The Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program is a fantastic perk designed to offer employees, and often their families, significant savings on new Mitsubishi vehicles. Navigating the car buying process can be daunting, but this program simplifies it, providing a straightforward path to owning a new Mitsubishi at a reduced price. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively utilize the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program and drive away with your dream car while saving money.
Understanding the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program
Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the key aspects of the program. This will ensure you’re well-prepared and can maximize the benefits offered.
Eligibility: Who Can Participate?
Typically, the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program is available to:
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) employees: This is the primary group eligible for the program.
- Employees of participating Mitsubishi dealerships: Often, dealership employees are also included in the program.
- Immediate family members: Spouses, domestic partners, and sometimes children of eligible employees may also qualify. It’s important to verify the specific family member eligibility rules as they can vary.
- Retirees: In some cases, retired Mitsubishi employees may still be eligible for program benefits.
It’s essential to officially verify your eligibility through the program’s official website or your HR department to confirm you qualify before proceeding.
Benefits: What Savings Can You Expect?
The Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program offers several attractive benefits, typically including:
- Pre-negotiated Pricing: Often, the program provides pricing that is below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), and sometimes even below dealer invoice price. This removes the hassle of extensive negotiation.
- Incentives and Rebates: Employee programs can often be combined with public incentives and rebates offered by Mitsubishi and sometimes even financing deals. This can lead to even greater savings.
- Simplified Buying Process: The program aims to streamline the car buying experience, making it less stressful and more efficient for employees.
- Potential Financing and Lease Offers: Special financing or lease rates may be available through Mitsubishi Motors Financial Services (MMFS) in conjunction with the employee program.
The exact discount amount or savings percentage can vary depending on the vehicle model, program terms, and current incentives. Always check the program details for the most up-to-date information.
What Vehicles are Included in the Program?
Generally, the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program applies to new Mitsubishi vehicles. However, there might be exclusions or limitations based on specific models or inventory levels.
- New Mitsubishi Models: The program typically covers the latest model year vehicles across Mitsubishi’s lineup, including popular models like the Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Mirage, and others.
- Potential Exclusions: In rare cases, very limited production models or certain high-demand vehicles might be excluded. Always confirm vehicle eligibility within the program portal or with a participating dealer.
- Check for Specific Model Year: Ensure the program applies to the specific model year you are interested in purchasing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Program
Now, let’s break down the process of using the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program into actionable steps:
1. Accessing the Program Portal and Getting Started
The first step is to access the official Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program portal. This is usually an internal website or a dedicated section within the Mitsubishi employee resources online.
- Locate the Program Website: Inquire with your HR department or internal communications channels for the website address or login portal for the employee car buying program.
- Employee Login: You will likely need your Mitsubishi employee credentials (employee ID and password) to log in and access the program details.
- Program Information: Once logged in, familiarize yourself with the program rules, eligible vehicles, current incentives, and participating dealer information.
2. Finding Participating Dealers
Not all Mitsubishi dealerships may participate in the employee car buying program. It’s crucial to identify dealerships that are part of the program network.
- Dealer Locator Tool: The program portal usually provides a dealer locator tool. Use this tool to search for participating Mitsubishi dealerships in your area.
- Contact Dealerships Directly: You can also contact Mitsubishi dealerships in your vicinity and inquire if they participate in the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program.
- Verify Participation: Before visiting a dealership, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm their participation and inquire about their employee program specialist or contact person.
3. Obtaining Your Authorization/Discount Code
To utilize the employee discount, you’ll need to obtain an authorization or discount code from the program portal. This code verifies your eligibility and enables the dealership to apply the program benefits.
- Generate Certificate/Code Online: Within the program portal, there will be a section to generate an authorization certificate or discount code. Follow the online instructions to create this certificate.
- Personal Information: You may need to enter your personal information and potentially details of the vehicle you are interested in to generate the certificate.
- Print or Save the Certificate: Once generated, print the certificate or save a digital copy on your phone or device. You will need to present this to the dealership.
4. Visiting the Dealership and Negotiating the Price
With your authorization code in hand, visit a participating Mitsubishi dealership. While the program provides pre-negotiated pricing, understanding the process is still important.
- Inform the Dealer Upfront: Upon arrival, inform the dealership staff that you are using the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program and present your authorization certificate.
- Work with Employee Program Contact: Ideally, ask to speak with the dealership’s employee program specialist, if they have one, as they will be most familiar with the program’s procedures.
- Review Program Pricing: The dealership will show you the program pricing, which should reflect the pre-negotiated discount.
- Verify all Discounts and Incentives: Confirm that all applicable employee discounts, manufacturer rebates, and incentives are being applied to the price.
5. Finalizing the Purchase and Taking Delivery
The final steps involve completing the paperwork, securing financing (if needed), and taking delivery of your new Mitsubishi.
- Review the Purchase Agreement: Carefully review the purchase agreement, ensuring the agreed-upon program pricing and all incentives are correctly documented.
- Financing Options: If you require financing, discuss options with the dealership’s finance department. Inquire about any special financing rates available through MMFS or the employee program.
- Insurance and Registration: Arrange for vehicle insurance and registration. The dealership can often assist with these processes.
- Vehicle Delivery: Schedule a convenient time to take delivery of your new Mitsubishi. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly upon delivery to ensure it meets your expectations.
Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
To get the most out of the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program, consider these helpful tips:
Combining Incentives
Explore the possibility of combining the employee discount with other available incentives and rebates.
- Public Rebates and Incentives: Mitsubishi often offers public rebates, financing deals, or lease specials. Inquire if these can be combined with the employee program discount.
- Check for Regional Offers: Incentives can vary by region. Check for any specific offers in your area that could further reduce your price.
- Program Stacking Rules: Understand the program’s rules on “stacking” incentives. Some programs may limit the combination of discounts.
Timing Your Purchase
Strategic timing can potentially enhance your savings.
- End of Month/Quarter: Dealerships often have sales targets to meet at the end of the month or quarter. Purchasing during these times might give you slightly more leverage.
- Model Year End Clearance: As new model years arrive, dealerships typically offer discounts on the outgoing models to clear inventory. This can be a good time to buy if you are flexible on model year.
- Monitor Incentive Cycles: Manufacturer incentives can change monthly or quarterly. Keep an eye on incentive updates to time your purchase when offers are most favorable.
Understanding the Fine Print
Pay attention to the terms and conditions of the program to avoid any surprises.
- Program Expiration Dates: Authorization certificates or program offers may have expiration dates. Be aware of these dates and use your certificate within the valid period.
- Transferability Restrictions: Employee discounts are generally non-transferable and are intended for the eligible employee and their immediate family.
- Program Changes: Car buying programs can be subject to change. Always refer to the most current program guidelines and information available on the official portal.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program, you can confidently navigate the process and secure a great deal on your new Mitsubishi vehicle. Enjoy the savings and the experience of driving a brand-new car!
