Used Car Sales Tactics

I thought the sleazy used car salesman was a thing of the past, until last week that is. We went out to buy a used car and it was like walking in to a time warp! It was so bad that I have to blog about it!

We already have a great used car dealership that we LOVE dealing with. However, they didn't have the color of the car my boyfriend wanted to buy with all the bells & whistles. He found one at another dealership in Tempe (which shall remain nameless). So, on a whim we decided to at least go look at it.

First, we set up an appointment with the Internet Manager. When we arrived, we shook hands and was escorted out to test drive the car. The salesman was knowledgeable but not overly so, and not very chatty or interactive whatsoever.

When we returned to his office, he went straight in to the used car salesman tactics of hard selling. He would never give us an answer without the 'have to check with my boss' routine, which meant he had to leave the room. When he came back he just began pointing out all the reasons why the current price was so great and that it was far below what one would typically pay on the street and that there wasn't much room to move, blah, blah, blah! Oh, and that it was scheduled to go to Auction soon.

Then he asked what it would take for us to buy the car right now... and when Karl began telling him what it would take to buy the car, the salesman immediately tried arguing each point (price, windshield chip, door scratch). Karl stopped him and reminded him kindly that he was answering the man's question and to let him finish.

Then the salesman-- AGAIN-- had to go 'check with his boss.' When he came back he said he would give us the car at the price we asked, would fix the windshield but not the door. And that we had to do the deal today, and wanted to know if we were ready. At that point I told him no, that we were going to go home and discuss it and would get back in touch with him, and when he started to speak I told him I was very educated in the art of sales and sales tactics and we would not be pushed.

This is the best part: he then told us that he had another appointment an hour later for that same car--- IMAGINE THAT! Now I am not saying it isn't possible, but when a used car salesman like this one tells you to look at the white board to show that he has another appointment after us,( which is easily fabricated if one chooses to fabricate), should we believe him? NO, and neither should you! Stay away from any slick salesman who tells you the deal is only valid 'until you walk out that door.' He continued with his hard tactics for a few more minutes before relenting and saying goodbye. BTW: 10 days later-- that car is STILL available!

We left- without the car... and we were so mad at the tactics employed that we drove straight back to our friend's used car dealership and worked with him afterall. Truth be told, I would have paid more money for less bells & whistles just to deal with reputable people-- but who would have ever thought they were still teaching those sleazy tactics in 2010?

We ended up in a totally different car altogether that we are much happier with AND paid less AND enjoyed the experience!
This is the 2nd vehicle we have had to purchase in less than 3 months and very, very happy with each experience. If you ever need to buy a used car (you should really never buy any car brand new), check out LeSueur Car Company-- family owned and operated. Chris and his family are awesome and down to earth! here's the link: http://www.usedvwaudi.com/ou/tempe-auto/