I used the TrueCar benefit twice in 2019 -- on certified pre-owned vehicles. Both times, the dealerships acted like I was speaking Chinese or something when I mentioned using that program. So you'll need a bit of patience while they scramble to find the *1* person in the building that knows about the program. The 2nd time, it led to a $500 discount off the purchase price even though I had already agreed to pay the asking price, so that was pretty cool. Haven't been in a wreck, so can't speak on the insurance benefits of the program. As far as using your credit card for the down payment, each dealership has a max amount you can put on a card -- typically around 3k. So you can earn a few points (that count as a purchase), but I wish the limit was much higher. Overall, it's a very positive benefit.
Thanks -- that's a valuable data point. Surprising they didn't know much about the program but good to know you were still able to get a good discount.
This might be a dumb question but I'm new to all these. How was the card payments made? Did you made monthly payments on your card or you get to pay the whole amount of the balance?
So it shows you a discounted price but their "discounted" price is always higher than what the dealership has it listed for on its website. This is just a worse version of all of the car search sites people already use. The after-purchase perks aren't even that great; sure you could get $500 back for services you may never use, but at the end if you payed more than $500 over the dealers price you ended up paying more than you needed to for the vehicle.
I used the TrueCar benefit twice in 2019 -- on certified pre-owned vehicles. Both times, the dealerships acted like I was speaking Chinese or something when I mentioned using that program. So you'll need a bit of patience while they scramble to find the *1* person in the building that knows about the program. The 2nd time, it led to a $500 discount off the purchase price even though I had already agreed to pay the asking price, so that was pretty cool. Haven't been in a wreck, so can't speak on the insurance benefits of the program. As far as using your credit card for the down payment, each dealership has a max amount you can put on a card -- typically around 3k. So you can earn a few points (that count as a purchase), but I wish the limit was much higher. Overall, it's a very positive benefit.
Thanks -- that's a valuable data point. Surprising they didn't know much about the program but good to know you were still able to get a good discount.
This might be a dumb question but I'm new to all these. How was the card payments made? Did you made monthly payments on your card or you get to pay the whole amount of the balance?
So it shows you a discounted price but their "discounted" price is always higher than what the dealership has it listed for on its website. This is just a worse version of all of the car search sites people already use. The after-purchase perks aren't even that great; sure you could get $500 back for services you may never use, but at the end if you payed more than $500 over the dealers price you ended up paying more than you needed to for the vehicle.
You’re back!
Just in time! Thanks for the video. Very helpful.
the process of buying a car from a dealership sucks! I vomit every time I try it.
Finally, you are here :)
Season 2 😉
Does Amex finance cars????