Today I went shopping for a new car. I am interested in a Toyota Prius. The first dealer was part of the AA program. I would get about 5,000 miles (1 mile to $4 spent). I could only put $2000 down on a credit card. The only negotiation since this car price is non-negotiable, and must be special ordered, was to refund the $285 he claimed it cost them to buy the miles. In this scenario I would prefer the money because I could fly somewhere for $285 and easily get 5000 miles. The next dealer, not in the AA program, said that they would accept full payment of the car with a credit card. 20,000 on an AMEX starpoints card, gives me 25,000 miles on AA, to me the best deal. They also give lifetime carwashes. The third dealer also said that they could accept only $2,000 on a credit card - and they do not give out miles. I will give the first dealer an opportunity to match dealer 2, but if they won't I will opt for full payment on my cc. You have to shop around.

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DtG

[This message has been edited by dgordon (edited 05-20-2001).]