Buying a new car can be a challenging ordeal for retail customers, but some select individuals seem to always have an inside track for buying new cars at a remarkable price. By dealing directly with fleet managers, buying wholesale on the Internet or buying at auction alongside dealers, almost any car shopper can get excellent fleet deals on both new and used vehicles.
From the Dealership
Although the department is seldom advertised and even denied by aggressive front-line salesmen, many new car dealerships have a department dedicated to fleet sales. By working directly with the fleet manager (the individual or small group that heads up the fleet department), even individual car buyers can take advantage of prices and service typically reserved for fleet buyers. Getting in touch with a fleet manager can be a challenge--as some salespersons, especially those who earn a commission, try to intercept fleet requests and sell for higher retail prices--but simply calling a dealership and asking the name of the fleet manager, then calling back later and asking to speak with the manager by name, can be an effective way for individuals to contact the seemingly elusive fleet department. Fleet departments are not intended for answering lengthy questions or helping individuals find just the right vehicle, but an informed buyer who has already completed his shopping on the retail side of the business can quickly purchase his ideal car at fleet prices by simply asking for the desired make, model, color and option package. Car shoppers should also keep in mind that fleet prices are generally set and not open to negotiation, a major contrast to the typical retail practice of purchasing a vehicle.
On the Internet
As the Internet has proliferated and made a wealth of car buying and shopping information available to consumers and businesses alike, many dealerships have expanded their fleet departments to also offer Internet specials, discounts and deals. Car dealerships with on-site fleet offices may refer to the department as "Fleet/Internet," further confirming that special Internet price packages are akin to traditional fleet sales. To make the most of the Internet as a car shopping tool, consumers can, after identifying the ideal vehicle, access the teamfleet.com website to locate a nearby fleet dealer and request a price quote for the desired car. A fleet manager may contact the consumer to follow up on the inquiry, but this contact will rarely be as confrontational or as high-pressure as a retail sales contact.
At Auction
Frugal and business-savvy consumers who wish to purchase fleet cars at the best possible price, and especially those looking for a fleet deal on a used vehicle, can bypass the dealership altogether and buy a fleet car directly from a local auto auction. Most auto auctions offer an Internet presence where potential buyers can browse available inventory and become familiar with the car on which they intend to bid; this online availability can help prospective buyers weed out unwanted cars and avoid getting caught in the heat of bidding. Some auto auctions require participants to be actively engaged in car sales or have a business license in order to participate, so consumers should investigate any pre-requisites before attending the auction event.
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