Negotiate with replica manufactures?

[mattr762]

Who has negotiated a better deal for them selves on a new cobra? Can you with most of the places? How much did you save?

Many people just don't know to negotiate, especially at furniture stores. Just wondering if its common practice for replicars.

[RedBarchetta]

Matt, from what I've learned thus far, there really isn't a lot of wiggle room right now.

Consider the general economy. Yes, there are more people out of work now than, say, during the go-go '90's before the dot-com bust. But overall our economy is holding up quite well, mostly in part to the low interest rate environment. I visited my local SPF dealer and he appeared to be in no short supply of work...lots of cars being completed or worked on. Consider that companies like BackDraft and other TKM dealers are selling their wares ("competition") and that tells me that there is much demand to meet the supply. Also consider that many are willing to wait 12-18 months for an ERA or Shelby CSX4000 and that tells me that demand is still strong.

I think in a softer economy one could work a deal. But my impressions are that we live in "Saturn dealer" days....the sticker is the price, i.e. no haggling.

[Snak Iyz]

Matt,

If I remember correctly, you had previously posted you were looking at a BDR. Please keep my following comments in the context of purchasing a BDR, as I cannot speak for the other manufacturers.

I believe you can get $500-$1k off the roller price, another $500-$1k in options and the $500-$1k on the engine/tranny. The dollars may not all come from each or all of these categories, but the discount should be in the ballpark of a cumulative number.

Feel free to contact me via email and I can discuss my recent BDR purchase with you.

Hope this helps!

- Snak Iyz

[klayfish]

I'll give you my replica $100 bill for your replica Cobra.

I don't know if "negotiating" is the right word. You may be able to get a package deal with them if you order options and such, but I don't think you'll be able to negotiate as if you were buying a Honda from the showroom floor.

Steve

[Okiesnake]

Unique gave me 25% Off.
NOT! I didn't even ask. I do think you may find some Cobra Manufactures may have some room for negotating or price matching for accessories.

[sierramadre45]

Everything is negotiable. At this time of year you may be able to negotiate a small discount on the cost of the roller, if you opt for a Superformance and take one that they currently have in stock. In addition I would request some options at no charge, ask them to include free delivery, and ask for a significant discount on the installation kit.

Something else to consider; this time of year is a great time to negotiate a deal for a used Cobra with someone who needs to sell and can't wait for the Spring Market. You should be able to pick up a used Superformance in the low to mid $40's that would cost you in excess of $55,000 brand new.

Good Luck.

[casaleenie]

It never hurts to ask......
No harm, no foul....

[decooney]

Supply vs. Demand is key.

If you are trying to negotiate to purchase a replica Cobra from a company that has a 1-2 year waiting list, expect minimal savings and as already mentioned, maybe you can get a "package deal".

If you are trying to negotiate with a company that has an abundant supply or over supply, or dealers regularly selling their cars on eBay, you might have a better chance for negotiation and potential savings.

One other thing to remember, if you try to negotiate too much for a car on a long waiting list, don't be too suprised if your car takes a little longer to receive than you originally anticipated.

FYI: There are some very nice used cars out there too.

[daltondavid]

I think Negotiations will go better in the Used Market. Not to mention you would be getting a car that is broke in and running!!

[foothills gary]

It would appear to me that every time someone gets a Cobra replica under the prevailing asking price,it is to a certain extent resetting the resale value of that model.When someone takes advantage of someone in a desperate situation to get a"good deal" on a used car the same thing is essentially happening.In other threads many have expressed concern over resale of our cars,but as a group we may be our own worst enemies in that regard.Maybe it would be better to ask for increased value through additional service or consumables like car covers,mats,etc. that we all buy anyway,but that don't really add to or subtract from the value of the car.Just an observation(not meant to start a 15 pager).

[Hal Copple]

i don't know about the manufacturers who make and sell from one location, but for those that sell from several locations, ie, SPF, Shelby, and perhaps a few others, i don't think they are allowed to undercut one another's prices, as having the dealers get involved in a bidding war would not be to their benefit. I would never have asked for a discount on my SPF, nor wold i have expected one. The exemplary service and support in the past nearly four years has made any discount meaningless to me. I can't offer an opinion for the single site manufactures.

[foothills gary]

I agree,Hal.When I ordered my ERA,the options list scored nearly 3.5 pages.I didn't expect and would not have asked for any discount or freebies,but several small touches were added at no charge like braided leather door pulls, my hoodscoop rivetted on at no charge,etc-very nice gestures that told me that they appreciated my business and were working hard for me within the limits of what they could afford without sacrificing the exemplary quality of the car or the high level of service ERA is known for.I think that most dealers if treated with respect would spontaneously add value as a show of appreciation for choosing them.

[G.R.]

[quote]Originally posted by foothills gary


[b] Maybe it would be better to ask for increased value through additional service or consumables like car covers,mats,etc. that we all buy anyway,but that don't really add to or subtract from the value of the car.


You can ask for increased value for the add-ons but it really won't make a lot of difference to a buyer if price is among his concerns, if he can deal on another similar equipped one at a lower price.
I always remember when I was younger and trading in a car I'd put a lot of time and money and goodies on--The trade-in value came back way lower than I'd expected, I said but look it has new Cragars and Firestone redlines....and....and., the guy said so--every car has wheels and tires...and..and. . Made a real point in my mind. A Cobra replica certainly holds it's value compared to a lot of other cars. A well built Butler or Unique or whatever say built in '93 or so compared to a Vette of the same year is probably worth twice as much if not more--'92/93 Vettes are being sold between 10/15k--the replicas 25/30K+/-

[KobraKarl]

In my bussiness, there are times when I can "beat up" my suppliers a little when the economy gets slow.....and they do not hesitate to take me to the woodshed when its hot..but they are big guys , and I am a repeat client.

As a small bussiness owner, I dont negotiate my fee.....unless its up. When a client wants to pay less,....thats fine with me ....I give them less.

I would not want to drive 130mph in a "bargain"


KK

[Excaliber]

The company I work for is compelled to maintain a certain standard of excellence. The customer can go with a local Mom and Pop shop and thats fine with us.

,,,,, several times we've had to come in and cleanup after Mom and Pop botched the job. In the end, you do get what you pay for.

Ernie