Many people think of car salesman as slick and tricky. Not all car salesman fit this mold but it does take a certain type of competitive person to be a car salesman. If you are shopping for a car, you need to be prepared for the tricks and games car salesmen use to get you to buy a car that makes them the most commission.
A car salesman may use your lack of knowledge and preparation against you. He is experienced enough to know when someone doesn't know about cars. He may give you information about a car to make you think it is more valuable. Watch out he doesn't try to make something sound better than it is or that only the car he wants to sell you has it.
The salesman also will try to sell you extras like extended warranties or packages. These plans are often huge moneymakers and rarely save you money. While some people benefit from these extra services, the majority do not.
A car salesman might make the numbers look more beneficial than they are. She will say she is giving you a lot of money off for your trade-in when in reality she is just playing around with the car price.
The numbers also can move around when financing comes into play. A car salesman may try to stretch out the payments to make the car look more affordable. It's always best to have financing in place beforehand because you will probably get a better deal.
A car salesman will adjust the purchase price, the financing or your trade-in to maximize her profits and make you feel like you are getting a good deal. Know exactly what you want before going in and don't let her move you up to a higher number.
Be aware that a car salesman might purposefully make you wait. Be prepared to leave if he makes you wait too long. His game is all about being in control. You have the money and the power to decide, so let him know you are in charge of your money and your time.
