Dealing with Dealers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 25
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Dealing with Dealers
Hi all,
So I am finally going to test drive the TSX tomorrow. After listening to the suggestions of the people in this forum, I have decided to check the car out at Norm Reeves Acura of Mission Viejo. I have heard many good things about this dealership but car salesman will always be car salesman. You can never be too sure about what tricks they have up their sleeves. I'm not going to be like "I'll take it!" immediately after my test drive, I'm gonna need a few days to deliberate before getting the car. I have never dealt with car salesman so I don't know what to expect. Bottomline, I want to have a pleasant test driving experience and not be pressured into buying right away. What are some things that I should keep in mind during my test drive?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Tony
So I am finally going to test drive the TSX tomorrow. After listening to the suggestions of the people in this forum, I have decided to check the car out at Norm Reeves Acura of Mission Viejo. I have heard many good things about this dealership but car salesman will always be car salesman. You can never be too sure about what tricks they have up their sleeves. I'm not going to be like "I'll take it!" immediately after my test drive, I'm gonna need a few days to deliberate before getting the car. I have never dealt with car salesman so I don't know what to expect. Bottomline, I want to have a pleasant test driving experience and not be pressured into buying right away. What are some things that I should keep in mind during my test drive?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Tony
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 262
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From: Ohio
The best advice I can give you is don't give in to any of the staff at the dealership. Let them give you all of the information they want to (more info is always better than none), ask lots of questions, but never say yes if you're not comfortable. They are going to try to persuade you into whatever, but if you don't need it, you don't need it - and say it. If you don't have a real reason for saying no, be honest and just say you don't want it, period. Stick to your guns and your beliefs. Its your money.
If you're just looking, tell them that up front. They won't waste as much time with you, but they'll still be courteous and help you out. Eventually you might be a buyer.
If you're just looking, tell them that up front. They won't waste as much time with you, but they'll still be courteous and help you out. Eventually you might be a buyer.
Last edited by katmai; Aug 4, 2009 at 01:31 PM.
Registered but harmless
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,889
Likes: 1,164
From: Los Angeles, CA
I have never dealt with car salesman so I don't know what to expect. Bottomline, I want to have a pleasant test driving experience and not be pressured into buying right away. What are some things that I should keep in mind during my test drive?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Tony
Thanks a lot for your help.
Tony
BTW, it always confuses salespeople when you are considering a different type of car-- I was looking at the RX-8 as well as the G35 and TSX before getting a TL, and at the Volvo C30, 335i, A4, Cayman, Lexus GS and Jag XF before keeping my TL(so far)-- and that confusion results in a lot of silence when they can't compare cars and know you have options.
Keep the radio off during the test drive and have fun.
Last edited by Will Y.; Aug 4, 2009 at 01:36 PM.
Vancouver B.C.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 325
I spent many months researching and test driving cars before I made my decision with the TSX. Here are a couple tips that worked for me.
1) Specify to him the exact purpose of the visit you are making. If you are there for a test drive, tell him that is ALL you will be doing, nothing more. If he starts talking about pricing, shut him down! He will realize you are not a push over and you are sticking to your own schedule.
2) Don't be too nice. If you act to submissive he may try and manipulate you.
3) Don't act like you are in a rush and try and exude confidence.
lol some of these might not work for you but it worked for me
good luck
1) Specify to him the exact purpose of the visit you are making. If you are there for a test drive, tell him that is ALL you will be doing, nothing more. If he starts talking about pricing, shut him down! He will realize you are not a push over and you are sticking to your own schedule.
2) Don't be too nice. If you act to submissive he may try and manipulate you.
3) Don't act like you are in a rush and try and exude confidence.
lol some of these might not work for you but it worked for me
good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 57
No matter what, your salesman is not your friend and s/he is there to make a living too so remember that his/her goal is to not give away the farm, while your goal is to get a deal - find some middle ground; that is the key.
Be sure to do your homework and play your cards right. work "invoice up" on the price of the car in your negotiations instead of "sticker down", a common mistake that people make. Also, the #1 mistake people make is answering a salesperson when he/she asks "how much are you looking to spend per month?" You are not obligated to answer this question and it will only hurt you if you do. Negotiate on the price of the CAR, nothing else.
The salesperson will also try to throw in a lot of last minute bells and whistles so be on the lookout for those as well. These include maintenance packages, LO/Jack, etc. and unless you really want these things, are a burden on your wallet.
The worst thing you can do is buying a car when you do not feel comfortable or are not educated in how all the financials work. It never hurts to have a sidekick or someone that's been there that can look out for you.
If anything isn't going your way, just walk.
And last but not least, put 2 or more dealers head-to-head for your business. Make them work for your purchase! You'll get a better price I guarantee it.
Be sure to do your homework and play your cards right. work "invoice up" on the price of the car in your negotiations instead of "sticker down", a common mistake that people make. Also, the #1 mistake people make is answering a salesperson when he/she asks "how much are you looking to spend per month?" You are not obligated to answer this question and it will only hurt you if you do. Negotiate on the price of the CAR, nothing else.
The salesperson will also try to throw in a lot of last minute bells and whistles so be on the lookout for those as well. These include maintenance packages, LO/Jack, etc. and unless you really want these things, are a burden on your wallet.
The worst thing you can do is buying a car when you do not feel comfortable or are not educated in how all the financials work. It never hurts to have a sidekick or someone that's been there that can look out for you.
If anything isn't going your way, just walk.
And last but not least, put 2 or more dealers head-to-head for your business. Make them work for your purchase! You'll get a better price I guarantee it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thank you for all your pointers!!
i'm an electrical engineer and i have a calculator in my head so they're not gonna sneak any numbers by me =P
but i have next to zero street smarts so i'm worried that they'll pull something shady and it'll be too late when i find out
however, after reading a bunch of stuff about Norm Reeves Acura, they seem like an honest dealer, I think I'll have a good time tomorrow... i'm keeping my fingers crossed
i'm an electrical engineer and i have a calculator in my head so they're not gonna sneak any numbers by me =P
but i have next to zero street smarts so i'm worried that they'll pull something shady and it'll be too late when i find out
however, after reading a bunch of stuff about Norm Reeves Acura, they seem like an honest dealer, I think I'll have a good time tomorrow... i'm keeping my fingers crossed
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: CT
If the salesperson makes you uncomfortable, get a different salesperson (either walk in the door at a different time, or go to a different dealer).
If the salesperson is pressuring you too much, walk away and come back later.
If you're really worried about being scammed/pressured, see if you can communicate by email. (I negotiated my sale by email, and so was able to run the dealer's offers by my friends/family, as well as this forum)
They're not going to be able to do anything TOO shady, other than charge you too much for the car.
Once you have negotiations mostly worked out, try to get them to throw in extras like all-season mats or a trunk mat or wheel locks.
Don't let them scare you into a warranty plan unless you really want one (decide before you go in?).
Don't let the salesperson yak the whole time you're test driving - test out the sound system, and really listen to the engine to see if it makes noises you're unhappy with.
Don't be afraid to test drive aggressively (accelerate/brake hard, etc.), but do warn the salesperson before you do anything sudden so they don't have a heart attack
Have fun and good luck!
If the salesperson is pressuring you too much, walk away and come back later.
If you're really worried about being scammed/pressured, see if you can communicate by email. (I negotiated my sale by email, and so was able to run the dealer's offers by my friends/family, as well as this forum
)They're not going to be able to do anything TOO shady, other than charge you too much for the car.
Once you have negotiations mostly worked out, try to get them to throw in extras like all-season mats or a trunk mat or wheel locks.
Don't let them scare you into a warranty plan unless you really want one (decide before you go in?).
Don't let the salesperson yak the whole time you're test driving - test out the sound system, and really listen to the engine to see if it makes noises you're unhappy with.
Don't be afraid to test drive aggressively (accelerate/brake hard, etc.), but do warn the salesperson before you do anything sudden so they don't have a heart attack
Have fun and good luck!
My only car is a Bus
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 1
From: Republik of Kalifornia
It's pretty simple. Phone the dealership or email the Internet Manager and go during a time they won't be busy and let them know you just want to test drive the vehicle. Coming up with stupid cover stories is absurd. Tell the person that you are a serious buyer but it won't be on this visit. Let them know that if you end up liking the car and after you've thought about it you will give them the business.
Simply be honest about it. It's the people who lie and do other silly things that rankle me most and I can be most unhelpful when that happens.
I don't know what "tricks" you think we have but it is BS.
Simply be honest about it. It's the people who lie and do other silly things that rankle me most and I can be most unhelpful when that happens.
I don't know what "tricks" you think we have but it is BS.
9th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Maybe it was just my bad experience. I bought my car in Woodside, Queens from Paragon Acura. They were sleazy and slimey rats. I only bought my 2009 TSX Tech from them because they were the only dealer in the area with a PMM w/ taupe combo. But some of the tactics they employed was that they had loud music blasting the whole time. The salesman first sat me down and insisted to get a whole bunch of information from me including if I would do a trade in, what my car was, what my address was, my number, etc... I insisted on not giving him any information, because I am not there yet. I kept on arguing with him the whole time. And it seems like for every simple question, he would have to "go talk to his manager." He leaves me there for minutes at a time completely wasting my time. Also, he first told me that he didn't have the PMM and made me take another color combo. After my test drive, he kept on asking me how much I liked the car. Then he offered me a price way above invoice, when I already told me that I know that there was a $1250 incentive. Boy, it was probably one of my worst day of my life. Anyways, I was pissed off when they gave me a crappy price for a color I didn't want, I stormed out of there. But guess what, that prick calls me back two hours later telling me that he somehow found a PMM somewhere and wanted me to come back in to negotiate. I told him that I don't intend to negotiate anymore. I told him I wanted the car for $28.5k with destination, plus trunk tray, wheel locks and splash guard. And he agreed (too easily). When I went back, I agreed to take the car, but when I was about to sign, that a-hole had the balls to tell me that he had to add the destination to $28.5k. But I got furious and threatened to leave again, so he left the dest out.
There was more to my terrible experience, but I'm tired to type anymore.
In terms of tricks, I think I experienced all of them at Paragon Acura.
To be fair, I know not all dealships are like them. I went to a couple of better ones before I purchased my car. Unfortunately, they didn't have the color I wanted.
Cheers, and good luck with your purchase.
There was more to my terrible experience, but I'm tired to type anymore.
In terms of tricks, I think I experienced all of them at Paragon Acura.
To be fair, I know not all dealships are like them. I went to a couple of better ones before I purchased my car. Unfortunately, they didn't have the color I wanted.
Cheers, and good luck with your purchase.
My only car is a Bus
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 1
From: Republik of Kalifornia
Don't mess with the floor people. Go to the Internet Manager. Simple.
Maybe it was just my bad experience. I bought my car in Woodside, Queens from Paragon Acura. They were sleazy and slimey rats. I only bought my 2009 TSX Tech from them because they were the only dealer in the area with a PMM w/ taupe combo. But some of the tactics they employed was that they had loud music blasting the whole time. The salesman first sat me down and insisted to get a whole bunch of information from me including if I would do a trade in, what my car was, what my address was, my number, etc... I insisted on not giving him any information, because I am not there yet. I kept on arguing with him the whole time. And it seems like for every simple question, he would have to "go talk to his manager." He leaves me there for minutes at a time completely wasting my time. Also, he first told me that he didn't have the PMM and made me take another color combo. After my test drive, he kept on asking me how much I liked the car. Then he offered me a price way above invoice, when I already told me that I know that there was a $1250 incentive. Boy, it was probably one of my worst day of my life. Anyways, I was pissed off when they gave me a crappy price for a color I didn't want, I stormed out of there. But guess what, that prick calls me back two hours later telling me that he somehow found a PMM somewhere and wanted me to come back in to negotiate. I told him that I don't intend to negotiate anymore. I told him I wanted the car for $28.5k with destination, plus trunk tray, wheel locks and splash guard. And he agreed (too easily). When I went back, I agreed to take the car, but when I was about to sign, that a-hole had the balls to tell me that he had to add the destination to $28.5k. But I got furious and threatened to leave again, so he left the dest out.
There was more to my terrible experience, but I'm tired to type anymore.
In terms of tricks, I think I experienced all of them at Paragon Acura.
To be fair, I know not all dealships are like them. I went to a couple of better ones before I purchased my car. Unfortunately, they didn't have the color I wanted.
Cheers, and good luck with your purchase.
There was more to my terrible experience, but I'm tired to type anymore.
In terms of tricks, I think I experienced all of them at Paragon Acura.
To be fair, I know not all dealships are like them. I went to a couple of better ones before I purchased my car. Unfortunately, they didn't have the color I wanted.
Cheers, and good luck with your purchase.
9th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
it's a car-drive it
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 262
From: North Carolina
Maybe it was just my bad experience. I bought my car in Woodside, Queens from Paragon Acura. They were sleazy and slimey rats. I only bought my 2009 TSX Tech from them because they were the only dealer in the area with a PMM w/ taupe combo. But some of the tactics they employed was that they had loud music blasting the whole time. The salesman first sat me down and insisted to get a whole bunch of information from me including if I would do a trade in, what my car was, what my address was, my number, etc... I insisted on not giving him any information, because I am not there yet. I kept on arguing with him the whole time. And it seems like for every simple question, he would have to "go talk to his manager." He leaves me there for minutes at a time completely wasting my time. Also, he first told me that he didn't have the PMM and made me take another color combo. After my test drive, he kept on asking me how much I liked the car. Then he offered me a price way above invoice, when I already told me that I know that there was a $1250 incentive. Boy, it was probably one of my worst day of my life. Anyways, I was pissed off when they gave me a crappy price for a color I didn't want, I stormed out of there. But guess what, that prick calls me back two hours later telling me that he somehow found a PMM somewhere and wanted me to come back in to negotiate. I told him that I don't intend to negotiate anymore. I told him I wanted the car for $28.5k with destination, plus trunk tray, wheel locks and splash guard. And he agreed (too easily). When I went back, I agreed to take the car, but when I was about to sign, that a-hole had the balls to tell me that he had to add the destination to $28.5k. But I got furious and threatened to leave again, so he left the dest out.
There was more to my terrible experience, but I'm tired to type anymore. I dealt thru my friend that is a service manager.
In terms of tricks, I think I experienced all of them at Paragon Acura.
To be fair, I know not all dealships are like them. I went to a couple of better ones before I purchased my car. Unfortunately, they didn't have the color I wanted.
Cheers, and good luck with your purchase.
There was more to my terrible experience, but I'm tired to type anymore. I dealt thru my friend that is a service manager.
In terms of tricks, I think I experienced all of them at Paragon Acura.
To be fair, I know not all dealships are like them. I went to a couple of better ones before I purchased my car. Unfortunately, they didn't have the color I wanted.
Cheers, and good luck with your purchase.
My only car is a Bus
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 1
From: Republik of Kalifornia
When somebody contacts me they are dealing with me in person... a computer does not read and respond to their emails.
Sounds like Paragon Acura is anything but a Paragon. Doesn't sound like you did anything jackish but they f'ed with you anyway. I would never go back there out of principle.
They probably didn't give you a quote because they figured you'd shop them... same thing I do... but that doesn't mean I treat people badly.
Sounds like Paragon Acura is anything but a Paragon. Doesn't sound like you did anything jackish but they f'ed with you anyway. I would never go back there out of principle.
They probably didn't give you a quote because they figured you'd shop them... same thing I do... but that doesn't mean I treat people badly.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area
Know your numbers ahead of time, such as invoice prices, pre-approved apr rates, and what you'd expect to pay at 36, 48, 60 mos etc. It's also a good idea to shop at muliple dealers to see what one can do that the other can't. Let Dealer B know what dealer A offered you and take that to dealer C etc.
Internet Sales will usually give you better pricing where you can work from there. Usually don't settle for the first offer even if it seems like a good deal, show them you have the guts to walk away. They need you more than you need them. Go in with the mentality like you don't need a car as patience is a virtue.
Lastly if you're trading in a car, treat it like two seperate deals. Get the most for your car, they'll often shoot to give you "fair" value for your car. Try to strech it close to "good" value. If they somehow offer you "good" stretch it to "excellent" etc.
Internet Sales will usually give you better pricing where you can work from there. Usually don't settle for the first offer even if it seems like a good deal, show them you have the guts to walk away. They need you more than you need them. Go in with the mentality like you don't need a car as patience is a virtue.
Lastly if you're trading in a car, treat it like two seperate deals. Get the most for your car, they'll often shoot to give you "fair" value for your car. Try to strech it close to "good" value. If they somehow offer you "good" stretch it to "excellent" etc.
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