Does TrueCar New Car Pricing Work?

Is the unibody frame rusted, or is it just rusty broken springs? The Escort/Tracer line is famous for this issue. A lot of them have needlessly landed in salvage yards for it. I bought a Tracer a few years ago because a new car dealer had told the owner it was unsafe to drive off of his lot. She bought a brand new car from that liar. I gave her way more than the dealer offered. We were both happy.

My trusted mechanic said “everything back there” was rusted and there was no solid metal left to bold a new sway bar to; plus they’d have to drop the gas tank. The body is rusting pretty badly and I just don’t want to sink any more money into it. But it was a very good car.

So far, so good. I ran TrueCar numbers for three versions of the Prius V upper-end models, which of course immediately contacted participating dealers, neither of which was the one we initially went to to test drive the car. But they phoned and emailed that we should print off the personalized TrueCar certificate and go see them. Wife and I went back to the original dealer to test drive a second time, and in the course of conversation with our dealer, I mentioned what I’d been doing on TrueCar (for full disclosure) and she said they honor TrueCar certificates even though they’re not participants.

And the TrueCar price doesn’t only work on in-stock models. The dealer was able to find a top-end loaded Prius V somewhere in Ohio (about $35,000 MSRP) in the exact interior and exterior colors we wanted. The TrueCar price, which the dealer said they’ll accept, is $30,900, or a little over invoice. That’s just fine with me and no haggling involved. I’m guessing we’ll be hit with extended warranty pitches and other upselling, but I’m practicing my “no thanks” as we speak.

The Finance department will try their best to up-sell you,that’s their job. You’re getting what you want at a nice discount.

@texases … I never said that TrueCar was a “worthless” marketing ploy just that it was a marketing ploy. It is just that. Worthless is subject to the experience of the particular buyer. No buyer needs to use TrueCar to purchase a vehicle if they do their homework. Time will tell if they are legitimate or not. The “ploy” aspect comes into full view when you realize that you have to buy your vehicle at one of their 9,000 dealers.

Just walk in to the final meeting with a Consumer Reports magazine in your hand. They’ll take one look at you and run screaming to the men’s room to hide!

The dealer was able to find a top-end loaded Prius V somewhere in Ohio (about $35,000 MSRP) in the exact interior and exterior colors we wanted.

Make sure they flat-bed it to your dealer and don’t allow a lot flunky to drive it.

Kudos to your mechanic. He sounds honest, and concerned enough to show you the danger.
Good luck in your search for a replacement. You certainly got your money’s worth out of this one.

The TrueCar Price Estimate shown on the Certificate includes the destination fee and the regional advertising fee. The TrueCar Price Estimate does not include dealer installed accessories, applicable tax, title, licensing, and documentation fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees, dealer-locate fees for out-of-stock vehicles, and any other charges and/or fees allowed by law.

Looks like you could get hit up for $$$$ on the back end. So ask the dealer about these ADP fees before settling on a dealer.