400-$500 over the term of the loan. Many dealers have CU available and that's OK. Cuddle (Group of CU) do not permit the rates to be marked up. Customers do not realize how expensive it is to run a dealership, the Hold-Back is needed by the dealership to stay in business. Good Luck
Reply:%26lt;%26gt;You are getting ripped off automatically if you feel you have to offer a dealer more than a car is worth in order to get him/her to sell you the car. I'd rather get another car than do that.
Reply:you're usually getting ripped off by those jerks.
Reply:Lemme say it this way.


If they paid $3000 for a car, they charge you $9000. The salesman gets a third of the sale price, and the dealership the rest. I say don't feel guilty about ANY offer YOU can make.





I like what Mike Tyson said HE does when HE buys anything. He said he tells them,"That's a good price, but, I can get a better deal somewhere else." And starts walking!
Reply:You shouldn't worry about the car dealer's profit - they'll do that for you. Focus on getting them down as low as possible and use any and all leverage that you can to negotiate lower. Don't be afraid to walk away - there are tons of dealers that sell the Camry so if one won't give you the price you want, find one who will.
Reply:man, i'm so confused.
Reply:Sounds like you have done your homework and let me tell you...they don't like people who have done so.
Reply:go to dealer #1, offer 5% below that price, argue with them on it for a while, walk off if they don't take it and see if they actually let you walk - if they let you walk away your price is too low and you can try dealer #2 at 5% higher then your first offer





doesn't work unless you really walk or drive away





doesn't work if you let them con you into the undercoat and whatnot in the back room or let them screw you on financing.

medicine