I'm considering buying an A5 convertible, but the one dealership is insisting on quoting the price with the rebate included as a discount. Hey, I meant that rebate ($1,500 Audi owner's loyalty rebate, ending Jan. 3, 2011) for ME. I told them "I didn't mean to give it to YOU!"

What do you think? Isn't this rebate supposed to come from the manufacturer? Aren't I supposed to deal with the dealership, get my car, and then get the $1,500 rebate afterward? I'm looking at the prices on CarsDirect and Edmunds, and there's no assumption there that I have to pay MSRP and then get $1,500 off the MSRP. I want at least $1,000 off the MSRP and then I get my $1,500 rebate!

Am I being unreasonable? This is pretty much winter, when I expect a discount for buying a convertible in New York!!! ;-)

 

Rebates are in the form of customer and dealer centric. Dealer rebates or dealer cash is not publicized to the consumers and is available to be used as the dealer sees fit (typically used to get the financing approved or make up for negative equity). A customer rebate is paid by the dealership when applicable and is included in the deal as a price reduction in almost every case.

If you're searching for an A4, you might want to visit this link for pricing and other information:

http://www.swapride.com/analysis/default.asp?model=a4

If you don't mind used, they have a lot of cars and it's all consumers selling the cars (no dealers).

 

Hokay, now I found a dealer who right off the cuff offered $1,500 off MSRP PLUS the rebate, making a total of $3,000 off retail!

So it IS possible. The sole problem with this offer is that it's the "prestige" option, which adds a lot to the MSRP, much more than I wanted to pay. Of course, one way to look at this, is I'm being offered $5,000 more in stuff for just $3,400 more cash (maybe barely $3,000 more after haggling).

Okay folks? If they want to sell, they will deal, this proves it. What amazes me is that with the last place we were within $500 of agreement, and the dealer didn't call me back.