Here is how to NOT get ripped off when you buy a car…

• Unless you want to spend thousands of dollars more when you buy a car, don’t even think of going to a car dealer to “just look around” or “shop” without first going over this website.

• Never buy a new or used car without first doing a thorough test drive.

• Never inspect a used car at night…or in the rain. A wet car will mask a faded and oxidized paint job.

• Don’t tell the car sales people that you intend upon trading in your old car.

• Spend a little time to clean up your car yourself…and then sell it yourself instead of losing hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars by trading it in.

• Don’t fall for their bogus ‘good cop/bad cop’ game that they will try to play with you as you’re waiting in their office. Your salesperson (the good cop) will say something like: “Well, I think you’ve made a fair offer here, but I’ll have to take it to my manager (the bad cop).”  Then they will come back about twenty minutes later and tell you: “Geez, I just don’t get it. My manager won’t be reasonable, but how about if we split the difference? I bet he will go for that.” Its just another ploy designed to wear you down. Chances are the sales person has been sitting on the john reading the sports page the whole time! If they try this then just tell them that you’re aware of their little game and you’re not impressed, and if they waste any more of your time then you’re going to bail – and mean it!

• Don’t allow the salespeople to change to another sales person during the process. Its one thing if it happens right after you get to the lot. Thats okay, but if they start changing salespeople in the middle of the deal, then just know that they are trying to wear you down to make you more pliable and agreeable to whatever they will eventually throw at you. If they do this, then just tell them that you’re going to walk. By the way, don’t be surprised to find the salesperson chase after you! It happened to me once.

• Don’t act excited about buying your car – even if you are! Stay cool and indifferent throughout the entire process when in the presence of the sales people. And I would also keep your yapper shut when you’re in the salespersons office if they leave to “discuss your deal with the manager.”  I’ve heard stories about bugged offices – really!

Read Part 2 on how to NOT get ripped off when you buy a car  >>