Buying a car can be stressful enough on its own. You may also be subject to deceptive practices intended on bilking consumers out of money or convincing them to buy a vehicle that is not up to snuff. In this case, it’s crucial that you’re able to identify common deceptive sales tactics so you can avoid them whenever possible. To help you do just that, Bankrate offers the following information.
Claims that a deal will expire soon
Buying a new car should never be done on a whim. Consumers must take their time when hashing out a reasonable budget or determining which safety features are a must-have. As a result, you might want to take some time to mull over your options after your initial car shopping session. Some salespeople insist that you must make a purchase right now in order to be privy to a great deal or bargain. In this case, stick to your guns. Chances are, the same deal will be available for at least a short time before it expires. Also, consider that no deal is worth it if you’re buying a vehicle that doesn’t work for you.
Added expenses & extras
Buying a car is often associated with a ton of add-ons, some of which don’t make sense to the consumer. A salesperson might offer you one figure, only for you to be told about seemingly important options and features for an extra fee after the fact. These add-ons are often presented as essential to the protection of your vehicle, which can make a difficult to turn them down. Make sure you know exactly what you want, including which protections you need before you actually go car shopping. That way you’ll be able to identify unnecessary fees more easily.
Extended buying sessions
Time often seems like it stands still when at a car dealership. This is actually a sales tactic intended to confuse and belabor buyers, who may be exhausted after a long day spent car shopping. Being assertive is beneficial in this case. If you don’t feel like waiting any longer, let the salesperson know and tell them you’ll be back tomorrow to go forward with the transaction.
