testleaf said:
HI KUbel - been reading your MIchigan experience with interest.
I'm in Ann Arbor - just started my Leaf process -
where did you get yours - the closest one to drive
for me was Toledo!!!
WIll be asking employer to let me "plug-in".
The closest certified dealer to me was Ann Arbor Nissan. I called them and they seemed friendly, but I got the impression that they were likely going to sell at or above MSRP (you can usually tell when phrases like "high demand" and "limited availability" are used). They also didn't have a demo leaf available and won't for a few months, so that kind of ruled them out. But the person I spoke with (I can't remember his name) was professional and courteous.
I decided to request a quote and then take a test drive at Yark Nissan in Toledo (a little over 40 miles from my house) since they had allocations open for March, were willing to let me test drive their demo, and were very open about pricing, lease breakdowns, etc... Chris Newman is their LEAF specialist and he's a great guy to work with. He didn't force me to get any accessories and offered me $500 below MSRP on a base SV. You can reach Chris at (419) 842-7605 or
[email protected] (though phone is the best way to reach him). Let him know Jeff sent you, and just maybe he'll be willing to give me something for my referral.
I ended up placing my order with them even though he wasn't the closest certified dealer.
Later, I emailed every certified dealer in Southeast Michigan and asked them if they could beat 5% below MSRP (which seems to be an attainable deal in other markets), just to see if it was possible to get a better deal. No takers. It seems up here, driving out of state for $500 off MSRP is the best we can do. One dealer, Gerweck Nissan of Monroe, suggested that they they were 'sold out for the next 2 months', and that 'nobody is getting competitive' due to gas prices and that some dealers where charging '$10,000 over retail'- and he's not doing that so he's sticking with MSRP. O Rly? I would recommend you avoid that dealer since it's unlikely he will offer anything below MSRP.
Just some advice- Although I have no way of confirming it, I heard Nissan dealers get *at least* 2.79% holdback on the LEAF. So subtract 2.79% from the invoice price, add destination, and that's what they pay for the LEAF. They should have absolutely no problem delivering 5% below MSRP. The problem is demand. If the car is in high demand at the dealer you are going to, they will naturally keep the price high simply because they know someone will pay it. But the LEAF is not in super high demand, especially in earlier tier markets (like Ohio). And the closer we get to the rollout of the 2013 model year, the more people will be willing to hold out a few months for a much better model. Even I'm tempted.
Let me know how your LEAF process goes!