“Unmasking Deception: 17 Shocking Car Salesman Tricks That Will Empty Your Wallet!”
Get pre-approved for a car loan from your bank or credit union before visiting the dealership. This will give you leverage when negotiating financing and help you avoid any surprises.
15. Inflation of Documentation Fees
Documentation fees are legitimate charges that dealerships incur for processing paperwork, but some might try to inflate these fees to increase their profit.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of the documentation fee and compare it to the average fee charged by other dealerships in your area. If you feel it’s excessive, don’t be afraid to negotiate.
16. The “Dealer Prep” Charge
This fee is often added to the price of the car to cover the cost of preparing it for sale, such as washing, waxing, and inspecting it. However, this is a standard practice that should already be included in the car’s advertised price.
Question any dealer prep charges that seem excessive or unnecessary. If the car is already in good condition, there might not be a need for extensive preparation.
17. Blaming “Market Adjustment”
In times of high demand or limited supply, some dealerships might add a “market adjustment” fee to the price of the car. This is essentially an additional markup that allows them to capitalize on the car’s popularity.
Before agreeing to pay a market adjustment fee, research the car’s availability and average selling price in your area. You might be able to find a different dealership that’s not charging this fee.
