How to not get ripped off when buying a car

If you want to get a fair deal on a car, it is up to you, not the sales person. You can just assume that everyone selling cars is a salesperson and a sleaze, and it is up to your to know if what you are getting is a good deal or not. So, then make sure you follow the following tips:

Before you go to the car lot, have an idea of what car you want. Make sure you know what car you like, what the blue book on it is, what the dealer paid for it, what they are going to try and get for it, etc. the more you know about the car and the dealership, the better the price and the better the car you are going to get.

Use the internet to do some research. It is a very powerful tool for making sure you do not get ripped off when you buy a car. You can look at various car lots without ever leaving your home. You get to look at the various features, and you get to see what they are asking initially for the car. This means you can see what you need to ask to get a good deal.

Once you have done your research, now you go to the lot. Test drive at least 4 models of vehicles on the lot, even if you are not as interested in some of them. However, you should already know which ones you're interested in purchasing. Take your time. The longer you spend, the more invested the salesperson becomes in getting a car sold to you. The longer you spend, the more anxious they will become to close a deal with you. Remember, time with you is time they could be spending with someone else, so they will make a better deal with you because their time is not refundable and they want to make it worth something.

The next tip is to go back another day. You do not want to purchase a car the first time you are there negotiating. They will try to keep you there, but you need to leave. So, say you are going to go pick up your dog. This way they won't offer you one of their cars for errand running, and you can come back another day.

Don't fall victim to pressure sales tactics where they make you believe that somoene else is interested in the same car you're looking at purchasing. If they play that card, simply say in return, "If it happens, I'm sure you have more cars here I can buy or you'll find me one just like it". They can't refute this, though they may say, "But not for that price." You will have to let them know that is a risk you are willing to live with.

You have to be careful not to give the salesperson an advantage. If they know things, they will use them. So, be very tight-lipped about everything. If you like something, and you voice it, then make sure you voice something you do not like.

If you want to have a good price, make sure you do not let them pull your credit until you have set a price you agree on. They might tell you it is there standard or policy to pull credit first, just say no.

If they try to sell you a car based on the monthly price, do the math and see how much over sticker they are trying to charge you, then raise a stink and start getting really loud about how they are trying to rip you off. They will feel ashamed, and they will give you a better deal.

Last but not least, to ensure you are not ripped off, even when they hit the price you want, make sure you say no, they might give you an even better deal, such as throwing in a gas card, or seat covers, or something fun like that.

Last but not least, read the contract. You have to read it slowly, and ask questions. If there are changes, say no and start over. If there are things you did not agree to, like "clear coat" say no. You are in control, but only as long as you insist on being so. Make sure that you like what is in the contract.

A car is a several thousand dollar purchase, so make sure you do your research. You will not get ripped off if you do your due diligence. So, be smart, and read carefully, remember, if it is not in writing they do not have to do it.