Employee car buying programs are fantastic initiatives designed to offer employees of partner companies exclusive discounts and incentives on new vehicle purchases. If you’re a lucky employee eligible for the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program, you’re in for a treat. This guide will walk you through the process of leveraging this program to secure a great deal on your next Mitsubishi vehicle.
Understanding the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s essential to understand what this program entails. Typically, employee car buying programs like Mitsubishi’s are agreements between the automaker and large corporations or organizations. These programs provide eligible employees, and sometimes their family members, with pre-negotiated pricing, rebates, or other special offers when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle. The exact benefits can vary, but they often translate to significant savings compared to standard consumer offers.
Eligibility: Are You Qualified?
The first step is to confirm your eligibility for the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program. Eligibility usually depends on your employer having a partnership agreement with Mitsubishi. Common eligible groups include employees of:
- Large corporations partnered with Mitsubishi
- Government employees
- Certain membership organizations
To verify your eligibility, you should:
- Check with your HR Department: Your Human Resources department is the primary source of information. They can confirm if your company participates in the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program and provide you with the necessary enrollment details or program codes.
- Visit the Mitsubishi Employee Program Website (if available): Some manufacturers have dedicated websites for their employee programs. Check if Mitsubishi has a specific portal where you can enter your company information to check eligibility.
- Contact a Local Mitsubishi Dealer: While less direct, a Mitsubishi dealer might be able to inquire about your company’s eligibility, especially if they are familiar with local corporate partnerships.
This image represents accessing online resources, relevant to checking program eligibility online.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Program
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program:
Step 1: Obtain Your Program Code or Certificate
The most crucial step is getting the necessary program code or certificate. This is your key to unlocking the employee discount. The process varies depending on your employer and Mitsubishi’s program structure, but typically involves:
- Company Intranet/HR Portal: Your company’s internal website or HR portal might have a section dedicated to employee benefits, including car buying programs. Look for Mitsubishi’s program and follow the instructions to generate a certificate or code.
- Dedicated Program Website: If Mitsubishi or a third-party administrator manages the program online, you might need to register on their website using your company email or employee ID to verify employment and obtain the certificate.
- HR Department Direct Request: In some cases, you might need to directly request the program code or certificate from your HR department. They will provide you with the necessary documentation or instructions.
This certificate or code will usually contain a unique identifier that verifies your eligibility when you visit a dealership.
Step 2: Research and Choose Your Mitsubishi Vehicle
With your program access secured, it’s time for the exciting part – choosing your new Mitsubishi! Consider factors like:
- Vehicle Needs: Think about your lifestyle, family size, commuting needs, and cargo requirements. Mitsubishi offers a range of vehicles, from fuel-efficient sedans and hatchbacks to versatile SUVs and rugged trucks.
- Budget: Even with employee discounts, it’s important to set a budget. Determine how much you can comfortably afford for a car payment, insurance, and maintenance.
- Features and Trim Levels: Explore different Mitsubishi models and their trim levels. Identify the features that are essential for you and those that are optional but desirable.
Mitsubishi’s official website is an excellent resource for researching models, specifications, features, and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).
This image symbolizes vehicle selection and considering different car models.
Step 3: Locate Participating Mitsubishi Dealerships
While most Mitsubishi dealerships participate in employee car buying programs, it’s always wise to confirm. You can:
- Check the Program Website: The official Mitsubishi employee program website (if one exists) may have a dealer locator tool to identify participating dealerships.
- Contact Dealerships Directly: Call local Mitsubishi dealerships and inquire about their participation in the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program. It’s a good idea to contact a few dealerships to compare inventory and service.
Step 4: Visit the Dealership and Present Your Certificate/Code
Once you’ve chosen your vehicle and identified a participating dealership, it’s time to visit the dealership.
- Schedule an Appointment (Optional but Recommended): Scheduling an appointment can ensure a dedicated salesperson is available to assist you and streamline the process.
- Bring Your Program Certificate/Code and ID: Present your employee program certificate or code along with your employee ID or proof of eligibility to the salesperson at the beginning of your visit. This immediately signals that you are part of the employee program and are entitled to special pricing.
- Discuss Pricing and Incentives: The salesperson will explain the program’s specific benefits, which may include a pre-negotiated price below MSRP, rebates, or special financing rates. Confirm all applicable discounts and incentives related to the employee program.
Step 5: Negotiate (If Applicable) and Finalize the Deal
Employee car buying programs often offer pre-set pricing, which may limit traditional negotiation. However:
- Verify the Price: Ensure the price offered aligns with the program benefits and is indeed a discounted price.
- Inquire About Additional Incentives: Ask about any other incentives you might be eligible for, such as manufacturer rebates, financing specials, or dealer incentives that can be combined with the employee discount.
- Negotiate Add-ons and Trade-in (Separately): While the vehicle price might be fixed, you can still negotiate the price of add-on options, accessories, and the value of your trade-in vehicle. Negotiate these aspects separately to ensure you’re getting the best possible overall deal.
This image represents agreement and finalization of the car purchase, like signing paperwork at the dealership.
Step 6: Financing and Paperwork
Once you’re satisfied with the price and any trade-in value, you’ll move to the financing and paperwork stage.
- Review Financing Options: Compare financing options offered by the dealership with your own pre-approved financing or credit union rates to secure the best terms. Employee programs sometimes include special financing rates, so be sure to explore those.
- Carefully Review All Documents: Thoroughly read all sales contracts, financing agreements, and warranty information before signing anything. Clarify any doubts or questions with the finance manager.
Benefits of Using the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program
Utilizing the Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program offers several significant advantages:
- Cost Savings: The primary benefit is saving money. Employee programs typically offer discounts below MSRP, potentially saving you thousands of dollars on a new vehicle.
- Simplified Process: Employee programs often streamline the car buying process by providing pre-negotiated pricing, reducing the stress of negotiation.
- Exclusive Incentives: You may gain access to exclusive rebates, financing offers, or other incentives not available to the general public.
- Hassle-Free Experience: Knowing you’re getting a fair price through a trusted program can make the car buying experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Employee Car Buying Program is a valuable perk for eligible employees looking to purchase a new Mitsubishi vehicle. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the program, secure a great deal, and drive away in your dream car while enjoying significant savings and a simplified car buying experience. Remember to always verify your eligibility, obtain your program certificate, and compare offers to ensure you maximize the benefits of this fantastic employee program.
