A former car salesman reveals 4 tricks dealers use to get you to spend — and how to outsmart them

[M3MD]

OT: BDR, what do you think about the M3? I need an everyday car but I've been liking the 2013 X5M lately. I need something exciting this time around, so it has to be an M car.

I thought you said you test drove the M3 and it wasn't for you based on the stiff ride?

And I have a ton of seat time in the last gen X5M. My wife had one before her S6 and it's great for an SUV. Fast as hell, handles well, and has ample hauling space.

Ride can be rough and MPG is atrocious. I wouldn't want one out of warranty though.

 

[Ninja05]

Just bought a new car about a week ago:
- I made sure I knew my credit rating,which I bumped up by basically paying my shit on time and extending my credit limit.
- Used TrueCar just as an estimate - realizing that this was my ceiling. I wasn't paying anything above the best truecar estimate and went from there.
- Got a good rate from a few credit unions and had it in hand when I walked into the dealer. Researched what incentives the manufacturer was offering.
- Asked for OTD (out the door price) from a few dealers within a 200 mile radius.
- Once we haggled on the price - matching the best dealer quote and incentives that I could find within a 200 mile radius - I told them that if they can beat the credit union finace deal - I'll go with them.

I'm sure I could have gotten them to go further down,but once they beat my creditunion on the interest rate and matched the best deal I could find, it was pretty much a wrap. My interest rate was low enough that I said fuck a down payment and kept it moving.

 

[furlough]

good info in here

 

[nibbs]

I thought you said you test drove the M3 and it wasn't for you based on the stiff ride?

And I have a ton of seat time in the last gen X5M. My wife had one before her S6 and it's great for an SUV. Fast as hell, handles well, and has ample hauling space.

Ride can be rough and MPG is atrocious. I wouldn't want one out of warranty though.

The X5 Ms are very nice. A buddy lent me use his for a week while he was on vacation. I think it was the 2008/9'ish model.
But they road very stiff. Stiffer than a Porsche with the electronic suspension set to Comfort which I test drove.

And yes, the mileage was deplorable. I was at the gas station every 2 days.

 

[safado]

Taking in the tools...As I'm Considering a new truck ....
Beginning the pre plan phase, shopping the old one now for sale.
13 range sport,42k miles, balance of range warranty ,option to purchase extended .... Hse lux all specs. (Stock rims and set of 24's )

 

[BDR]

Taking in the tools...As I'm Considering a new truck ....
Beginning the pre plan phase, shopping the old one now for sale.
13 range sport,42k miles, balance of range warranty ,option to purchase extended .... Hse lux all specs. (Stock rims and set of 24's )

What u lookin to get? I might trade in my 2010 R Class for the 16 Tahoe LT factory 22s

 

[jagu]

I thought you said you test drove the M3 and it wasn't for you based on the stiff ride?

And I have a ton of seat time in the last gen X5M. My wife had one before her S6 and it's great for an SUV. Fast as hell, handles well, and has ample hauling space.

Ride can be rough and MPG is atrocious. I wouldn't want one out of warranty though.

I change my mind on cars everyday, so I've always chosen and written off the M3. It also makes the most financially sensible choice for me out of all my options, since I always exceed the miles on the lease agreement.
If I were to by an x5M, it would be used and I'd have to have two cars, which I don't like.
I'll have about 10 choices before I decide what to do. Chances are, I might just buy a 2010 e60 550i while I wait for the G30 550i m performance.

We're getting my wife a new x5. 3.5, so I don't want two cars looking alike.

 

[nibbs]

Taking in the tools...As I'm Considering a new truck ....
Beginning the pre plan phase, shopping the old one now for sale.
13 range sport,42k miles, balance of range warranty ,option to purchase extended .... Hse lux all specs. (Stock rims and set of 24's )

I cannot stress this strongly enough.
STAY AWAY FROM LAND ROVER.

They are absolute issue plagued, money holes. Even with the warranty it will be in the shop so often, you'll rue the day you signed the purchase agreement.

There is a reason why you rarely see very many 5/6 year old Land Rovers on the road.

 

[BDR]

Fellas please put nibbs on ignore

 

[nibbs]

Fellas please put nibbs on ignore

Are you their Master?
There you go again. You take your policing powers to heart and operate under the auspice that you have the sovereign right to command others to do as you beckon, to think as you think, to do as you do, even when off-duty.


Do us a favor, BeatDown. Please put your life on ignore.

Of note: What kind of LEO officer names himself "Beat Down"
That just reflects the mindstate of this clearly unfit for duty officer.

 

[BDR]

Did that faggit quote me? I can't see shit

 

[nibbs]

Did that faggit quote me? I can't see shit

It was not meant for your eyes.

 

[evolution81]

On.


Well "I" ..prefer the lines of the 13'

5.0 is a beast..... I'm going to do a stage one tune on mine(3.5i) in 2 weeks, exhaust and wheels when the weather turns warm.... and that M gets about 10 miles to the gallon of premium. ...

man bimmers TT motors are no joke...the 13 does look good though...but ever since i had the new x5 as a loaner and since the kid is on the way...the x5 definitely has my eye now

 

[Dr. Truth]

Yall derailed this thread with te BMW talk.

 

[evolution81]

You bring up a good point about the 5.0i. I have to lease it, so it must be a new one. I'll look into it.

definitely we crossshopped the new x5 and the Benz M class its no competition the bmw x5 beats the shit out of the M class...im gonna also take a look at the rovers also...i do not like RR's dealership experiance its fucking garbage over here...im feeling the RR and the sport though...The BMW dealership is 5 mins from my house since they built the new one!

 

[woodchuck]

The way they get most people is ask you what you want your car note to be. And good or bad that's usually where it'll be or higher regardless of the rate or the price.

New tricks for less than perfect credit folks:

1: Take your trade-in to Carmax and get a certified offer for it. (they will outright buy your car no strings)
2. Get bottom line price of new car before you mention a trade-in then get them to appraise it if its lower than your Carmax offer they will match or you can sale it to Carmax and come back.
3. Get an offer from Capital One or Bank before you go and let the dealership compete with your rate you already have.

Know what vehicle you want and how much it cost before you go. Cargurus.com will tell you if the price is below/above value.

Also, if you are trading in, go in with the attitude: "I already have a car. I'd LIKE to get a new car, but I don't NEED a new car. Therefore, I'm not desperate for whatever shitty deal you toss my way."

One more thing, don't be so quick to give up your keys for the "appraisal". When you get sick of their deal swapping and are ready to go, "Bob" won't be "done with the appraisal", or he had to go to another part of the building and he still has your keys. While they're "waiting for him to bring your keys back", they'll trot the manager out of the bullpen to "make this deal happen to make you happy, even if it means that they're going to lose money on the deal". Holding on to your keys deads the bullshit before it even gets going.

 

[Dr. Truth]

Also, if you are trading in, go in with the attitude: "I already have a car. I'd LIKE to get a new car, but I don't NEED a new car. Therefore, I'm not desperate for whatever shitty deal you toss my way."

One more thing, don't be so quick to give up your keys for the "appraisal". When you get sick of their deal swapping and are ready to go, "Bob" won't be "done with the appraisal", or he had to go to another part of the building and he still has your keys. While they're "waiting for him to bring your keys back", they'll trot the manager out of the bullpen to "make this deal happen to make you happy, even if it means that they're going to lose money on the deal". Holding on to your keys deads the bullshit before it even gets going.

But how can you hold onto your keys if they need the keys to open up the car and start the engine and drive it etc. You have to give up the keys.

 

[woodchuck]

But how can you hold onto your keys if they need the keys to open up the car and start the engine and drive it etc. You have to give up the keys.

They'll tell they can beat Carmax' offer, they can't in most cases. If they want to check your ride out, sure, let 'em. But don't start talking about a deal until they get back with your keys. Trust me, I've had many guys that do this give me the skinny on how they do. One of the goals is to keep you there as long as possible to increase their odds of making a deal.

 

[Dr. Truth]

They'll tell they can beat Carmax' offer, they can't in most cases. If they want to check your ride out, sure, let 'em. But don't start talking about a deal until they get back with your keys. Trust me, I've had many guys that do this give me the skinny on how they do.

I always get a good deal on my trade in's. I've never tried carmax , the closest one to me is way out in Vacaville or somewhere I ain't about to drive way out there for a few more dollars. Also I've noticed that if you're about to walk they'll immediately add an extra couple grand to your car's trade in value. Fucking scum.

 

[woodchuck]

I always get a good deal on my trade in's. I've never tried carmax , the closest one to me is way out in Vacaville or somewhere I ain't about to drive way out there for a few more dollars. Also I've noticed that if you're about to walk they'll immediately add an extra couple grand to your car's trade in value. Fucking scum.

Had this happen to me once. Shit actually made me angry, because I'd stayed there longer than I'd planned to.

 

[Dr. Truth]

Had this happen to me once. Shit actually made me angry, because I'd stayed there longer than I'd planned to.

How long do you usually end up being in there? I always find myself in that bitch for at least 4 hours. It drives me crazy. I tell myself Ok 2 hours tops including the test drive. Next thing I know the sun is about to go down and I'm just boiling. I know their ploy is to tire you out to the point of just giving in. I never give in. I got mad stamina I just get angry.

 

[BDR]

Had this happen to me once. Shit actually made me angry, because I'd stayed there longer than I'd planned to.

Salesmen are clowns and I call em as such before I bounce

 

[woodchuck]

How long do you usually end up being in there? I always find myself in that bitch for at least 4 hours. It drives me crazy. I tell myself Ok 2 hours tops including the test drive. Next thing I know the sun is about to go down and I'm just boiling. I know their ploy is to tire you out to the point of just giving in. I never give in. I got mad stamina I just get angry.

Fam, I've walked in with a check from my CU, after working out a deal on the phone, and they STILL had my ass in there for over 2 hours! "We can beat this rate." No, you can't. "Fill this out, and let us check with our people?" No, I'd rather not. And then the killer: "I'll be back with your paperwork." I even had this salesbrother say to me: "These motherfuckers are a trip. Stick to your guns, bruh."

 

[Dr. Truth]

Fam, I've walked in with a check from my CU, after working out a deal on the phone, and they STILL had my ass in there for over 2 hours! "We can beat this rate." No, you can't. "Fill this out, and let us check with our people?" No, I'd rather not. And then the killer: "I'll be back with your paperwork." I even had this salesbrother say to me: "These motherfuckers are a trip. Stick to your guns, bruh."

Damn. LMAO and they wonder why the people hate them.

 

[woodchuck]

Damn. LMAO and they wonder why the people hate them.

Even when I was taking delivery of my car, the closeout guy was like, "Are you sure we can't beat this rate?"
I'll give 'em props, they do go down swinging.

 

[jagu]

There's no secret science to trade ins. All you need to tell them is to quote you the actual cash value of your car separately from the discount of the new car. What we normally do is quote you discount and trade together to make it seem as if you're getting a good trade value for your car.

 

[jagu]

Also, how are you guys going in and spending that much time in a dealership? All you need to do is work the deal over the phone and go in to take delivery around 10am on a week day.
I've never spent more than 30 minutes on a delivery. Anyway I normally truck my shit to be delivered to me. But when I buy it locally , I go there at 10am and out by 10.30.

 

[woodchuck]

Also, how are you guys going in and spending that much time in a dealership? All you need to do is work the deal over the phone and go in to take delivery around 10am on a week day.
I've never spent more than 30 minutes on a delivery. Anyway I normally truck my shit to be delivered to me. But when I buy it locally , I go there at 10am and out by 10.30.

I've fucked up by going in late on a weeknight. With the exception of my current ride, I've always gone in on a weekday evening. Not by choice, just happened.

 

[Dr. Truth]

Even when I was taking delivery of my car, the closeout guy was like, "Are you sure we can't beat this rate?"
I'll give 'em props, they do go down swinging.

Savages.

 

[Dr. Truth]

Also, how are you guys going in and spending that much time in a dealership? All you need to do is work the deal over the phone and go in to take delivery around 10am on a week day.
I've never spent more than 30 minutes on a delivery. Anyway I normally truck my shit to be delivered to me. But when I buy it locally , I go there at 10am and out by 10.30.

How are you doing deals over the phone? I need to see that shit in person.

 

[jagu]

I've fucked up by going in late on a weeknight. With the exception of my current ride, I've always gone in on a weekday evening. Not by choice, just happened.

Weekday evenings are busy too. Just go in the morning. Set your appointment with your sales guy and make sure he will be there.

 

[woodchuck]

How are you doing deals over the phone? I need to see that shit in person.

Our current ride was done 90% over the phone. But keep in mind, we had our financing in place already. The only problem we encountered was the first dealership not showing us what we asked for.

 

[jagu]

How old are you. 70?

Here's how my last deal went.

I looked on auto trader for a black 535i with cooled seats and head up display. They had one close to me and I went in there to talk about it. They talked out the side of their mouth to me and I left.
I called up the dealer in Arizona and told him I had the VIN number of the car in his inventory and I knew all the equipment it had , verified through BMW vin decoder. He said cool I'll do it for $500 below invoice if you buy our window tint , which I was going to do anyway. This deal was $2300 better than the local clowns wanted.
I also kept all the manufacturer incentives. So it came out to about $12k off.
I also said I wanted the buy rate on the lease and he said let's see your credit first. He emailed me a credit app. Pulled my credit and confirmed that I'd get the buy rate.
I asked for a screen print of his calculations and he emailed it for my review. It checked out well.
They fedexed the documents to me and I signed them and fedexed it back.
Sales man said I could pick up the car anytime within one week.
I called a trucking company and found one that could drop it in front of my house within 7 business days for $700.
Cool Russian driver called me up and said he had picked up the car and he loved it. This dude was in Atlanta in under 2 days. Dropped my car of the truck and we inspected it and kept rolling.

Any questions?

No, I don't want what your lil cousin is selling.

How are you doing deals over the phone? I need to see that shit in person.

 

[Dr. Truth]

You buying used cars off the net without even looking at them in person or test driving? nah bruh.

How old are you. 70?

Here's how my last deal went.

I looked on auto trader for a black 535i with cooled seats and head up display. They had one close to me and I went in there to talk about it. They talked out the side of their mouth to me and I left.
I called up the dealer in Arizona and told him I had the VIN number of the car in his inventory and I knew all the equipment it had , verified through BMW vin decoder. He said cool I'll do it for $500 below invoice if you buy our window tint , which I was going to do anyway. This deal was $2300 better than the local clowns wanted.
I also kept all the manufacturer incentives. So it came out to about $12k off.
I also said I wanted the buy rate on the lease and he said let's see your credit first. He emailed me a credit app. Pulled my credit and confirmed that I'd get the buy rate.
I asked for a screen print of his calculations and he emailed it for my review. It checked out well.
They fedexed the documents to me and I signed them and fedexed it back.
Sales man said I could pick up the car anytime within one week.
I called a trucking company and found one that could drop it in front of my house within 7 business days for $700.
Cool Russian driver called me up and said he had picked up the car and he loved it. This dude was in Atlanta in under 2 days. Dropped my car of the truck and we inspected it and kept rolling.

Any questions?

No, I don't want what your lil cousin is selling.

 

[Dr. Truth]

Our current ride was done 90% over the phone. But keep in mind, we had our financing in place already. The only problem we encountered was the first dealership not showing us what we asked for.

The only phone work I did was when they tried to pull an okey doke on me saying the car had been sold and tried to offer me a different color of the same car, when I told them. Hell no I'm going elsewhere then they called me back an hour later saying the other buyer ended up not buying the car and they'd give me an extra 1500 off the price. Other than that I need to see the car in person.