convince you to buy today. They make us that that we are in charge when really they are. It can, and has happened to the best of us.
Bait and Switch
Some car dealers advertise one car at a very low price. The lucky first customer gets a great deal. Everyone else hears, "That car has been sold, but we've got one just like it over here." This one won't be such a good deal. Don't fall for this trick. If someone tires it on you, it is time to leave.
What can you afford per month?
Don't answer that question if asked by the salesperson. Negotiate the vehicle first, as if you were paying cash, and then discuss financing.
State-wide Search
You've decided on the exact model, color, and options. But it is not in the dealer's stock. So the salesperson offers to do a dealer search. Soon you hear, "I ran a search and there isn't a vehicle just like the one you want in the whole state. However, we have one on the lot that is close to the one you want." Time to leave. A good salesperson will share the search details with you and offer to order your exact vehicle from the factory.
"I'll be here for you!"
The salesman will tell you, "If you ever need help; or have a problem, I'll be here." But many salespeople move very frequently from dealer to dealer. The average salesperson stays at one dealership for months, not years. When you visit a dealer, ask how long the salesman has been there. A newer salesperson will not have many of the scams down yet, my not sell many cars, and may be desparate to make a sell. The sales manager will more than likely involve him or herself into your transaction earlier. Now you will have to fight against two people to get the price you want. A more seasoned sales person is there because he or she knows how to get things done. They will be good at what they do and they make plenty of money. The sales manager will be involved less with his seasoned salesperson because he can trust him to make a good profit. Both situations are dangerous to your wallet. Before you buy from any dealer or salesperson, make sure you know how much the car you are looking for is really worth before you make an offer. If you don't know leave the lot and come back when you do. Find other people who have bought from the salesperson/dealer you are considering buying from and ask them about their overall experiences, then you can make up your mind who you will buy from.
Broken promises
Many car salespeople make promises and don't fulfill them. Be sure to bring a notepad with you to the dealer, so you can write down evey promise and assurance the salesperson makes to you. Make them and their manager sign a statement of these promises before you act based on them.
Lies by ommission
Many car salespeople don't reveal all the important information to the customer. They pass over sensitive issues that might stop the deal. The is often true regarding financing and leases.
Window sticker tricks
Beware of added charges and fees, often on a second window sticker. Some of these include; extra accessories that dealer has installed, protection packages, inland frieght, dealer prepartation fees, A.D.P (Added Dealer Profit), M.V.A. (Market Value Adjustment), and anything else they can think of. Make sure you go over all these fees line by line and demand to have them removed.
Lies to the sales manager
Car salespeople sometimes lie to the Sales Manager (and vice versa). Forexample, this can be bad for you if the salesperson inflates the amount of your downpayment to get their deal with the customer approved. Carefully review all the detail of your deal before meeting with the finance manager. Compare everything with what you have in your notes.
"You're getting a really good deal on this."
Even friends and relatives of the salesperson get this lie. Much of the salesperson's business comes from friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. Be just as carefull as you would with a stranger, make sure you are getting a good deal. Just ask yourself, "Even if I know this person well, would I give them access to my bank account?" If you answer "no" then make sure you are not getting too complacent.
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