Photo by ryantxr.
Car and Driver Magazine has pulled together a list of 10 potential dealer "scams." For example, the magazine writes that dealers often profit from rebates, advising customers to negotiate their price without them.
The rebates are deducted from the purchase price. If you allow the dealership to mail you a check after the sale, you end up paying taxes and interest on the rebate.
The article also details the "ransoming your check" trick whereby the sales manager is cast as the villain in a good-cop, bad-cop routine, a game that his manager is also in on. Specifically, if the dealer leaves to seek his manager's approval on a price only to ask for a check to show that you're serious, consider it a big red flag. The magazine cautions that "sometimes your offer will be rejected, but your check won't be returned right away—it's been 'misplaced' or some similar nonsense. Now they have your money, and you feel pressured to concede to their terms."
Hit up the full post for more tricks to watch out for, and while you're in the haggling and automotive mood, check out our top 10 negotiating tips and traffic ticket myths to avoid.
Car Dealer Tricks to Watch For [Car And Driver]