What’s really going on here? Could their policy of no price reductions really be this rock solid? Does a snowball stand a better chance of survival in hell than I do at getting any price reductions?

Hello,

First off, r/askcarsales rocks. The amount of information being shared here and the stories makes this must read.

General question about the “we don’t lower our asking price” dealerships.

Been talking with a local Volvo dealer for 1 month about a 2015 CPO S60 Platinum with 19,200 miles for $25,936. Drove the car, liked it, wanted to move forward. He said they can’t lower the asking price at all. He might be able to give more on the trade to make up the difference. I had to leave, so I politely thanked him for his time, took his card and told him I would be in touch soon.

Had a death in the family, so stopped car shopping for a bit.

Once ready to shop again, I noticed the car had small price reductions from $25,936 down to $25,887. The car sat another week, then dropped to $25,788. I decided to make an appointment (on Good Friday) to see if we could work out a deal.

After a more thorough test drive and inspection, I pointed out a few concerns. We had a lengthy conversation about these and finally asked what I thought the car was worth. After doing some research, I said $24,250. He said that couldn’t happen, ever. He wouldn’t move an inch. After more discussion, I mentioned that I would finance through his dealership, write great online reviews as well as give him the highest survey score possible. Still, nothing. I got up, politely thanked him, asked him to call me if anything changes and left.

It has been 1.5 weeks since my last conversation with him. Price of the car dropped another $300 online.

Shot him a message and we had another meeting. I told him where I needed to be on the trade and where I’d like to be on the price and I told him if he could get close to those numbers, I’ll fill out a credit application and buy the car right now. I moved my bid up to $24,750, told him what my interest rate was that I have secured already from my credit union.

Nothing. Wouldn’t move a millimeter off the price. I asked him if he could take my offer to the manager and he said no, he already knows the answer will be no…and that if the manager reduced the price, he’d get fired.

What’s really going on here? Could their policy of no price reductions really be this rock solid? Any advice is appreciated.

TL;DR – What’s really going on with dealers that will periodically adjust online prices downward, but won’t adjust price with multiple in person conversations.

Edit - 5/5/2017 - The price of the car dropped to $24,988 and I went and bought it. Close enough to the $24,750 I bid in my last meeting with the dealer. Thanks again to everyone for their feedback and suggestions, I appreciate it.