If you’re in the market for a vehicle and plan to head to a neighborhood car dealership, beware!
It’s not that there aren’t some good car salespeople who pride themselves on helping clients. But far too many unethical people in the industry will do or say anything to close the deal.
The last thing you need is to buy a vehicle and later feel like you’ve been had. A case of buyer’s remorse is hard to stomach, and that’s all the more true if you need a car loan.
Here are 15 common lies car salespeople tell to get clients to put pen to paper and seal the deal
The Deal Is Only Good for Today
If a car salesperson tells you that a special offer is only good for today and won’t be available beyond today, resist the urge to take the bait. It’s an aggressive tactic designed to reel in consumers who need a car and don’t want to miss out on a great deal. No one should rush you through the process of buying a car. If you feel rushed, take your business elsewhere.
You Look Great in That Car
While you might look great in the car, that’s beside the point. If you go to a dealership lot, fall in love with the car, take it for a test drive, and return looking elated, a car salesperson might butter you up. They’ll do so by telling you how good you look behind the wheel.
I Can Give You a Lot of Money for Your Trade-In, So Visit the Dealership
You’ll want a fair trade-in value if you trade in your vehicle and buy a new one. But that’s not how most car dealerships operate. They might promise you a lot for your old hoopty, but they’ll make a bargain-basement offer when you get to the car dealership. It’s about getting you in the door where they can work their magic and, hopefully, sell you a car.
The Price Is Non-Negotiable
That’s another lie that comes out of the mouths of many car salespeople. It’s most effective when car salespeople are dealing with consumers who are in love with specific makes and models. And if they’re desperate to buy sooner rather than later, aggressive tactics might work. The reality is that any price can be negotiated. Never accept a non-negotiable sticker price.
The Interest Rate Is the Lowest You Can Get
If you need financing, look around. Don’t just accept what the car dealership offers. They might offer a higher rate than necessary to get a commission from the bank. And that’s all while you’re left feeling like you got the best interest rate possible.
I Can Get You The Monthly Price You Want Without Increasing the Price of the Vehicle
A car salesperson can get you the monthly price you want without increasing the vehicle price by extending the length of the loan. While the purchase price might remain the same, you’ll pay more than you bargained for by the time you’re done paying for the car.
The Car You Want Is Here
Be mindful of bait-and-switch tactics. If you phone a car dealership about an advertised vehicle, they might tell you what you want to hear. Once you arrive, don’t be surprised if they tell you the car was sold. But, and there will be a “but,” they’ll have something else you might like. The only problem is that the car they show you will cost more than the vehicle advertised.
The Contact Is As We Discussed — All You Have to Do Is Sign It
Don’t fall for that whopper of a lie. It’s not uncommon for car salespeople to change the numbers just before getting customers to sign the contract. Comb over the contract, point out any discrepancies, and get them changed before you put pen to paper to sign it.
The Carfax Report Is Clean — So, the Vehicle Has Never Been in an Accident
A car salesperson isn’t necessarily lying if they say the vehicle you want has a clean Carfax report. But it’s a stretch to say a clean Carfax report means the car has never been in an accident. If an accident wasn’t reported, it won’t be listed on Carfax. So, while a Carfax report has some value, you’ll want to get the vehicle inspected to verify its overall condition.
I Can’t Discount the Vehicle Beyond the Rebate
Don’t allow a car salesperson to trick you into believing the rebate is the best they can do. The carmaker provides the rebate. So, you can thank the car manufacturer rather than the car dealership. Beyond the rebate, you should demand a price reduction on the price.
I Have Someone Else Ready to Purchase This Vehicle
That’s a line designed to get you to make a move…fast. If you really want a specific vehicle and hear that someone else wants it too, you might sign the contract before thinking things through. It’s never wise to rush through the process — even if you miss out on something you want.
We Won’t Make Any Money Off Your Trade-In Car
Don’t fall for this lie. While some trade-ins are more valuable than others, the car dealership will find a way to make money off yours. They may sell it on their lot or at an auction, but they will make more than they’re willing to tell you. When they try to talk down the value of your trade-in, it’s a way to take your trade-in vehicle without giving you much of a discount on a new car.
The Car Has Been Meticulously Maintained
If you want to buy a used car, a car salesperson might try to close the deal by saying the vehicle has been meticulously maintained. Words are just that — words. What you need is proof. Unless the salesperson has records to back up their words, take them with a pinch of salt. You’ll want to have an independent mechanic examine the vehicle thoroughly before sealing the deal.
Stay Here a Minute — I’m Going to Talk to My Manager
Car salespeople often use this tactic in the middle of long negotiations. If they tell you this, you can be reasonably sure they’re not talking to their manager. It’s all a ruse. The strategy is effective because it extends the transaction. You might feel so worn out that you buy the car just to get things over with.
You Don’t Need to Test Drive the Car
If a car salesperson tries to get you to skip the test drive, hit the brakes on negotiations. Whether buying a new or used car, you should always test drive it. Go for at least half an hour, and ensure you go on streets and highways and put the vehicle through its paces.
Bonus: You Need an Extended Warranty
While an extended warranty can be worth its weight in gold, that doesn’t mean you should get one. Don’t let a car salesperson force you into paying thousands of dollars to get one. And if you’re interested, at least look at what’s covered and excluded before deciding.
Don’t Be Duped By Car Salespeople
Remember these points the next time you’re looking for a car. While some car salespeople are honest and want to help customers find the right vehicles, others see dollar signs when customers walk through the dealership doors. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid falling for their lies.
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