Don’t Get Trapped! 5 Red Flags to Look Out For When Buying Your Next New Car

Buying a vehicle is a commitment, and one that should never be entered into lightly. Whether you are buying new or used from a Chevy dealer in Ohio or a used car lot in Florida, it is important to understand the weight that your car purchase actually carries. Every decision that you make leading up to actually signing on that dotted line has a cumulative impact on how positive or negative your car ownership experience will be.

All too often, car buyers assume that once the dealership paperwork is complete, so is their interaction. While sometimes this can be the case, more often than not, buyers will need to revisit the dealership where their car was purchased for one reason or another. Whether that repeat visit includes adding on amenities such as a remote start, taking advantage of a free oil change, or having to deal with an unexpected issue, the dealership where you purchase may be a regular part of your life for some time. These are just a few examples as to why choosing the right dealership is so important.

5 Ways Dealerships Can Trap You into a Purchase

There is a big difference between settling on a slightly unsettling lunch, and settling on an ethically unsettling car dealership. If you eat a bad tuna sandwich, the ramifications should be resolved within 24 hours. On the other hand, if you choose a bad car dealership, the consequences will stick around longer than a bad movie sequel. The unfortunate reality is that drivers are settling when it comes to choosing where they will buy their new or used car on a daily basis, and oftentimes they don’t even realize what they are doing. Check out the top ways dealerships are convincing drivers to drive home in a car they don’t want, at a price they may not be able to afford:

1. Getting the Best Deal: This is the most common trap buyers fall into when they set out to purchase their new car, truck, or SUV. Dealerships lure potential customers into their showroom with promises of the best deals in town, and prices that can’t be beat! Naturally, buyers are drawn to a deal, and in many instances, visit these dealerships first. The sales team at this type of car lot is not interested in actually offering drivers the best possible deal, but are interested in getting the most money out of their pockets. They use strong language to convince buyers not to look elsewhere, after all – they are the best deal in town, right? Do yourself a favor, and rather than take their word on what deals other dealerships are offering, find out for yourself.
2. Pressured into Buying Too Soon: This happens more often than most car dealerships would like to admit. It starts with a well-intentioned person who is just beginning to research the possibility of buying a new car. Less than ethical salesmen immediately play up the advantages of buying a car today, and that if they wait, they will miss out on huge savings. Drivers are then talked into buying a car they aren’t even sure they want in the first place, and before they know what hit them – the research they set out to simply begin has turned into a full-fledged monthly car payment. If your otherwise friendly exchange begins to go in this direction, make it clear that you are only beginning your new car search. If you feel further pressure or are uncomfortable, it’s time to go to a different dealership.
3. Talked into Buying a Car You Never Wanted: A driver walks into a dealership, fully intending to purchase a vehicle they spotted in the dealer’s online inventory. The showroom just opened, and the car was still listed for sale as of that morning. The salesmen at the dealership immediately recognizes that this individual is dead set on buying a car today, and proceeds to inform the buyer that the vehicle they want to buy is no longer available. Before the person is able to respond appropriately, the salesman has another car to show them, albeit more expensive than the first, it is “truly a great car.” If you head down to a dealership to buy a specific car, be aware that if it is no longer available, you can easily be talked into buying a more expensive one. These salesmen prey on your determination, and before you know it, your budget has flown out the door faster than the car you originally intended to purchase.
4. Convinced to Wait Around for Long Periods of Time: The truth of the matter is, the longer you sit at a dealership, the more confident the dealers become in their ability to sell you a car. If you aren’t getting what you want out of your interaction with a dealership, then leave. Sitting around for hours without making any sort of progress is not only frustrating, but also shows that the dealer doesn’t value the time you are taking out of your day to buy a car. Rather than play the waiting game, move on to a dealership that takes you and your time seriously.
5. Talked into Add-Ons You Don’t Want: Buying a new car is fun, and so is adding on all of the fun amenities and perks you have always wanted. Salesmen who offer you specific upgrades and perks are doing so out of a job obligation, but if at any point you feel uncomfortable or pressured into buying something you don’t want, say something. Your new vehicle should have everything you want, and nothing you don’t. Make a list of “must-haves” prior to heading into a dealership, and try to stick to your pre-made list during negotiations. After all, you will be the one making monthly payments, not the guy trying to upsell you on power-retractable silver-plated pedals.

McCluskey Chevy is Committed to YOU

If any of the above situations are familiar to you, then you know all too well how important it is to find a good car dealership that you are comfortable doing business with. Here at McCluskey Chevy, we are committed to finding our customers the perfect new car that suits their lifestyles, budgets, and desires. Don’t settle for another dealership, and we promise not to let you settle on a vehicle you aren’t completely in love with. We hope you give us the chance to show you what an exceptional car buying experience actually looks like.