How do I evaluate a new car salesperson?

Question

when I contacted dealers to buy a new car this weekend, I was called by various salespersons by phone and told Honda was having a huge sale and clearing out 2008 vehicles. When I got there, there was no sale and when I tried to get a quote after test driving a car, they wouldn't do it or put anything in writing. I had an appointment with a salesman but they wouldn't get him and I got another one. Another salesman I spoke to told me they were actually entitled to sell the cars for more than their mfrs ticket price and that if I don't act now all the 2008 cars would be sold and there would be none left by fall when the new cars come out. Pressure doesn't work on me and I left not intending to buy at this time but I was wondering what to expect next time. I was told the dmv price ($250) was not negotiable. It costs $80 to do it myself. I was told I couldn't put more than $3,000 on a credit card (although I have enough to buy the car). How do I know when they are telling the truth?

Answer 1

Test drive cars at the dealer. When you are sure what you want, check out www.Costcoauto.com. On average they are about $1000 cheaper than any dealer and you will save even more vs a dealer who is trying to rip you off. You have no car salesmen to deal with and Costco has always had great customer service. My parents bought a 2008 Toyota Camry through them and were very pleased. I think they saved around $2000 or so too.

Answer 2

You can tell they are lying when their lips are moving.

Answer 3

There are never real car sales!  They have different promotions to get you in the door, and then try to make the most profit from each deal!  Ignore the car saleperson and their scare tactics.  It is well worth it to spend the $12.00 or so from Consumer Reports which will give you the actual cost to the dealer from the manufacture.  The dealer can sell the car for this exact amount, and still make a percentage of profit rebated to them from the manufacture.  If Honda is offering a finance deal comparable to your credit union or bank, they are excellent to deal with.  The dealer earns money by handling the finance deal and that helps to close the deal.  With Honda being the only manufacturer which is selling as many cars as they can produce, you will probably not be able to get as good as a deal as normal.  If it is the car you really want, have a range of $300-$600 dollars over true invoice from Consumer Reports.  Expect to pay destination charges, which are passed straight through to you and the dealer does not make any money from that.  It is normal for the dealer to put a limit on credit card charges, as they pay fees on this.  And do not let them add any dealer fees at the end of the deal.

You have to be willing to walk, their are plenty of dealers ready for a quick and easy sale.  Do not pay for any extended warranty or dealer add-ons, these are just profit for the dealer.

If you live in the D/FW area, feel free to contact me at [e-mail], and I will be happy to assist you.  Dealers do not like me, because I am well informed before purchasing, and usually have all of the information to stop their being able to lie.  Consumer Reports will also tell you if Honda has any rebates, which the dealer will try to hide and put money in his pocket.  Good luck

You are the one in control of the sale, but only if you have the true information.  Most salespeople do not, the deals have to be approved by the salesmanager, and hard sell closer.

Answer 4

OMG. Seriously! It just came out on the news that all dealers are having real bad issues getting rid of cars due to the slowing economy!

Now it is time to be abusive to them. They can and they will bend the rules a bit.

However, do not letthem treat you like this. You do NOT need to make any appointment. That is their BS to make it seems like important business. You can go anytime you feel like and they will jump like dogs for you. Say JUMP!!!!! and they will answer HOW HIGH?! Also, if they call you let them know you changed your mind and that you wont buy a car after all. That is what I did on the first call back I got and the guy hasnt called me since.

A nice salesman will let you browse and not rush you through anything. He should not give you more than one or two call backs. And if you go and he is not there, you bet you can get another salesman to look at more cars. You have no contract to force you to see a specific salesman.

I would suggest you move on to another dealership.

Remember, you can be a jerk if you want. It is your money! They better cater to you!