Any tips on dealing with a car salesman?

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sixone

sixone

Lifer
May 3, 2004
25,030
5
61
Took my car in to check the brakes yesterday, went to the dealer since it needed an expert diagnosis. They couldn't find any problems.

Today I get a call from the dealership, have I thought about trading the car in for a new one? No, I haven't, because it was in an accident last year, so probably isn't worth what I owe on it. Well, we have some really awesome trade assistance and rebates right now, why don't you come by and we'll see what we can do?

Used cars are at a premium around here, because everyone and their dog is trying to save money by buying used. Which is why they're calling people like me. :D

OTOH, I fully expect this to be a colossal waste of time, because I'm not willing to hand over any cash. Not negotiable.

I'm pretty happy with my car, though a newer one would be nice, too. So walking out if they don't offer me what I want is totally on the table.

Any words of wisdom?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
S

swanysto

Golden Member
May 8, 2005
1,949
9
81
If you don't walk out on the deal at least once, you have done yourself a disservice. I sold cars through college. Go towards the end of the month, decide your budget, and stick to it. If they are unwilling to come down to it, walk out. You will either get stopped, get a phone call a little later, or be relieved of a bad deal in the making. If the car you want cannot be had for the price you want, move to a different car, once you make one concession, they have you.
 
kranky

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
What I would do is ask what the trade-in value of your car is right up front. Say that you don't know if you'd get a different car until you know what your current one is worth.

Then say you're going to go home and research their website for suitable replacement cars, since your OCD demands that you research things to death before committing. The last thing you want to do is stay there and talk about cars as these people are very well trained in how to wear down your sales resistance.
 
sunzt

sunzt

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2003
3,076
3
81
swanysto said:
If you don't walk out on the deal at least once, you have done yourself a disservice. I sold cars through college. Go towards the end of the month, decide your budget, and stick to it. If they are unwilling to come down to it, walk out. You will either get stopped, get a phone call a little later, or be relieved of a bad deal in the making. If the car you want cannot be had for the price you want, move to a different car, once you make one concession, they have you.
Click to expand...

Sounds like Asian bargaining ... aside from the phone call.
 
amdhunter

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
sixone said:
Took my car in to check the brakes yesterday, went to the dealer since it needed an expert diagnosis. They couldn't find any problems.

Today I get a call from the dealership, have I thought about trading the car in for a new one? No, I haven't, because it was in an accident last year, so probably isn't worth what I owe on it. Well, we have some really awesome trade assistance and rebates right now, why don't you come by and we'll see what we can do?

Used cars are at a premium around here, because everyone and their dog is trying to save money by buying used. Which is why they're calling people like me. :D

OTOH, I fully expect this to be a colossal waste of time, because I'm not willing to hand over any cash. Not negotiable.

I'm pretty happy with my car, though a newer one would be nice, too. So walking out if they don't offer me what I want is totally on the table.

Any words of wisdom?
Click to expand...

You still have the Hot Wheels rim? And you just bought that car, why put yourself in more debt? From what I (think I) remember, the hit wasn't so bad either.
 
techs

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
Wood chippers are especially handy for getting rid of the bodies.
 
ky54

ky54

Senior member
Mar 30, 2010
532
1
76
Never walk into a car dealership without a hard number in your head without trade and the resolve to stick to it and three words - research, research, research.
 
sixone

sixone

Lifer
May 3, 2004
25,030
5
61
amdhunter said:
You still have the Hot Wheels rim? And you just bought that car, why put yourself in more debt? From what I (think I) remember, the hit wasn't so bad either.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I still have my Hot Wheels. :)

The replacement body parts are all OEM, but I don't think that really matters much. I've had it a year and a half, already.

I'm not desperate for a new car. But if they're desperate enough to deal, why not? :)
 
sixone

sixone

Lifer
May 3, 2004
25,030
5
61
ky54 said:
Never walk into a car dealership without a hard number in your head without trade and the resolve to stick to it and three words - research, research, research.
Click to expand...

Got the number, and the resolve. But looking at what they're asking for the newer model of the one I'm driving...I'll be damn surprised if they get anywhere close to my number.

But hey, surprise is good, right? :p
 
sunzt

sunzt

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2003
3,076
3
81
sixone said:
Got the number, and the resolve. But looking at what they're asking for the newer model of the one I'm driving...I'll be damn surprised if they get anywhere close to my number.

But hey, surprise is good, right? :p
Click to expand...

you could also try to wait till end of year. Might get a better deal.
 
SandEagle

SandEagle

Lifer
Aug 4, 2007
16,809
13
0
used cars are a premium everywhere. you can probably sell it privately for a premium even if you list it as an accident vehicle.
 
sixone

sixone

Lifer
May 3, 2004
25,030
5
61
webdave said:
sounds like they tried to hook you and you are taking the bait.
Click to expand...

They wouldn't offer bait if it didn't work most of the time. As a contributing member of society, am I not obligated to try to skew the results for the benefit of my fellow man? :p
 
C

chusteczka

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2006
3,399
3
71
Whose decision was it to consider purchasing a new car; yours or theirs?
It seems they planted the idea in your head and you are going with it.

Stop now and keep your car. At least until you feel the need to purchase.
 
sixone

sixone

Lifer
May 3, 2004
25,030
5
61
onza said:
Sounds like you will base your choice on emotion. At least they got you interested hence the post.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure you've gauged my interest level correctly.

I'm interested enough to invest some time to learn the specifics, but that's all. If I don't see what I want to see, I'm out.
 
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