4 Top Scams to Avoid When at the Car Dealer’s Shop

So you’re looking to purchase a car and have probably identified several Nissan car dealerships in Auckland you’d like to visit during the hunt for the ride of your dreams. As you are going to find out, the car buying process can be more complicated than you may have thought.

There is a lot at stake, and the last thing you need is a car salesman who uses tricks to make more money at your expense. Here are some devious scams to avoid when shopping for a car.

Obvious lies about little things

Many car salespeople will say just about anything to get you to buy a car. Beware of a salesperson who’s clearly lying about small things. If they claim that there are only two cars of the model you want left in the entire state, for instance, it is very likely they’re lying.

They may also say that someone else wants the car, or that the price is only great for today, they’re only trying to rush you. Treat their claims with a grain of salt and be patient as you shop for a car.

The salesman plays shell games with you

In this scam, the salesperson identifies what you’re most interested in and exploits it. For instance, if you are looking to trade in your car and want a certain price for it, they offer you the full amount, but raise the cost of the vehicle you are looking to buy at the same time.

Or if you are looking for a specific monthly payment, they make sure you get it, but extend the loan term. To avoid this fraud, always negotiate every portion of the transaction separately.

The salesperson baits you then switches everything

car dealer handing car keys to buyer

This is one of the most prevalent scams fraudulent car salespeople use. They advertise a car with an irresistible price, but when you visit the dealership, they tell you the vehicle has been sold. They then show you another car at a higher price and try to get you to buy it.

Their goal all along was to get you to trick you into showing up at the showroom. The way to avoid this, call the dealership to confirm whether the car is still available before leaving your home.

The salespeople play the good guy, bad guy routine

This scam works just like the good cop, bad cop exercise. The salesperson portrays themselves as an honest, trustworthy person, but tells you their sales manager is very had to deal with. The aim is to slowly wear the client down, eventually forcing them to accept a bad deal.

The best way to avoid this scam is to avoid negotiating the price at the dealership. You can do it online or over the phone.

While most top car dealers are generally trustworthy and reliable, there are still unscrupulous salespeople who’ll do everything to scam you. By knowing their tricks up front, you can avoid being bilked into overpaying for a lemon, or even a brand new dream car.

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