Car Dealer Practices You Must Avoid

Statistics like 54,000 complaints were filed in the United States about hidden fees and shady car selling practices can scare anyone looking to buy a car. There are many things you need to be aware of when you are ready to buy a new or used car. For one, never put up with being passed along, or shuffled around and having to deal with multiple sales professionals. You should not have to talk to the sales manager, the financial consultant, the other floor manager, and then to another person. It's aimless and a tactic used to get you to agree on a price without the excess haggling. So be clear and pick just one person to deal with.

Secondly, don't give in to trading your old car for a new car. Normally, the trade-in value for your used car will be way under market value and you are certainly getting the short end of the stick. Handing over your keys, even as collateral, is not a good idea until all deals have been in place.

Third, always take your time and don't feel rushed or pressured into a deal you are not comfortable or entirely happy with. Salesmen at car dealership will throw in small stuff like a free cleaning service, "one time only deals", delivery specials yet ignore or not address the important bigger details, like the price and warranty of the new car. Do not fall for this because you will be unhappy with the impulse buy. The best way to counter this tactic is to know exactly what car you want, it's going current market price, and set a strict budget.

Final invoices and the fine print on documents are so important. Do not let this get pass you because usually you will be charged for something you did not request. Such things like alarms, extra cleaning services, fabric protection, extra paint detailing, and some common add-ons will place extra charges onto your final bill. Make sure you drop the stuff you don't need.

Pay attention to the small stuff. When dealers advertise for a particular car on paper, sometimes when you show up in person, they will show you a similar car, but with less options. You are getting shorthanded and being trapped. The classic bait and switch trick is the oldest trick in the book. Just don't waste your time and walk away.