Things To Never Say To A Dealer


by Bengt Halvorson


The dealership experience can be extremely stressful, but it doesn't have to be. You could know everything there is to know about the cars you're considering, but that's only a fraction of the buying process. If you want that seductive new sedan at a good price, you're probably going to need to know what to say — and more importantly, what not to say.

"I'm ready to buy …"
"I can afford this much … "
"Yes, I have a trade-in …"
"I'm only buying the …"
"I'm not sure … which model …"
"Oh, I've wanted one …"
"I'll take whatever …"
"What's the lowest price …"
"Sure, I'll look at the numbers ..."
"I think you can do a lot better …"

Some people loathe the whole car-buying experience simply because they anticipate getting conned. A few hundred dollars isn't a big deal on the price of a luxury car, but it's the idea of smart shopping and that sense of getting a good deal that's especially important. For luxury car buyers — notoriously labeled the shrewd shoppers — a good deal is icing on the cake.

"The educated consumer is the one who will drive away with the best deal and the best experience," says Rob Gentile, director of car-buying products at Consumer Reports.

To help you take the driver's seat in the buying experience, first learn to play the game, and you might even end up doing some smooth talking of your own.