Looking into buying a car? You need to look out for these 10 WORST lies car dealerships ALWAYS sell to people
If you have decided to skip the shady deals from private sellers, auctions, or online marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, you already know that buying through an authorized car dealership holds advantages.
As a car enthusiast, I’ve done my fair share of detail-oriented research throughout the years. My local car dealership places were not an exception. Here are the key advantages of opting for car dealerships in the United States:
- Transparent access to vehicle history and professional condition checks;
- Availability of multiple financing options if you need it;
- Legal and contracted warranty that comes with return policies;
- Options for trading in old vehicles.
But there’s a catch. Car dealerships will take advantage of these very popular (and respectable – on paper) conditions just to snatch a few extra thousand. At the end of the day, it’s just a good old business mentality.
Now, if I’ve found loopholes, it’d be a shame to keep them to myself. This little piece of valuable information will help you next time you look into buying from car dealerships. Better read on and save yourself some real hassle with 10 Worst Lies Car Dealerships Sell to People!
Lies #4 and #10 are classics for any sales industry, really. However, my experience mostly relates to lie #9. They will never give you a fair price for your trade-in.
Car Dealership Lie #1 – “We can lower your monthly costs”
One promise that sounds too good to be true. Read the fine print, even if it’s unnecessarily long. Car dealers might get their way if you lower your guard.
Lower monthly costs don’t come out of thin air and might imply longer loan or lease periods. If unlucky, you might even find yourself paying a higher interest over the years.
Lie #1 is, in my opinion, a classic case of short-term gratification versus long-term benefits.
Car Dealership Lie #2 – “This is the lowest rate you can get”
Proceed with caution because this lie is a sales strategy. Check where you can get a lower rate or a better loan plan through your bank or other national programs. Compile all that conscientious research before you go in.
Tip: If you can, try paying off your major debts before heading to get a car. It will help you get a better deal.
Car Dealership Lie #3 – “You can trust the accident report”
This one, nobody can control. Car dealers will be aware of that but won’t disclose that some accidents involving your chosen vehicle may have gone unreported. In such cases, official platforms like Carfax or AutoReport, which commonly give car dealerships access to accident reports that affect the safety and quality of the vehicle, will not be comprehensive or 100% trustworthy.
Instead, try hiring a low-cost independent inspector that can produce an unbiased report. They will catch major accidents and a good amount of minor accidents that previous owners have not reported via insurance.
Car Dealership Lie #4 – “Someone else wants to buy this car”
Oh, my! Car dealer putting pressure to close the deal? Ignore that. Most likely, there is no one in line behind you. And if there is, those individuals will definitely want to take their time as well.
It is no one’s right to rush you into making a huge decision.
Especially if this gets mentioned a lot, you might feel fed up and uncomfortable with the process. My act was to walk out. Plenty of other cars and dealerships in this country!
Car Dealership Lie #5 – “Just sign and drive”
If you built trust with the car dealers, you are more likely to believe in this lie. They will tell you that the buying process is so much simpler than it actually is. Just sign the paperwork here and there, and we give you the keys.
I am going to hope you haven’t just gone in for another quick errand after froyo at the mall. Because getting a reliable car should not be quick.
Don’t get me wrong, building trust is what you absolutely should do in these conditions. But that does not get rid of checking important financing points and considering the bigger picture for the future.
Car Dealership Lie #6 – “The price is not negotiable”
Have you been a good tradesman, initiated a respectful negotiation, but you were turned down? Most used goods can be well negotiated anywhere you go.
I do like to treat car dealers exactly how they treat me. Remember the pressure to close the deal? Yup, it’s their job to sell. Approach politely, but do tell them that you are willing to walk out if negotiation is not on the table. Chances are, they will still want to close the deal under your conditions.
Tip: I am not supposed to share this, but when I really want a car, I use dark negotiation: keep my initial interest very low, act like I don’t want it, and come up with a considerably lower price. I learned from the best; specialists Voss and Raz have lots to say about that if you wanted to check it out.
Car Dealership Lie #7 – “We can’t waive that fee”
Back to the fine print contract, aren’t we. Dealers will throw extra costs in there just because they go unnoticed. Refuse this honor and ask as many relevant questions as you can think of. A well-documented buyer is treated more seriously – which is so unfortunate but true.
Keep in mind that some fees can work in your favor, like pre-buying service deals or automatic registration in your residence state. Others may include extras you will not actually need.
Car Dealership Lie #8 – “You need the extended warranty”
This lie will work like a charm for unbothered and overly comfortable buyers. It is all because you haven’t done your research prior to coming in.
Can you shop for a better warranty? Does the dealer’s warranty not cover all you need? Then, no, you do not need that extended warranty. This is the case for more than half of car dealer purchases I’ve heard of, I would say.
Car Dealership Lie #9 – “We’ll give you a great deal on your trade-in”
Markets can be uneven in times of economic instability or across different states. So, the best way to ensure that your trade-in is offered the best value is to consult the website Kelley Blue Book to get a first impression of your old vehicle’s value.
Depending on the model and make, values might vary more or less. You can also check with other dealers and compare trade-in options.
Car Dealership Lie #10 – “Today is the last day for this deal”
Car dealers will naturally not work in your favor. While this sad affirmation should not be the American norm, I am no President.
Even so, this lie won’t hold for long. If you’re still unsure on the spot and would like more time to think, today is not the last day for this deal. Just inform the dealer and see the magic happen. Same deal, different day…
Takeaway
Yes, car dealerships are known to offer many legal and respectable benefits when purchasing a used car. However, they still operate like a business and will put pressure on you. With all of these in mind, I genuinely hope you find the right deal for you and avoid a fair share of lies in the process.
A long-term financial decision is a commitment, not an errand.
Did you come across any of these car dealershiplies,s or do you have any other experiences? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments down below and let’s chat!
Did you find this useful? Continue reading Best Cars for Single Guys to Attract Women.
