Secrets Automobile Dealers Don’t Want You to Know
Purchasing a new or used vehicle generally involves a lot of stress, money, and time. Over the years, the salesperson has gained a reputation for trying to put pressure on customers and lure them with special offers, discounts, and other benefits.
While many car dealers have earned this bad reputation, some actually want to give customers a fair and good experience. However, the fact remains that all car dealers are out to make a profit. As a customer, you need to educate yourself when making a deal with these 9 secrets the salesman doesn’t want you to know:
1) You can win the game before going to the lot. Prior to setting foot, take advantage of the internet with NIHFCU’s Car Buying Service to research and shop at your own pace, and get great transparent pricing on new model releases. Great savings on used cars, too. Another online tactic is reaching out to multiple dealers via email by outlining exactly what you’re looking for in a vehicle and asking for quotes. Armed with this information, you’ll have the upper hand when it comes to negotiating a fair deal.
2) The salesperson wants you to be tired and overwhelmed. If you take a long time walking around and talking about trade-ins, numbers, and percentages, you may become exhausted. This allows the salesperson to influence your decision-making process and to bombard you with several options and add-ons.
3) Most window sales stickers are actually mark-ups. Don’t take the price at face value – they often include mark-ups and unnecessary add-ons that inflate the cost. Always compare the sticker price to the original invoice to ensure transparency and accuracy.
4) Dealers will use your trade-in value to increase the price. Keep your cards close when it comes to discussing your trade-in. Revealing this information too early in the negotiation process can lead to inflated prices for your new vehicle. Wait until you’ve settled on a price for the new car before disclosing details about your trade-in.
5) Never offer to pay full invoice for your car. Stay clear of paying the invoice price. It only shows part of what the vehicle really costs. Dealers get extra money from the automobile makers, like incentives and rebates, which they can use to lower the price for you. But they won’t tell you about these extras unless you ask – these bonuses can save you a lot of cash.
6) Be cautious when the salesman lets you “talk it over.” If you get trapped in the dealer’s office bargaining over the numbers, there is a huge possibility that the salesperson pretends to receive a call and leaves the discussion to you and your partner. This is an old trick used to eavesdrop on your conversation. It also lets them know what your bottom line is. If this occurs, send text messages or whisper to stop the salesman from listening to your conversation.
7) The four-square sheet was created to manipulate you. If presented with it, proceed with caution! This tactic is designed to confuse buyers by combining various elements of the deal into a single document. Refuse to engage with this tactic and insist on transparent and straightforward negotiations.
By arming yourself with these insider secrets, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the car-buying process with confidence and clarity. Don’t let dealership tactics catch you off guard—stay informed and assertive to secure the best possible deal on your next vehicle.
Resource: YahooFinance.com
