First Time Buyer - Don'T Want To Be Ripped Off!

beswick · November 1, 2011

Hi forum,I am looking to purchase my first car in Bangkok but I would like to know how I can negotiate to get the best deal possible and not get ripped off.I am not looking for anything special, just a Toyota Vios or something and would like to pay on finance. However, what should I be negotiating for when I go into a dealer? Everyone seems to be driving gas cars here and not petrol. You will have to excuse my niavity here as I've never purchased a car before and I want to get the best deal possible. Can anyone explain how to do this?Many thanks,Bes

MoonRiverOasis · November 1, 2011

OK, here's some advice:

Learn to speak Thai (even just a little will go a very long way).
Read as much as you can here on TV so you understand the market and how deals and financing work.
Dress professionally (that includes any Thai people you might take with you).
Speak professionally (ditto^).
Rent a decent car to drive around to the dealerships (they will look at what you arrived in, and make judgements based on that). The higher the value of the car you arrive in , the stronger your negotiating power/influence will be. Always rent something better than what you're shopping for! (e.g. in this case a Camry or a Fortuner)
Make sure you have a Thai driver's license (otherwise you can't test drive, and if you don't demand a test drive, you'll be looked on as being green). On that front, never ask "can I have a test drive?", always ask "when can I have a test drive?", or "can we go for a test drive now?"
Make it clear you understand how buying a new car works here, and act like you've done it before (i.e. don't ask 'newbie' giveaway questions like "can it be in my name?", "can I get finance?" etc - refer to point 2)
Make sure you understand all features/options before shopping - otherwise you'll likely just ask the salesrep a question they can't answer, and that will make further conversation awkward, or force them into lying mode.
Be firm and confident, but always, always, always polite and accomodating.
Take the free water/coffee/drink when offered - if you don't they will think you're Gleng Jai, therefore not a serious buyer. If you're not thirsty, just don't drink it. Also, if you're not thirsty, always take the coffee option, then in a very subdued way, show that it's not up to your standards (i.e. a quick sip, a quiet "hrrm", and then cup placed back down)
Research what current deals are being offered at other dealers, and make sure you (politely) drop them into the conversation when appropriate.
Do not be in a rush - be prepared to spend time in the dealership. Good deals take a lot of time (and often periods of 'uneasy' silence) to nail down.
Because you're looking at a low-value car, lie and tell then it's for someone else (wife/gf/mother etc), or it's just to be used for the 7/11 run, or taking your niece to ballet etc.
If salesrep is female, flirt with her a little. If taking the wife/GF, make sure you do it very discretely

Disclaimer: some points are a little tongue-in-cheek

naboo · November 1, 2011

If purchasing on finance, work out exactly how much it will cost you over the course of the repayments. On the type of car you're looking at, finance should add no more than 60,000 Baht to the cost overall, unless you're intending to pay it off for the next 7 years.

Secondly, go for a Mazda 2 over a Vios. Seriously. And if you like automatics, a Ford Fiesta over a Mazda. Downside - higher depreciation. Upside, its not a Vios. Yuck!

MoonRiverOasis · November 1, 2011

Downside - higher depreciation.

Actually, while the Fiesta and Mazda2 haven't been in the market very long, the few that are on the used market show similar depreciation to a Toyota Yaris.

hearditallbefore · November 6, 2011

Go to the Toyota dealer in Central Rama 3 on the 2nd or 3rd floor and speak with Khun Mam. She speaks English and will give you a fair deal and can get you financing if you qualify, ask for Tanachart bank as they are fair as well. You won't need to put on a big show, although the advice from Moonriveroasis is pretty much on the money for most situations, Khun Mam wants to make a sell and move on to the next, so she will offer a fair deal to save all the time of bickering and lay out all the choices for extras you have and just let you pick what you want.

She wants people to use word of mouth just like we are doing here to get new and repeat customers. Kind of weird for Thailand, actually doing a good job to get new and repeat customers.

Back Sida · November 6, 2011

Hello,

I like to link me in this thread with some questions.

What is common to ask for?

One year first class insurance?

Some extras for the car (witch once?)

Should I let the dealer give the choice buy for cash or finance? (I.E. 'I can pay cash or would you prefer an arrange the fiance option'?) As I understand that the dealers make money on finance.

Thanks and regards

zorro1 · November 6, 2011

Learn to speak Thai (even just a little will go a very long way).

Not necessary but wouldnt hurt

Read as much as you can here on TV so you understand the market and how deals and financing work.

Yes good idea

Dress professionally (that includes any Thai people you might take with you).

Absolutely not necessary

Speak professionally (ditto^).

It helps

Rent a decent car to drive around to the dealerships (they will look at what you arrived in, and make judgements based on that). The higher the value of the car you arrive in , the stronger your negotiating power/influence will be. Always rent something better than what you're shopping for! (e.g. in this case a Camry or a Fortuner)

Absolutely not your not there to impress a car salesman. They need to impress you!

Make sure you have a Thai driver's license (otherwise you can't test drive, and if you don't demand a test drive, you'll be looked on as being green). On that front, never ask "can I have a test drive?", always ask "when can I have a test drive?", or "can we go for a test drive now?"

This is correct , try to avoid open ended questions like 'can I" etc where possible as this takes away control from the sales person

Make it clear you understand how buying a new car works here, and act like you've done it before (i.e. don't ask 'newbie' giveaway questions like "can it be in my name?", "can I get finance?" etc - refer to point 2)

Yes

Make sure you understand all features/options before shopping - otherwise you'll likely just ask the salesrep a question they can't answer, and that will make further conversation awkward, or force them into lying mode.

Yes

Be firm and confident, but always, always, always polite and accomodating.

Yes

Take the free water/coffee/drink when offered - if you don't they will think you're Gleng Jai, therefore not a serious buyer. If you're not thirsty, just don't drink it. Also, if you're not thirsty, always take the coffee option, then in a very subdued way, show that it's not up to your standards (i.e. a quick sip, a quiet "hrrm", and then cup

They always offer coffee etc to slow you down, usually very hot so you cant gulp it down

Research what current deals are being offered at other dealers, and make sure you (politely) drop them into the conversation when appropriate.

Yes and No.. yes bring newspaper cut outs etc but dont drop them in conversation. wait until the salesperson starts to negotiate and then refer to them ,they will be caught off guard.

Do not be in a rush - be prepared to spend time in the dealership. Good deals take a lot of time (and often periods of 'uneasy' silence) to nail down.

Correct

Because you're looking at a low-value car, lie and tell then it's for someone else (wife/gf/mother etc), or it's just to be used for the 7/11 run, or taking your niece to ballet etc.

Customers lie all the time, salepeople heard it all before

If salesrep is female, flirt with her a little. If taking the wife/GF, make sure you do it very discretely

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the system they will put you through (standard system used world wide) The road road to a sale!!

1. MEET AND GREET

The salesperson intro / handshake

2. QUALIFY

find out if its new or used, what model, is it for you? do you have a trade.

3. 6 POSITION WALK AROUND.

Salesperson will start at the bonnet and walk around the car pointing out feature/benefits

S/P is trying to make you love the car so just play along asking any questions that are relevant.

4. TEST DRIVE

S/P should ask you ,but if they dont then tell them you want to test drive the car.

5, TRADE APPRAISAL

6. NEGOTIATION

Its standard practise world wide NOT to start negotiating unless you are ready to commit to a good deal now at the desk. " sir/madam are you happy to buy this car now if I can get you a great deal?"

There is no point in giving you there best price so you can shop it is there? This is the fun bit. Tell them YES but under no circumstances buy it what ever price they give just say you were hoping for a better deal, its to expensive, I need to think about.

Basically you need to extract their best price and then shop it around. this is your mission

If the S/P is lazy then use the above system your self that way you are in control of the salesperson

MoonRiverOasis · November 6, 2011

Learn to speak Thai (even just a little will go a very long way).
Not necessary but wouldnt hurt

Read as much as you can here on TV so you understand the market and how deals and financing work.
Yes good idea

Dress professionally (that includes any Thai people you might take with you).
Absolutely not necessary

Speak professionally (ditto^).
It helps

Rent a decent car to drive around to the dealerships (they will look at what you arrived in, and make judgements based on that). The higher the value of the car you arrive in , the stronger your negotiating power/influence will be. Always rent something better than what you're shopping for! (e.g. in this case a Camry or a Fortuner)
Absolutely not your not there to impress a car salesman. They need to impress you!

Make sure you have a Thai driver's license (otherwise you can't test drive, and if you don't demand a test drive, you'll be looked on as being green). On that front, never ask "can I have a test drive?", always ask "when can I have a test drive?", or "can we go for a test drive now?"
This is correct , try to avoid open ended questions like 'can I" etc where possible as this takes away control from the sales person

Make it clear you understand how buying a new car works here, and act like you've done it before (i.e. don't ask 'newbie' giveaway questions like "can it be in my name?", "can I get finance?" etc - refer to point 2)
Yes

Make sure you understand all features/options before shopping - otherwise you'll likely just ask the salesrep a question they can't answer, and that will make further conversation awkward, or force them into lying mode.
Yes

Be firm and confident, but always, always, always polite and accomodating.
Yes

Take the free water/coffee/drink when offered - if you don't they will think you're Gleng Jai, therefore not a serious buyer. If you're not thirsty, just don't drink it. Also, if you're not thirsty, always take the coffee option, then in a very subdued way, show that it's not up to your standards (i.e. a quick sip, a quiet "hrrm", and then cup
They always offer coffee etc to slow you down, usually very hot so you cant gulp it down

Research what current deals are being offered at other dealers, and make sure you (politely) drop them into the conversation when appropriate.
Yes and No.. yes bring newspaper cut outs etc but dont drop them in conversation. wait until the salesperson starts to negotiate and then refer to them ,they will be caught off guard.

Do not be in a rush - be prepared to spend time in the dealership. Good deals take a lot of time (and often periods of 'uneasy' silence) to nail down.
Correct

Because you're looking at a low-value car, lie and tell then it's for someone else (wife/gf/mother etc), or it's just to be used for the 7/11 run, or taking your niece to ballet etc.
Customers lie all the time, salepeople heard it all before

If salesrep is female, flirt with her a little. If taking the wife/GF, make sure you do it very discretely
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the system they will put you through (standard system used world wide) The road road to a sale!!

1. MEET AND GREET

The salesperson intro / handshake

2. QUALIFY

find out if its new or used, what model, is it for you? do you have a trade.

3. 6 POSITION WALK AROUND.

Salesperson will start at the bonnet and walk around the car pointing out feature/benefits

S/P is trying to make you love the car so just play along asking any questions that are relevant.

4. TEST DRIVE

S/P should ask you ,but if they dont then tell them you want to test drive the car.

5, TRADE APPRAISAL

6. NEGOTIATION

Its standard practise world wide NOT to start negotiating unless you are ready to commit to a good deal now at the desk. " sir/madam are you happy to buy this car now if I can get you a great deal?"

There is no point in giving you there best price so you can shop it is there? This is the fun bit. Tell them YES but under no circumstances buy it what ever price they give just say you were hoping for a better deal, its to expensive, I need to think about.

Basically you need to extract their best price and then shop it around. this is your mission

If the S/P is lazy then use the above system your self that way you are in control of the salesperson

That's the western system, here's a few additions/changes to make it more Thai style:

1. Pre-Qualify: Salesperson needs to make a decision on whether talking to you is worth their time and effort. This is where dressing properly, and what you arrive in first comes into play. If you get relegated to the junior that started last week, you'll end up doing all your negotiating with the sales manager's puppet and you'll get nothing. Much better to get a more senior salesperson from the start, then force them into agreeing in concept to the deal you want before they go off to the sales manager for approval

2. Meet and Greet: may or may not occur as per #1. I'm sure that many members can attest to either walking out of a dealership having being completely ignored, or being forced to approach/hunt down a sales rep themselves, which puts you back at the ugly side of #1. Appearances matter - in everything you do in Thailand, including buying a car.

3. Qualify: Ask the customer when they're buying, and quickly establish how much they can be financed for. If a couple, establish whether the TG is getting a gift ot not and try make her your proxy salesperson. If the farang works in Thailand, quickly establish whether they're blue or white collar. If blue collar, relagate to a junior salesperson so you can save time for people who might have money. If farang is unemployed/retired look at key indicators like watches, jewelry, clothes (of both TG and farang), and the car they came in etc to establish whether they have money or not. If not clearly wealthy, relagate to a junior salesperson.

4. Establish Gleng Jai. Offer free drinks/food. If the farang cannot speak Thai, focus all conversation on their Thai partner and establish Gleng Jai with them. Ask them what they do for work, where they went to school, what province they come from, what restaurants they go to, what places in Thailand they've been to etc - anything and everything that will help establish that the salesperson has a higher social rank.

5. Test Drive: Salesreps will avoid this at all costs. No point in pontentially scuttling a sale because the car doesn't drive as pretty as it looks. Especially important if a farang present, as they've driven much nicer, much cheaper cars before. If customer doesn't ask for/insist on a test drive, they know nothing about cars, so go for the throat. Always sell them the top model of whatever it is they're looking at - i.e. ignore that other models even exist. If the customer starts asking questions that sound like they're comparing the value of the top model to lower grades, advise Thai partner of social status impact of not having the top model. If they continue asking questions about lower models, they probably have no money, so perhaps better to relegate back to a junior.

6. Get all details you need for a finance application before even bothering to negotiate. Once you understand the buyer's financial situation, you'll be much better armed in negotiations, and in many cases will be able to avoid them completely. Always avoid giving a price or discussing freebies until the finance application signed.

zorro1 · November 6, 2011

Learn to speak Thai (even just a little will go a very long way).
Not necessary but wouldnt hurt

Read as much as you can here on TV so you understand the market and how deals and financing work.
Yes good idea

Dress professionally (that includes any Thai people you might take with you).
Absolutely not necessary

Speak professionally (ditto^).
It helps

Rent a decent car to drive around to the dealerships (they will look at what you arrived in, and make judgements based on that). The higher the value of the car you arrive in , the stronger your negotiating power/influence will be. Always rent something better than what you're shopping for! (e.g. in this case a Camry or a Fortuner)
Absolutely not your not there to impress a car salesman. They need to impress you!

Make sure you have a Thai driver's license (otherwise you can't test drive, and if you don't demand a test drive, you'll be looked on as being green). On that front, never ask "can I have a test drive?", always ask "when can I have a test drive?", or "can we go for a test drive now?"
This is correct , try to avoid open ended questions like 'can I" etc where possible as this takes away control from the sales person

Make it clear you understand how buying a new car works here, and act like you've done it before (i.e. don't ask 'newbie' giveaway questions like "can it be in my name?", "can I get finance?" etc - refer to point 2)
Yes

Make sure you understand all features/options before shopping - otherwise you'll likely just ask the salesrep a question they can't answer, and that will make further conversation awkward, or force them into lying mode.
Yes

Be firm and confident, but always, always, always polite and accomodating.
Yes

Take the free water/coffee/drink when offered - if you don't they will think you're Gleng Jai, therefore not a serious buyer. If you're not thirsty, just don't drink it. Also, if you're not thirsty, always take the coffee option, then in a very subdued way, show that it's not up to your standards (i.e. a quick sip, a quiet "hrrm", and then cup
They always offer coffee etc to slow you down, usually very hot so you cant gulp it down

Research what current deals are being offered at other dealers, and make sure you (politely) drop them into the conversation when appropriate.
Yes and No.. yes bring newspaper cut outs etc but dont drop them in conversation. wait until the salesperson starts to negotiate and then refer to them ,they will be caught off guard.

Do not be in a rush - be prepared to spend time in the dealership. Good deals take a lot of time (and often periods of 'uneasy' silence) to nail down.
Correct

Because you're looking at a low-value car, lie and tell then it's for someone else (wife/gf/mother etc), or it's just to be used for the 7/11 run, or taking your niece to ballet etc.
Customers lie all the time, salepeople heard it all before

If salesrep is female, flirt with her a little. If taking the wife/GF, make sure you do it very discretely
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the system they will put you through (standard system used world wide) The road road to a sale!!

1. MEET AND GREET

The salesperson intro / handshake

2. QUALIFY

find out if its new or used, what model, is it for you? do you have a trade.

3. 6 POSITION WALK AROUND.

Salesperson will start at the bonnet and walk around the car pointing out feature/benefits

S/P is trying to make you love the car so just play along asking any questions that are relevant.

4. TEST DRIVE

S/P should ask you ,but if they dont then tell them you want to test drive the car.

5, TRADE APPRAISAL

6. NEGOTIATION

Its standard practise world wide NOT to start negotiating unless you are ready to commit to a good deal now at the desk. " sir/madam are you happy to buy this car now if I can get you a great deal?"

There is no point in giving you there best price so you can shop it is there? This is the fun bit. Tell them YES but under no circumstances buy it what ever price they give just say you were hoping for a better deal, its to expensive, I need to think about.

Basically you need to extract their best price and then shop it around. this is your mission

If the S/P is lazy then use the above system your self that way you are in control of the salesperson

That's the western system, here's a few additions/changes to make it more Thai style:

1. Pre-Qualify: Salesperson needs to make a decision on whether talking to you is worth their time and effort. This is where dressing properly, and what you arrive in first comes into play.

2. Meet and Greet: may or may not occur as per #1. I'm sure that many members can attest to either walking out of a dealership having being completely ignored, or being forced to approach/hunt down a sales rep themselves. Appearances matter - in everything you do in Thailand, including buying a car.

3. Qualify: Ask the customer when they're buying, and quickly establish how much they can be financed for.

4. Establish Gleng Jai. Offer free drinks/food. If the farang cannot speak Thai, focus all conversation on their Thai partner and establish Gleng Jai with them. Ask them what they do for work, where they went to school, what province they come from, what restaurants they go to, what places in Thailand they've been to etc - anything and everything that will help establish that the salesperson has a higher social rank.

5. Test Drive: Salesreps will avoid this at all costs. No point in pontentially scuttling a sale because the car doesn't drive as pretty as it looks. Especially important if a farang present, as they've driven much nicer, much cheaper cars before. If customer doesn't ask for /insist on a test drive, they know nothing about cars, so go for the throat.

6. Get all details you need for a finance application before even bothering to negotiate. Once you understand the buyer's financial situation, you'll be much better armed in negotiations, and in many cases will be able to avoid them completely. Always avoid giving a price or discussing freebies until the finance application signed.

Yes I can see your point in modifying Thai style , when i bought my condo I tried to play "the first person to speak price loses" after 2 hours I caved in I had to ask the sales man if I could buy it. He just stared at me like a buffalo

Back Sida · November 6, 2011

Hi,

one thing on the whole I don't understand.

If the buyer's financial situation or status is so important for them.

Why is it then that there do not like cash or you have more negotiation power if go for finance?

Do not make sense for me.

MoonRiverOasis · November 6, 2011

Here's a few more tips, especially for those goin car shopping with thier TG.

Never walk in behind the TG. Open the door for her, then quickly charge to the front. Make it clear you're the buyer, not her.

Make a confident, bold entry. Look at the people not the cars - you need to let them know you're looking for service, now, not just browsing/day dreaming. As your nominated sale rep approaches, wai them first with a strong and confident "Sawadee Krub" - again establishing that you're the buyer.

If you get a male salesperson, you've just taken his opening physcological tactic so he will respond boldy and confidently too. In order to put him back on the backfoot, thrust your hand forward and give him a firm "you're my bitch" hand-over-palm handshake (yes, it's completely OK to handshake in this environment).

Tell them to show you what they have. It doesn't matter that you know exactly what model/grade you want, you're acting like you could buy any of them. When appropriate, give them one reason why the model you came to look at it now the one you want to focus on (e.g. "I think the VIOS looks about right for what I want today, can we go for test-drive now?"). Note: you still have not yet discussed price.

While on the test drive, don't smile or do anyhting to indicate you're truly happy with the car. Coach your TG on how to be critical but polite, and not to say silly things like "yes, this is the same as my friends car and he/she loves it", "it's a good car yes sweetheart?" etc etc. Note: you still have not yet discussed price.

As soon as you get back, ask them what they're offering for free (Kong Tam) with the car. Know what's possible to get free, and prompt them to include them as well if not mentioned. Note: you still have not yet discussed price.

Once freebies established, ask them their finance interest rate, then haggle it just as you'd haggle some trinket in a tourist area market (i.e. playing the high/low game until you hit the right middle ground). Note: you still have not discussed price.

Now you ask to see the price list, and wrap up the deal.

MoonRiverOasis · November 6, 2011

Hi,

one thing on the hole I don't understand.

If the buyer's financial situation or status is so important for them.

Why is it then that there do not like cash or you have more negotiation power if go for finance?

Do not make sense for me.

Because they make a commission on finance - often much, much more commission than what they make on the car itself.

Same goes for accessories, and insurance (if you fail to get them for free) - big commissions on those..

Back Sida · November 6, 2011

Hi,

one thing on the hole I don't understand.

If the buyer's financial situation or status is so important for them.

Why is it then that there do not like cash or you have more negotiation power if go for finance?

Do not make sense for me.

Because they make a commission on finance - often much, much more commission than what they make on the car itself.

This I understand.

But then it should be, that there looking for not financial not so potent buyer's.

I mean, if you have money, why you should go for finance?

Or is this TIT?

MoonRiverOasis · November 6, 2011

But then it should be, that there looking for not financial not so potent buyer's.

I mean, if you have money, why you should go for finance?

Or is this TIT?

Rich Thai's are smart enough to know finance has a commission, therefore a stronger negotiating position, so practically all cars are financed whether or not cash could have been paid.

And anyway, if you park your cash wisely, you'll make more interest on savings than you'll pay on finance.

Almost everything in TH has a commission - it's s staple business principle here.

Litlos · November 6, 2011

Well I breached about half of the guides and still got a good deal. Though all good advice and will be stored for the next time.

The sales lady could not speak english so she drafted in the deputy manager who did, to "assist". Did pre warn the TGF to be careful what she said and if pushed on me to hint I was a bit of a tightwad, and her answer when asked what I was looking for was "Up to Him".

I did prepare according to some previous posts and rolled up in neat casual with a bit of expensive (genuine) aftershave and my best gold watch on, TGF sporting the good jewellery and well dressed. This all to create the impression I was worth dealing with. Took two copies of every piece of paperwork they would be likely to need plus originals. Also had a list of which freebies I was after so not relying on memory. I think being so well prepared wrong footed them a bit which was to my advantage, there were regular surprised looks when the asked for a piece of paperwork and I had it. When doing the sit in the vehicle thing wriggled around a bit in the seats as though not really that comfortable, then did the walk around with occaisional back steps to stare at something as if it was not 100% to my liking. Pure theatre and all the players knew their lines, though the salespeople get to practice theirs a lot more than the average buyer.

Not sure if it mentioned in this post, though certainly mentioned elsewhere, but the sales price for most cars is pretty well fixed, and the gains are in the extras. The extras will vary for every vehicle, and equated to about 3.5% in my case for a Pajero Sport. Bear in mind that there is a chronic shortage of vehicles for sale at the moment due to flooding, so extras or even getting a realistic delivery date is going to be hard. They may well have people offering them "incentives" to get their name to the front of the queue. Not an ideal buyers environment.

So check out what people are getting offered as extras and be prepared to walk away from an less than optimal deal. One of the best pieces of advice given by MRO in another post which I used was to ensure that there was an English language owners book included as part of the deal. Best of luck.

Cheers

Back Sida · November 6, 2011

And anyway, if you park your cash wisely, you'll make more interest on savings than you'll pay on finance.

Hi MoonRiverOasis,

Could you be so nice and give me a calculation example how this should work?

Lets say a car 800000.

30% (?) down payment?

2 Years

2-3% interest rate?

free bee's (insurance 1 year, some item's, worth ?)

against park the remaining 560000 on a bank (how much interest I get now in Thailand? (Germany is not more then 2-2.5%)

How much would I save over this 2 years?

Thanks and regards

wandrinstar · November 6, 2011

Id just catch a Bus than go through that. Never had that crap in 30 years..Stick me a Deal together , gime a Bell. Done Deal.

MoonRiverOasis · November 6, 2011

against park the remaining 560000 on a bank (how much interest I get now in Thailand? (Germany is not more then 2-2.5%)

That discussion is out of scope and way, way too big to have here, because there's so many different ways to invest.

A neigbour from Oz has it easy though - his money attracts 3.4% interest at his Thai bank as AUD, all taxes in.

Id just catch a Bus than go through that. Never had that crap in 30 years..Stick me a Deal together , gime a Bell. Done Deal.

Yeah, but when you're shopping for a 3M++ Baht car, it's a totally different ballgame 'star - you know that

Back Sida · November 6, 2011

Id just catch a Bus than go through that. Never had that crap in 30 years..Stick me a Deal together , gime a Bell. Done Deal.

Here we go...

Now coming the typical TV-BS

I not asked for a deal, I asked for a calculation example.

If I calculate that in my humble way the savings MoonRiverOasis talking about is so minimal if even have,

that I don't care about.

For a 3M+ car, OK I maybe agree.

Anyway, I think that is enough now.

Thanks

richard_smith237 · November 6, 2011

One thing to watchout for:

When buying your new car it's highly probable that 1 years free insurance will get thrown in.

Check the value of this. i.e. What value does the policy place on your car? (some cut the effective cost of the 'free' premium by placing a much lower value on the car)

janverbeem · November 6, 2011

What always worked for me is lying.

Go to the first dealer and after he makes you an offer tell him you get a better deal at the competitor,and just plain lie to him how much you got offered.He will make his second best offer at that time.

Tell him you want to think about and drive straight to his competitor.If the second dealer doesn't make you a better offer,show him the the documents from the first dealer.Now he will make you a better deal if it is possible without making a loss.

wandrinstar · November 6, 2011

Big Car, Small Car, id fall asleep, or forget what im in there for with all that babble..Free Insurance, yes if i name my Company, but no , it must be theirs.To much fuss for peanuts..Free tint ?, they put what they have on the cheap.A bunch of flowers and a Plastic Litter Bin. Up to You..

transam · November 6, 2011

Id just catch a Bus than go through that. Never had that crap in 30 years..Stick me a Deal together , gime a Bell. Done Deal.

Here we go...

Now coming the typical TV-BS

I not asked for a deal, I asked for a calculation example.

If I calculate that in my humble way the savings MoonRiverOasis talking about is so minimal if even have,

that I don't care about.

For a 3M+ car, OK I maybe agree.

Anyway, I think that is enough now.

Thanks

You obviously don't read the forum enough to know who we are, regulars that is. Chill out man.

LeCharivari · November 6, 2011

As your nominated sale rep approaches, wai them first with a strong and confident "Sawadee Krub" - again establishing that you're the buyer.

I prefer to keep things quick and simple, avoiding a pointless all-too-short test drive by renting the car/cars I'm thinking of for a day so I can give them a proper check/comparison, telling the sales-person what I want, then asking them what they can offer me. End of messing about.

The one thing I wouldn't do is "wai" a salesman, which would establish either that I've just arrived and haven't got a clue about who wais who first, or that I'm feeling inferior. Sorry, MRO, but unless you want them laughing at you, you just don't wai waiters or salesmen.

DavidJames · November 6, 2011

Appearances matter - in everything you do in Thailand, including buying a car

This is very true.

Sometimes it is almost comical, they react like the appearance is a

signal and an instruction manual how to treat you.

Even Thai people you see every day, like the security guard or front desk lady

react in certain manners depending on what you wear.

Sort of like a conditioned reflex that is deeply embeded in their

brain.

It is very interesting to study peoples reaction depending on what you wear and how you act.

Some results are amazing.

zorro1 · November 6, 2011

What always worked for me is lying.

Go to the first dealer and after he makes you an offer tell him you get a better deal at the competitor,and just plain lie to him how much you got offered.He will make his second best offer at that time.

Tell him you want to think about and drive straight to his competitor.If the second dealer doesn't make you a better offer,show him the the documents from the first dealer.Now he will make you a better deal if it is possible without making a loss.

i thought car sales man were the liars?

LOL spare a thought for the poor salesman who has to sift through all the B/S to actually get a deal done , no wonder they can barley roll their eyes when a fake polo shirt wearing farang strolls through the doors

MoonRiverOasis · November 6, 2011

Id just catch a Bus than go through that. Never had that crap in 30 years..Stick me a Deal together , gime a Bell. Done Deal.

Here we go...

Now coming the typical TV-BS

I not asked for a deal, I asked for a calculation example.

If I calculate that in my humble way the savings MoonRiverOasis talking about is so minimal if even have,

that I don't care about.

For a 3M+ car, OK I maybe agree.

Anyway, I think that is enough now.

Thanks

Sorry, but this is not the forum to ask for financial advice (i.e. how to invest whatever savings you have). And there's no way I'd do that, but as noted there's lots of ways to park your money for great interest - ask a financial adviser.

As for how to calculate the finance cost of your car, that's simple.

800K - 30% = 560K

2.6% interest = 14,560Baht /yr

@ 2years = 29,120 Baht total interest.

The one thing I wouldn't do is "wai" a salesman, which would establish either that I've just arrived and haven't got a clue about who wais who first, or that I'm feeling inferior. Sorry, MRO, but unless you want them laughing at you, you just don't wai waiters or salesmen.

This is not the local BigC, some guy that just rocked up to your front gate selling Safe-T-Cuts, or some girlie bar- you're here to do actual business. Up to you.

Mind you I use it so I can pick my salesperson

janverbeem · November 7, 2011

What always worked for me is lying.

Go to the first dealer and after he makes you an offer tell him you get a better deal at the competitor,and just plain lie to him how much you got offered.He will make his second best offer at that time.

Tell him you want to think about and drive straight to his competitor.If the second dealer doesn't make you a better offer,show him the the documents from the first dealer.Now he will make you a better deal if it is possible without making a loss.

i thought car sales man were the liars?

LOL spare a thought for the poor salesman who has to sift through all the B/S to actually get a deal done , no wonder they can barley roll their eyes when a fake polo shirt wearing farang strolls through the doors

What the fake polo shirt has to do with having a good deal or not.After all it is a free market isn't it.

The shopping around for my latest purchase,a Nissan Navara,delivered a difference of 50.000 Baht between the first dealer I entered the showroom and the dealer where I finally bought,and I doubt he sold at a loss because I was wearing a fake shirt.

And I'm also sure the first dealer could have sold at the same price,but he preferred an extra profit of 50.000 Baht per car sold instead of selling more cars with a lower profit margin.

wandrinstar · November 7, 2011

Whats a fake Polo Shirt anyway..,i cant see the relevance either.

transam · November 7, 2011

What always worked for me is lying.

Go to the first dealer and after he makes you an offer tell him you get a better deal at the competitor,and just plain lie to him how much you got offered.He will make his second best offer at that time.

Tell him you want to think about and drive straight to his competitor.If the second dealer doesn't make you a better offer,show him the the documents from the first dealer.Now he will make you a better deal if it is possible without making a loss.

i thought car sales man were the liars?

LOL spare a thought for the poor salesman who has to sift through all the B/S to actually get a deal done , no wonder they can barley roll their eyes when a fake polo shirt wearing farang strolls through the doors

I thought everything was fake in LOS. BUT if you had said farang with a fake Rolex you might have made your point..

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