It’s timely to be writing an article about car dealers and the tactics they use on (sometimes) unsuspecting buyers to get them to spend more. I’m looking for a vehicle, searching through private sellers and car dealers alike for that perfect vehicle.
But, alas, the time has come! At MyAutoShop, we’ve got your back, and we’re going to lift the lid on what to look out for when it comes to dealing with car salespeople. So, take a deep breathe, here’s our top 5.
1. Are you getting emotional?
Probably! Buy a new car, whether it’s new or second hand, is a huge financial commitment that involves a lot of emotions. Trust us, the car salesperson knows this!
Will the car make you bankrupt? Is it capable of meeting all of your requirements?
Is it going to give you street cred, or make your friends a bit envious?
If you’re anything like me, you fall in love with a car and it becomes an emotional as well as a financial investment. In fact, I’m not ashamed to say that the main qualifier for my vehicle is a cream leather interior. Go figure!
I’m anticipating the car salesman to employ their usual tactics of flattery and so forth to get more money.
“Sure, it rains 360 days a year where you live, but with your hair like yours, it would be criminal not to have the convertible for $10,000 more!”
2. Twisting your perception of price
It’s funny, but you can guarantee every car sale comes with the caveat: “But wait, there’s more!”
There’s always more. The reason for this is that the car salesperson is playing with your perception of the price. If the car is $15,000 but a new paint job is going to cost $8,000 – that $15,000 starts to feel a lot more reasonable.
They’ll also try and nudge you towards extras. If you only need a base model, stick to your guns.
Stay sharp, MyAutoShop family!
3. Dialling up the extra gadgets
It’s hard to keep count of the extra gadgets available for cars these days. Lights, beeps, whirring motions – perfect if you’re a die-hard auto fan, less so if you just need to get from A to B.
Do you really need that organiser tub, or the deluxe air freshener? Car salespeople will always say you do! Other version of this included extended warranties, service add-ons and the like.
The easiest approach to avoid falling prey to this sales tactic is to make a precise list of what you want in a car before going car shopping, and then stick to it.
4. They’ll even help you pay for it
Car dealerships do more than just sell automobiles. They also offer money for sale, and they call it stuff like ‘easy finance’ options and so forth.
With that offer, the salesperson can make your unattainable dream a reality. Powerful stuff, when you think aboutit!
Just remember, that finance offer is almost never better than what your bank or credit institution can provide, so spend your money wisely.
Look at your finance options from all angles. Consider your credit score and eligibility, yoour ability to make monthly repayments (including the interest rates).
5. Today, and today only!
This is the oldest trick in the book. Create urgency in the mind of the buyer. “Today’s the last day of the sale!” they cry.
“You’d better be quick, I have someone else very interested in this vehicle” is another familiar favourite.
Salespeople are fond of telling you that the car you want is a unicorn, the last of its kind at that price. Rubbish.
So, here are our final thoughts for you to walk into the car lot with:
- Be confident, act like you know your stuff
- Don’t let them pressure
- Take a support person if you’re not a confident negotiator
- Take in some comparable vehicles to negotiate price
Do some research over on TradeMe Motors, book a pre-purchase inspection with MyAutoShop and empower yourself with the knowledge, rather than the hot air that you’ll often encounter with car salespeople. And hey, no disrespect to salespeople by the way, we admire the hustle!