[Philkotse tips] How to deal with ruthless car dealers

When buying a car, it is important that you make the right decisions, especially now that it has become a very expensive and stressful activity. So, make sure you’re doing the right choice and will not regret it after. Generally, an average person is not familiar with the bolts and nuts of buying a car. This is why Philkotse.com prepared some of the most effective tips to help car buyers make an accurate decision when purchasing a car.

1. Remember that there’s more to buying a car than its price

Spend time in evaluating different dealerships because where you purchase the car also counts. Walk around and visit several dealerships. If ever a salesperson approaches you, just say that you’re just looking around and that you’re going back when you’re ready.

Spend time in evaluating different dealership because where you purchase the car also counts

2. Do not let the car salesperson intimidate you

You can walk around the dealership service area and take a sit. Stay for at least 30 minutes and observe if it’s running efficiently and orderly. Also, check if the manager is present on the premises and is working. You should also observe if the customers are treated with respect.

4. Visit the service lot as well and check the license plate frames

You'll see license plate frames from the competing dealership in reputable dealerships. It’s better to avoid dealerships that are out of the way. Their salespeople are aware that they only have one chance in making a sale, that’s why they’ll lean hard on you. Don’t also choose a multi-franchise dealership. This type of dealership is run by too many people which operation is divided into different parts which cause confusion in its service.

You'll see license plate frames from the competing dealership in reputable dealerships

>>> Check out: [Philkotse tips] 4 truths when buying cars from a dealer.

5. Don’t let a salesperson choose you. You choose your salespeople

Talk to different salespeople and ask them several questions including the span of time they have worked in the specific dealership. It’s better if they have worked there for years. You can also ask if they’ve worked in different dealerships or companies and their stay in there as well.

You can also ask for the number of their recent customers and consult him/her about the dealership. If there are lots of turnovers, then leave. There’s a big chance that the dealership is unstable. You should also avoid searching for a salesperson who belongs to the same ethnic group as you are. You might think you'll get special treatment, no you won't. you’ll only be letting your guard down.

6. Educate yourself

Before you go to a dealership to buy a car, educate yourself. Before you sit down with a salesperson, gather information about your prospected car. The more information, the better. You can also collect brochures because most dealers don't often keep it on display since they want people to approach the salesperson. It’s advisable you read the consumer magazines which rate cars.

Before you sit down with a salesperson, gather information about your prospected car

7. Don’t let any salespeople persuade you to trust them by using their “impressive” car knowledge

Don’t easily trust those salespeople who use their knowledge about cars. It is their tactic to lure car buyers into buying their cars. This is how they attempt to build authority and try to control and make a sale.

8. Know the competition

If you mention that you consider going to a competing brand, the salesperson will quickly knock it. They will tell you information which might convince you if you are not that informed.

>>> Also check: 10 terms you need to understand when buying cars from dealers.

9. Be firm

Be firm in the car you really want to buy. If not, you will be easily persuaded by the salesperson. You’ll end up buying the proposed car, the salesperson is selling you. Most often, they will try to sell you the most expensive car model that comes with the most extravagant option at the highest possible price.

If you display the serious intention of purchasing, the salesperson will push you to have a test drive that he/she will use to tell you how amazing the car for you to take mental ownership of the vehicle.

During the test drive, don’t turn the radio on. This will allow you to hear the noise made by the motor. It may hopefully sound as though it’s working properly. He’s seducing you to buy it, and you have to resist. Another trap you have to avoid is buying cars when you’re tired of negotiating and shopping. The salesperson knows very well that when they promise the things you’ve been searching for, even if they don’t really have it, there’s a big chance you’ll buy it on the spot. So, remember to buy or shop for cars when you are in a lively and energetic mood.

The salesperson knows very well that when they promise the things you’ve been searching for, even if they don’t really have it, there’s a big chance you’ll buy it on the spot.

10. Don’t answer any personal question

Some salespeople threw personal questions which are actually an attempt to know more about your income, lifestyle, driving habits, and more. So, don’t answer these types of questions.

Don’t answer personal types of questions

11. Carefully read stickers

You might see some stickers in the car, read them carefully. There are abbreviations like the D.A.P which means dealer-added profit. The locator cost, in addition, means the car is procured by the dealer. These extra charges are all negotiable.

12. Be careful of the common padding tactic

There are instances that the car dealer will put a preparation fee that may range from P5,000.00 or more. Most of the time, the victim of this padding tactic are those car buyers who are unfamiliar with the process. The total cost of preparation of the vehicle for the delivery is indicated in the manufacturer’s sticker price.

13. Don’t agree to be “turned over”

Once the salesperson sense that he/she is not in control, he’ll probably tell you he/she is going for a short coffee break then you will be “turned over” to other salespeople. During high-pressure operation, it could occur 3 to 4 times until they were able to wear you down. You can resist by going for a brief walk, or a glass of tea/ cup of coffee at a diner nearby. Because the best thing to do is to get away from that salesperson to give you time to clearly think.

The best thing to do is to get away from that salesperson to give you time to clearly think

>>> Tips for you: 8 problems with dealerships that car buyers should be aware of.

14. Inspect the car after the deed is done

Before leaving the dealership with your new car, make sure that everything is working properly. Inspect the car thoroughly to make sure there’s no damage and any malfunctions. When you follow the given suggestions, then car buying will an enjoyable adventure. It will avoid any crazy mishap.