It’s 2023, and the price of cars nationwide is going down, so it’s time to buy a car. But car dealers are out to make as much money off you as possible, and some are more than willing to scam you.
Buying a used car or a new car at a car dealer can be a challenging process, especially knowing that some car dealers are out to scam you. Going to a car dealership, picking out a car, and settling the price with both the sales and finance departments can be quite intimidating, no matter how many times you’ve bought a car. It’s important to have a plan, a strategy, and a mindset when buying a car from a dealership. It should be your goal to get the vehicle you want for the price you want. It’s that simple. If a dealership is unwilling to do this for you, or if they are trying to scam you, then they can find their business elsewhere.
Are you buying a car right now? Are you considering using a car dealer near you? If yes, then you will definitely need to read the rest of this article.
It’s Time to Make a Plan
Buying a car can be a stressful yet exciting experience. You don’t want to spend too much, you don’t want to get a car you didn’t want, and you definitely don’t want to end up regretting the decision you made at the car dealer.
So, it’s time to make a plan. Here are 5 ways you can avoid getting scammed at used or new car dealers. Write these down, make a plan, and then you are one step closer to having that car.
Fact Check With Carfax
Carfax is a great place to start. Often, especially in this digital age, it’s possible to find the car you want to buy by looking on a car dealer’s website. But how are you going to know that this car you want is reliable? That’s where Carfax comes in. Carfax allows consumers to look at the official reports of virtually any car. You can see if it has been in any accidents or has needed any major maintenance, and that’s just for starters.
Check Online Car Dealer Reviews
One of the first things you should do when buying a car from a used car dealer or a new car dealer is check their online reviews. You’ll be able to see what the institute is rated, and you’ll be able to see what individual people have to say about this place. If the dealership has poor reviews and everyone is saying they are scammers, then it is safe to say you should avoid that one.
It’s also worth noting how car dealers respond to reviews—both positive and negative. Does the dealer’s response to a bad review sound plausible or defensive? Does it look like they’ve made a good-faith effort to remedy any problems with the customer?
Take Your Dream Car for a Test Drive
This one is easy. When at a car dealership, do not let the salespeople sell you a car without first test-driving it. You need to make sure for yourself that the car you want is actually functional and safe.
Look Out for Hidden Fees
Many car dealers have hidden fees, and bogus add-ons that they claim are mandatory. Sometimes, these hidden fees can increase your cost by thousands! Ask a dealer about their hidden fees and if they are willing to waive said fees. If the dealership doesn’t budge, take your business somewhere more transparent.
Take Your Time Buying a Car
Most importantly, take your time and be patient. You might need a car urgently, but getting the right car is more important than just getting a car. If an unscrupulous car dealer sees that you are in a hurry to buy a car, they may be more inclined to upcharge you and possibly scam you. Be prepared to walk away if you feel that you aren’t getting a fair deal.
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