[bobdeb]

Many auto salespeople are trained to solicit information from you that will help them leverage a sale.

They will ask leading questions that will help them lead you into a sale on their terms. Don't fall into that trap.

Don't negotiate anything until you get to go over a vehicle's terms.

How much do you want to spend? ( I haven't decided that yet.)

New or used vehicle? (Undecided)

Truck or SUV? (undecided)

This model or that model? (Undecided)

Cash or finance? (Undecided)

Trading in anything? (If you are say what does that have to do with the sale price. And if you are going to trade in don't bring THAT vehicle with you. Say haven't decided yet.)

Don't give out SS info. If they ask for driver's license tell them not to run a credit that will ding your score.

Don't ever say you love the vehicle! Be vague. ( say it's ok. What's your best price on it?)

Don't shop for a car when you NEED one badly. Be nonchalant.

Don't say you are flexible with price!

Say you are looking at different vehicles with different dealers. And you have an appointment to get to shortly.

Don't tell them you will finance. Get preapproved with a trusted finance company before you go shopping.

Dealers make big bucks on financing.

Don't give phone or email address.

Don't tell them how many buyers or how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

Don't ask questions too soon. Wait for invoice.

Don't pay for extras. Nitrogen is a rip off. The air you breathe is like 80% nitrogen already. Maybe more. I forget. Don't pay for pin striping or wind deflectors. If it's free that's ok but don't let that sway your decision.

Don't be in a rush. Walk away and go somewhere else.

These guys and gals do this every day. They are trained salespeople. Some are definitely more ethical than others. You are a rookie. They are the pros.

Oh, get a Carfax type report.

And basically, never finance where you buy... unless they have a cash back benefit for financing and you can pay it off or transfer asap.

As soon as salespeople go to get managers be very afraid.

Remember that you are definitely geared towards the Out The Door price.

I'm sure there's much more.