Discussions

Time for a new vehicle. My old one is going to my niece, and I need to decide whether to buy new or used. I'm aware of the hit you take on a new vehicle, but there's the bonuses of getting its best years as well as knowing its history. If I buy one a few years old, someone else takes the hit on depreciation, but then I'm not going to get a great interest rate on a loan for a 3-4 year old vehicle, which I don't have the money to pay for outright. Might end up paying the same or close to new price!  
 
 
Anyhow, I've heard lots of suggestions to also look at other dealerships (Winnipeg, Steinbach, etc) but when I don't have a trade-in and I'm dealing with new vehicle price - is there even a point??? They'll only give you so much off of their MSRP because they have to make money too - and from what I hear they don't make a ton off of new vehicles. Is it worth it to drive back and forth and not deal local to save $500 or $1000???  
 
Just wanted some opinions on people who have bought brand new vs used and perhaps experiences with loans, leases, depreciation, etc just for some insight.  
 
Thanks!

Definitely shop around, I just bought a new to me vehicle in November. What I did was went in with an amount I wanted to pay bi-weekly and told them to find me something to make that work and sure enough after a few visits to different dealerships they did! Mine is a 2014 model and was still eligible for a 6 year loan.

It depends on what you are after.  
 
I would not buy a truck around here - they are HUGELY over priced because so many people buy them around here the dealers jack them. We saved thousands buying our new Dodge from Steinbach.  
 
Now, my Hyundai is a different story. I apparently have received some excellent pricing from the local guys....I did do some comparison shopping in Winnipeg and Steinbach and I really did get better pricing here.  
 
From my experience - Fords around here are ridiculously overpriced too, both cars and trucks. It was different when we had Foreman in Dauphin - we used to get our vehicles from them, until they were bought out.  
 
I am a big believer in supporting local, but when the local options are monopolies and pricing is that inflated, shop around.  
 
I think that is why you can get some better pricing in Winnipeg or Steinbach - they still have some smaller not chain owned dealers and they are willing to move to make a sale.

The local dealerships are comparable in price to the ones everywhere else. The difference being that there's not as much competition here, so local dealers may ask a higher sticker price - but sticker price is always negotiable. Don't forget there can also be fees that are added later, so always make sure you're asking for an "all-in" price on the same vehicle (trim level, year, etc).  
 
If you call a Ford store in Winnipeg and get a price on a new F150, our local Ford store will likely match it, because they want your business - but you have to ask! I have shopped around very carefully in the past, and I have never found a NEW car for a better deal in Steinbach or Winnipeg than in Brandon.  
 
But you DO have to know what the real world price is on a car before you pull out your chequebook, and be prepared. If you are an informed buyer and not afraid to haggle a little bit, you can get a good price anywhere.  
 
Buying in Winnipeg or Steinbach to save a few hundred bucks might save you a bit in the short-term, but buying from a local dealer helps keep money in our economy (many local dealerships sponsor sports teams, events, socials, etc.), and you won't have to drive 2 or 3 hours every time you want personal service from 'your' dealership.

Thanks for the input! In my case - I'm intrigued by the new Honda HR-V ... so it's probably the Honda dealership in town that I'd be dealing with. No truck, but a larger sedan or crossover type vehicle likely. Thanks!

MacBook said "Thanks for the input! In my case - I'm intrigued by the new Honda HR-V ... so it's probably the Honda dealership in town that I'd be dealing with. No truck, but a larger sedan or crossover type vehicle likely. Thanks! "

We have had a great experience with Fowler Hyundai in Brandon. Our salesman was Bob Simmerson, very friendly and no pressure. It doesn't cost a thing to test drive.

Sent you a PM.

If you happen to be at Murrays ask for Thomas Boyd. He's one of the good ones who cares about what you want and will go the extra mile.

hisluvmonkey said "    MacBook said "Thanks for the input! In my case - I'm intrigued by the new Honda HR-V ... so it's probably the Honda dealership in town that I'd be dealing with. No truck, but a larger sedan or crossover type vehicle likely. Thanks! " We have had a great experience with Fowler Hyundai in Brandon. Our salesman was Bob Simmerson, very friendly and no pressure. It doesn't cost a thing to test drive. "

He is the best - love dealing with him.

I agree, Bob is the best! I bought our SUV from him. He's so down to earth and no pressure. He really wants you to be happy with your purchase experience!

Sassenach said "If you happen to be at Murrays ask for Thomas Boyd. He's one of the good ones who cares about what you want and will go the extra mile. "

I completely agree! Thomas is great! I would definitely recommend him if you go to Murray Chrysler.

I like to shop local also, but our last three vehicles have come from Winnipeg. We shopped around, dealt with the dealership and they could not come close to the one in Winnipeg (all in costs)  
 
Shopping local is what we all should be trying to do on all items. But when it does come to a bigger item like a vehicle, you have to shop around. We ended up $2000 less in Winnipeg and got to bring the vehicle home the same day. So, one trip to Winnipeg and warranty work can be done at any dealership connected to that type/model.

If you are buying a used vehicle take it to a reputable garage and get a pre safety done. The dealership will tell you they've had one done and show the safety take it from me ( as we went through this a few months back) get your own safety done. It might cost you 50 dollars but it is well worth it. If the dealership/seller isn't willing to let you get one done walk no run as fast as you can!  
We bought a vehicle with a safety .. within a few days the brakes were grinding took it in and found out it had no brakes and through further inspection had a whole list of things that did not pass safety in other words it was sold with a false safety. Long story short got a hold of the top dog in government and this vehicle was fixed at the seller's expense. It took a few months and a lot of letter writing I basically became my own lawyer. Always get your own safety done always always!

I would shop in winnipeg as well... if the dealership here matches Winnipeg pricing then obviously buy in Brandon.  
 
From my personal experience.. Brandon didn't price match or even beat Winnipeg pricing. I saved thousands of dollars by buying a car in winnipeg.

Buying in Winnipeg has it's believers But are you actually getting the same car for the price difference. I helped a friend look at a car in Brandon that she liked. she was told to shop around in Winnipeg and she came back with the same model of car and came to show it to me. I asked what she payed and It was $1000.00 less than Brandon. BUT the car didn't have the same engine or options that the car in Brandon did and was a year older plus down the road if she sold it she would not have gotten as much for it. what seems like a great deal at the time may not be what it cracks up to be. Most dealerships in Brandon will make a better offer if they know you could go to Winnipeg. the only advice I'll give you is do your own research on the car you are going to buy. Price, recall history is a huge thing, stay away from problem cars. reliability cost of replacement parts like tires 19 inch rims may sound good but how much will new tires cost for them? the tires that come with the car will not last long. How much does an oil change cost for that vehicle? Mazda's tend to cost more for their oil changes for instance than other brands some times costing over $100.00 for a basic oil change. So do your research and you will buy a car you will enjoy for a long time.

veloster said "Buying in Winnipeg has it's believers But are you actually getting the same car for the price difference. I helped a friend look at a car in Brandon that she liked. she was told to shop around in Winnipeg and she came back with the same model of car and came to show it to me. I asked what she payed and It was $1000.00 less than Brandon. BUT the car didn't have the same engine or options that the car in Brandon did and was a year older plus down the road if she sold it she would not have gotten as much for it. what seems like a great deal at the time may not be what it cracks up to be. Most dealerships in Brandon will make a better offer if they know you could go to Winnipeg. the only advice I'll give you is do your own research on the car you are going to buy. Price, recall history is a huge thing, stay away from problem cars. reliability cost of replacement parts like tires 19 inch rims may sound good but how much will new tires cost for them? the tires that come with the car will not last long. How much does an oil change cost for that vehicle? Mazda's tend to cost more for their oil changes for instance than other brands some times costing over $100.00 for a basic oil change. So do your research and you will buy a car you will enjoy for a long time. "

when I bought in Winnipeg,I made sure it comparable with the same options, motor size as the one I checked out in Brandon.

Thanks for the input. Definitely would be looking at same specs when shopping around... which is pretty easy compared to used. Hopefully I can find my best deal!

Also, don't be afraid to check out some of the dealers in surrounds towns as well. Sometimes you can get a way better deal.

Get the vin number, or get the quote on paper with trim levels and you should be good.  
 
But yes do your research