The Hidden Secrets of Buying a Car: My Experiences in Sales and the Key to Avoiding Unsatisfactory Deals
As a former car salesman and dealership employee, I've witnessed a myriad of customer experiences, both pleasant and disheartening. In this article, I will share my personal experiences and advise on how to avoid similar unsatisfactory deals in the future.
Avalanche Running Board Incident
Bait and Switch Experience: One of my most memorable experiences involved an Avalanche truck. During our test drive, we discovered that the running boards were flat. However, during the delivery, the running boards were replaced with tubular ones without our consent. The salesman attempted to convince us that the tubular ones were originally intended, along with the added benefit of being more expensive. Despite our insistence that the flat ones were what we wanted, the salesman eventually agreed, but only after a delay of two additional days as they had to be transferred to another dealership in another city. This "bait and switch" approach is a classic strategy used by some dealerships.
Twelve Passenger Van Controversy
Unexpected Cost Overturn: Another incident involved a twelve-passenger van. We had agreed on a deal which included sending the van to another business for an entertainment system installation, all included in the loan contract. We were then informed that an additional $750 would be added to the contract for the dealership to take the van down the street. Naturally, we declined the offer and asked for no further contact. The dealership continued to call us, desperately trying to save the sale, but we politely declined, as we deemed it a shady practice.
My Personal Experience: A Smooth Ride
Controlled Vehicle Purchase: Unlike most experiences shared online, I have never had a bad experience in purchasing a car. The reason? I have learned the critical importance of taking control of the process. As a buyer, you are the one who fully controls the negotiations and the overall experience. Sales staff are there simply to assist, but ultimately, they need to sell to earn their commission.
It is a well-known fact that salespeople are more likely to make a sale, while buyers are less likely to turn away if they feel that the deal is fair and the terms are reasonable. Many salespeople may try to dispute this, but they understand the truth.
Strategies for a Smooth and Transparent Car Purchase
Do Your Research: Before walking into a dealership, understand the true value of the vehicle, the trade-in value of your current car, and competitive financing rates. This knowledge will help you enter the negotiation with confidence and a clearer perspective.
Communicate Clearly: Once you have done your research, clearly communicate your expectations and financial limits to the salesperson. This approach forces the salesperson and their management to adhere to your terms or even compete for the business. It is a powerful strategy that ensures a more transparent and fair deal.
Stand Firm If Necessary: If you ever feel uncomfortable with the salesperson or the dealership, do not hesitate to walk away. There are always other dealerships eager to sell you a new vehicle. Your satisfaction is more important than completing the sale.
Conclusion
Car buying can be a frustrating experience, but with the right approach and knowledge, you can navigate the complex world of dealership sales and find a fair and transparent transaction. Take control, do your research, and stay firm in your stance. Your satisfaction is the ultimate goal.
Keywords: car dealership experience, car buying tips, bad car dealership experience, car buying strategy, avoiding shady dealers