What is the difference between a car broker and a concierge?

While traditional brokers are often incentivized by dealerships through kickbacks, Car Buying Buddy is a concierge service that works exclusively for you. Howard brings professional advocacy to your side, using dealer invoice data and a private network to find the best deal with your interests as the sole priority.

How much does Howard's service cost and when do I pay?

We charge a transparent $295 flat fee. Importantly, you only pay if you decide to buy the car Howard negotiated for you. The dealer network search and initial price quotes are always 100% free, ensuring a risk-free experience for our clients.

How much can I realistically save on a new vehicle?

On average, our clients save over $4,000 off the MSRP. Savings depend on the specific make, model, and market availability, but Howard's deep understanding of dealer margins and inventory levels guarantees you receive the absolute best price available.

What brands do you work with and do you handle used cars?

We specialize exclusively in new vehicles across all dealer brands, including Toyota, Subaru, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Please note that we do not work with used cars, nor do we provide services for Tesla or Rivian models at this time.

Do I have to live in the Bay Area to use Car Buying Buddy?

While Howard is based in Milpitas, CA, our concierge services are available to remote clients across California and nationwide. The entire negotiation process is seamlessly handled via phone and email, allowing you to secure a premium deal from anywhere.

How Does a Car Buying Broker Actually Work? (Step by Step)

Howard C

10 minutes ago

2 min read

Short answer: you tell a broker what car you want, they contact the dealer network on your behalf, negotiate competing quotes, and hand you the best deal. You buy directly from the dealer. The broker gets a flat fee — only if you buy.

Last updated September 24, 2026 · By Howard, founder of Car Buying Buddy (Milpitas, CA)

Here's the exact process, step by step.

Step 1: You submit your inquiry (free, takes 2 minutes)

You fill out a simple form describing the make, model, trim, color, and any must-have options. You also share your timeline and zip code. No obligation, no payment, nothing to sign.

Step 2: The broker reviews your request and confirms fit

Not every car or situation is the right fit for a broker service. For instance, Car Buying Buddy works exclusively with new vehicles and doesn't cover Tesla or Rivian (which sell direct and don't negotiate). If your request fits, you'll hear back quickly — usually same day.

Step 3: The broker contacts the dealer network

This is the part that takes the most work — and the part you don't have to do. Howard contacts multiple Bay Area dealers, requests pricing on your specific vehicle and trim, and uses invoice data and current incentive information to push for the lowest out-the-door price. No single dealer knows what the others are quoting, which creates real competition.

Step 4: You receive the best offer

You get a clear, specific number — not a "come in and we'll talk" runaround. If the price isn't right, Howard pushes further or moves to the next dealer.

Step 5: You review and decide — no pressure

You're never locked in. If you like the deal, you go to the dealership to sign and take delivery. You only pay the $295 flat fee at that point. If you decide not to buy, you owe nothing.

Step 6: You show up, sign, and drive away

The dealer has everything ready. Howard has already negotiated the deal and confirmed the terms. Your job is to show up, verify the paperwork matches what was agreed, and drive home.

What you're actually paying for

The $295 isn't a fee for "finding" a car — you could find it yourself on any manufacturer website. It's a fee for multi-dealer negotiation, invoice-level pricing knowledge, and the time and relationship infrastructure that gets dealers to compete. Most clients save $4,000+ off MSRP. The math is straightforward.