7 Lies That Car Sellers Tell Buyers...And It's Legal!
Have you ever shopped for a car and been totally let down, ripped off and lied to? Well don’t feel alone fellow car shopper, the world is full of regrets tied to a vehicle purchase. Here are some scenarios that you will encounter the next time you shop for the car of your dreams. While you will hear boatloads of lies, it doesn’t mean it’s illegal. Here are some scenarios to be wary of:
“This is a great price for this car!”
Over the decades, I’ve had lots of friends who had shopped for cars and later suffered through waves of buyer’s remorse, knowing that they failed to do the footwork and research before they shopped. But more than that, they felt slighted because they relied on the seller’s word that they were getting the best deal. In that last ten years that has changed drastically with the internet and the mountains of information that has been compiled, especially when it relates to vehicle purchases. Make sure you do plenty of research before you start shopping for your next car and know exactly what a good price is for the car you want.
“This is the last one left in this area”
I do have to say that car dealerships are never fun, but there are a better quality of salesman(mostly) than there used to be. With online reports and invetories just a click away, you should have a good idea of what the dealer has in stock when you arrive at the lot. If you find a car you like but it’s not exactly equipped with the features you want, make sure you take the time to decide what you really want. They may tell you, ” Yes, the car you are looking at is the last one like it. You better buy it fast!” If you hear this one, use your research to decide if you really want to settle or keep looking for the car you want. Head to your car and make a couple of phone calls to some other dealerships and find out what they have in stock. You just might be surprised by what they have in stock.
“This car runs great!” (Used Cars)
“This car runs well,” and/or “We inspected it.” Used cars and trade-ins come and go very quickly at dealerships. If a sales associate tells you that a certain car runs great and that its been inspected, chances are that’s not the entire truth. Unless the dealer took the car out for a test drive, they probably have no idea what condition that, or any other, cars on the lot are in. This line is something that salesman are taught to say to make the buyer feel better about their potential purchase. In regards to inspection: The dealers inspect used cars for their benefit, not yours. Before you become a disgruntled buyer who wants to sue a seller over a so-called “inspected” used vehicle, make sure at the very least to test drive the vehicle.Regardless of what the seller may tell you, it’s always best to inspect the car yourself. If you can get a hold of a trusted mechanic or friend who knows cars, bring them along for peace of mind.
“You are required to buy the following things along with your car”
Not unlike the disgruntled customer in Fargo who didn’t want the clear-coat added to the price of his new truck, you need to be wary of the dreaded “add-on”sale. One you have the car picked out and you’re inside hammering out the final details, the sales associate hands you off to “the closer.” This is the part where the try to sell you the rust-proofing package or the fabric protection. Oh, don’t forget the paint sealant and a plethora of other lame and unnecessary things they will try to pawn off on you. Be strong and just say no. The closer might also pitch the importance of GAP insurance or will try to persuade you to use the dealer’s recommended lender to finance your new vehicle. Just stand your ground on these, you don’t need them, save your money.
“If you have problems, bring it back to us” (used Cars)
I just went through this one as I was buying a car for my daughter. All the dealerships, reputable and otherwise will try to gain your trust by reassuring you that if there are any issues with your car purchase, that you can bring it back. Thats crazy talk. Just know that when you buy that “as-is” car, your paperwork will have many different things written about it but nowhere, NOWHERE will it mention “Bring it back to us and we will fix it?” A verbal statement from the seller means nothing if you don’t have it in writing. When the seller drops this one on you, just know that the sentiment is meaningless.
“We’ll give you top dollar on your trade-in”
When trading in your car, just know you will almost never get as much as you think. Dealers know that their success lies within margins and for them, your trade-in is the best way for them to make a few extra points. Most buyers are happy to take a loss on their trade-in because they just want to get the deal done. SLOW DOWN. Shop around, and take the time look at KBB and see what your car is worth. Patience is a virtue when it comes to getting top dollar for your car.
Be patient and get a deal you can live with
Always err on the side of caution and always ask to add the things that were promised into the Purchase Agreement. There always is a “Other Terms” box for these situations. Most salesmen will not put their lies in writing so this is where you make the situation uncomfortable and either get what you want or walk. DO NOT sign on the line which is dotted until you feel you are getting a deal you are happy with. If that’s not the case, hit the bricks and go elsewhere.
