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My last 2 vehicle purchases (2014 and 2021) were through internet sales managers. I told them what I wanted, when I was intending to buy, that I had sent the same e-mail to every $MAKE dealership from San Diego to San Francisco, and that whoever had the best offer was getting my money. It was a painless experience both times.

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My friend tried to do this with a Subaru and got nowhere. But it was in 2018 I think.

Nothing to lose with the strategy, but it is societal economic situation and demand of car dependent.

Agree. I've heard of this going very well, and other times you get zero bites. I think the courtesy/approach of the email also determines if this works or not.

If you start off combative I think its much less likely to go well.

I just let my fiancée know recently that this is how I intend to purchase our next vehicle. Strictly through email until the day I go to pick it up in person. If they say 'You have to come in' to talk price I am going to hang up immediately and call the next dealer on my list.

That's a good point. We lucked out on our timing in 2021, we were looking ahead of the chip shortage, etc.

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