Buying Used Car from a Dealership - Etiquette

FutureTech on 25/01/2017 - 11:18

Hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase a used car from dealership but I'm still in the early stage of looking around. I'm just wondering whether it would be considered rude if I go for a test drive in a second hand car but just to have a feel of the vehicle, but not necessarily enter into the negotiation phase right after the test drive? I only ask because I vaguely recall some previous post in which a guy did exactly that and the sales person was very pushy and gave me a "you should not test drive a second hand car if you're not serious in buying it" kind of feel. But, alternatively, if I were to test drive a new car at a dealership of that brand, while the whole time knowing that I will never buy the vehicle from them, I'd feel guilty as well because I've wasted their time for a sale that they have no chance in getting. So, just wanna hear everyone's thoughts on this.

Cheers
maolin

Automotive

Comments

  • Cheap Charlie on 25/01/2017 - 11:34
    +22

    Yes, most defiantly.
    Be straight up with the sales person and let them know you are not sure exactly what vehicle will suit your needs and that if they have time you would like the opportunity to test drive a couple of vehicles if they have the time. Do not be afraid to note you are concerned about being pressured into buying a car before you have 100% made your mind up.
    Salespeople are just normal every day people. Apply common sense and communicate what you are wanting to achieve.
    You may find some one whom is not prepared to give you the time of day and is only interested if you are "buying today", just give them a wide birth and keep looking.

    • retiredfeline on 25/01/2017 - 12:02
      +11

      Yes, most defiantly.

      That's right, show then who's the boss.

      give them wide birth

      We have to mother them too?

      retiredfeline on 25/01/2017 - 12:02 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • shorewalker on 25/01/2017 - 12:56
      +7

      Cheap Charlie's advice above is excellent. It's the best way to keep an honorable relationship if the salesperson is a decent person. And you will be able to walk away feeling you behaved honorably.

      • John Kimble on 25/01/2017 - 14:02
        +8

        if the salesperson is a decent person

        Sweeping generalisation, but that's a big "if" :p

    • Diji1 on 25/01/2017 - 14:30
      -1

      Salespeople are just normal every day people. Apply common sense and communicate what you are wanting to achieve.

      Possibly the worst advice I've seen on how to deal with effective sales people.

      • Cheap Charlie on 25/01/2017 - 14:36
        +9

        Interesting, yet you offer no alternative.

      • John Kimble on 25/01/2017 - 14:51
        +7

        They are not normal. They are a different species.

        • virhlpool on 26/01/2017 - 20:26

          I totally understand what you mean when I think of real estate brokers and car sale agents but I think @Cheap Charlie meant it in a very different context. Those guys are different species when it comes to pushing a sale in a right or a wrong way but are still wired equally humanly like you and me to understand what each consumer is like, what he wants to achieve and when. It's not impossible to deal with them the way OP might want to.

      • paulojr on 27/01/2017 - 11:49

        its a good point when you realise that one of the better sales tactics is to put pressure on you because they've done you some kind of "favor" or you feel some guilt so you may find yourself committing to a deal you didn't want to afterwards because you've entered into a car yard with the wrong mindset.

        I recommend keep your intentions to yourself. Sales is essentially a competition between buyer and seller, everyone understands you need to test drive more than one vehicle to decide so no one should be offended and if they are what is the problem?

    • nikey2k27 on 26/01/2017 - 13:22

      as Salesperson i do that for you if you ask.

  • Almost Banned on 25/01/2017 - 11:34
    +9

    I have test driven a couple cars at dealerships just to get a feel of them - no problem.
    If they have an issue with it - screw them.

    • Diji1 on 25/01/2017 - 14:31
      -1

      So ask them if they want to have sex after they refuse. Wow, that's very forward!

      Diji1 on 25/01/2017 - 14:31 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
      • Cheap Charlie on 25/01/2017 - 14:37
        +4

        Your comprehension skills are wack.
        Are you here to offer helpful input or are you just hear to troll

      • John Kimble on 25/01/2017 - 14:52
        +6

        Technically it's rape, the instruction did not say to ask them first. :)

    • doodo477 on 26/01/2017 - 12:46
      +6

      I rented all the car's from a car rental. Talked with the manager and counter staff and they gave me a discount. I think I had every car in the lot for a period of 1-2 days. Sometimes swapped a car 1/2 through the day.

      Granted not for everyone. Over-all gave a good over-view of how much fuel it would consume for the daily commute, air-condition system (Tropics). Feel of driving the car to and from work every day.

      Ended up getting a Camry.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 11:37

    Following this because will be in a similar situation. Current lease is up and I'd like to try a few cars before I end up making a decision.

    Bought my first car from interstate - so didn't get the opportunity to test drive it. Just had a mechanic check it out.

  • spackbace on 25/01/2017 - 11:40

    Different used cars will drive differently.

    You should be narrowing it down based on year/price/kms/condition first, then drive them. Don't just drive a Corolla, when you're looking at Corollas…drive the particular year and model you're actually looking at. But make it something that you would consider buying.

    We will see through your bullshit, and by you just wanting to joy ride, with no intention of buying that exact car, or not even wanting to buy that exact car, there's every chance they won't even hand you the keys.

    If they have an issue with it - screw them.

    And so you, as a customer, are made to leave, drive 15mins to the next dealership of that franchise, and go through the process again…? I can think of better things to do in my free time than waste other peoples' time.

    OP would you actually consider buying the car/s you want to drive (and just want to think about it overnight), or do you want to just drive that model to see if you like it or not?

    • FutureTech on 25/01/2017 - 11:48

      I would say the latter. Although I'm looking to buy a near new car that is about 2 years old, I'd assume there's not much difference in driving a particular used car I'm considering buying compared to driving a dealer demonstrator?

      • spackbace on 25/01/2017 - 11:51

        I'd assume there's not much difference in driving a particular used car I'm considering buying compared to driving a dealer demonstrator?

        Most car models you can name would've had changes made in the last 2 years… So no, don't drive a 2yo one in an attempt to compare it to a car with <3000kms.

        Why can't you just shortlist based on specs/price…? Surely that's not difficult to narrow it down before driving?

        Just sit in the cars (new/demo ones), see what you think, what's in your budget etc etc.

        What sort of cars are you looking at?

        • FutureTech on 25/01/2017 - 12:03

          Yep, I have narrowed it down to two particular models. Should I just pick two of the dealer used cars on carsales, one model each, within my desired km/year range, and test drive these two cars? I'm looking at 2015 Mazda 3 and corollas

        • spackbace on 25/01/2017 - 12:31

          @maolin95:

          2015

          That's not a demo vehicle…

    • Gronk on 25/01/2017 - 12:37

      @ Spackbace

      Completely agree that different (even seemingly identical) cars will drive differently based on how well they were looked after by the previous owner, so a test drive alone isn't really going to provide OP with much enlightenment.

      I will however call you out on your comment about just wanting a joy ride with no intention of buying, because I see this and the salesperson asking 'are you ready to buy today' as opposite sides of the same bullshit coin - you're trying to obtain a commitment from the customer before even talking to them.

      Car salespeople are trained to control the conversation from go to whoah and will push for a commitment at every turn, you need to realize as a customer that this is their job and not feel pressured by it. I agree with narrowing down your choice as far as specs and price go before test driving, but OP shouldn't feel pressured to purchase a vehicle just because they test drove it.

      • spackbace on 25/01/2017 - 12:39

        I agree with narrowing down your choice as far as specs and price go before test driving, but OP shouldn't feel pressured to purchase a vehicle just because they test drove it.

        Yeah look that's basically what I was getting at, hence asking if OP would consider buying that car (and just think about it overnight), or if it was just the model they were looking at, then go home and do more research.

        OP is already showing they're confused by calling a 2015 model a 'demo'… a 2015 model, now that we're in 2017, would have 20,000kms at a minimum. Certainly not a demo, that's a used car, and as you said, that means they'll all drive completely differently and have different disadvantages.

        2015 will most likely be an ex-rental, FWIW

        • Gronk on 25/01/2017 - 12:41
          +2

          Yeah but only car-ies and ex car-ies know that sort of thing when it comes to vehicle age and demo / new status and OP needs to start the education process somewhere ;)

        • spackbace on 25/01/2017 - 12:47
          +4

          @Gronk:

          OP needs to start the education process somewhere ;)

          Here's a good place ;)

          Can't trust them car sales people, all liars ;)

        • vinni9284 on 25/01/2017 - 12:50
          +3

          @Gronk:

          The OP has to do preliminarily two things:

          1 - Research - and know what car they want.
          2 - Inhibit the guilty feeling (self guilty conscience) of test driving the car if it doesn't eventuate in a sale. Therefore the OP can say thank you for your time and just walk off. Even if they whinge.

          The sales person can read this guilt and act upon it… I had a dealer in this circumstance where I went through negotiations and already knew another cheaper dealer price for the same car. Then when I quoted the other dealer price, they said well we went through all this trouble … i said "Sorry it's a part of your job. If you want the sale, then better the other dealers' price" They didn't hence went and purchased the car from the other dealer.

          But then I did comprehensive research on the car I wanted.

          Don't forget OP … it's YOUR money .. and you have to live with what you buy!!!

          Cheers

        • Gronk on 25/01/2017 - 13:00
          +3

          @Spackbace:

          Haha well not all of them, but certainly some.

          Recently I was helping a friend purchase a new car, they were going to go to their local dealer to make the purchase but asked me to make some enquiries first because of my background.

          I called the local dealer and asked if they would quote me the base price for the vehicle - no inclusions (metallic paint, dealer delivery or otherwise), just the list price including GST - I'll mention at this point that I had the manufacturer price list in front of me.

          The price that the salesperson quoted me was significantly higher than the base price on the manufacturer price list, they only admitted this when I reeled off the MSRP right down to the last dollar.

          Based on that interaction we wrote off the dealership as a whole and purchased elsewhere the following week.

        • spackbace on 25/01/2017 - 13:35

          @Gronk:

          Strange thing to ask, I don't know any of the RRPs lol everything is on campaign these days

        • Gronk on 25/01/2017 - 14:49
          +3

          @Spackbace:

          It's only an odd question if you work in retail, because the general approach is to muddy the waters in terms of price so that the customer doesn't know how much the vehicle they're buying is truly worth. My last role in automotive was as a Fleet Sales Manager, I also used to gross all the deals for the retail and fleet departments so I'm used to dealing in exact figures and don't have a lot of time for retail salespeople who want to treat me like an uninformed idiot.

    • Musing Outloud on 26/01/2017 - 12:56
      +1

      Spackbace, I generally like the feedback you provide here, but my opinion is you've missed on this occasion.

      If I already had a shortlist of 3 second hand cars, I'd want to test drive all three before making a decision.

      As I am the customer, any dealership making that task difficult is not worthy of my business. They've forgotten that if you turn customers away, they have no chance of making a sale. If I was the sales manager I'd bollock a sales person who did this unless there was a clear indication the customer was a tyre kicker.

      Besides used car dealerships are not Coles, cars are not being sold every minute. The sales people have lots of time on their hands.

      So OP, be upfront about your plan, test drive the cars you want. And if you are sensitive about wasting their time, compromise. Go first thing in the morning or a weekday.

      • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 00:59
        +1

        Totally agree if you've narrowed it down (even 3 models is narrowed down). I encourage it of most of my customers. You'd be surprised how many people want to drive 10+ cars even when the price might be too high for them, or the features aren't great etc.

        Narrow down based on what you want/need, then test drive. Don't just expect to drive any old corolla because you're looking at corollas :)

        • Musing Outloud on 27/01/2017 - 13:34

          Cheers Mr Spackbace!

          I agree, only test drive after narrowing down your shortlist. Otherwise OP would be wasting his time too.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 12:05
    +1

    test drive from a used car dealership which is manufactuerer based, eg The used car section at Holden or VW or any other brand.
    I would personally avoid any of those little dealerships.

  • vinni9284 on 25/01/2017 - 12:08
    +1

    You must have an inkling idea of what car brand/shape/type you like?

    I would work on that first. Then I would research on the background/issues/feedback via the net (sometimes owners can be subjective however the more info feed you get the better)

    That way you have narrowed down what particular vehicle you would like so you are informed about the standard inclusions/extras/mpg the vehicle comes with.

    Then with that info, you have a bit more courage/confidence to approach the dealership to test drive.

    If you decide to buy, ensure that during negotiations, that you get as many inclusions as possible (eg Floor Mats,tinted windows … **** FULL TANK of petrol ***… pre-mechanical third party inspection.. etc)

    If the car is over 3 yo and not under factory warranty, IMO I would avoid their paltry extended warranty junk third party co.

    If the car is over $10K, I believe that they give you statutory warranty for 3 months therefore take it to a mechanic and inspect before expiry.

    Good luck.

    Cheers

  • jellykingdom on 25/01/2017 - 12:51
    -4

    You can always just track down someone selling on Carsales.com and go from there? That way there's no pressure really. Just pretend you're keen, have a test drive, then sms and say you've talked it over with your partner and changed your mind. Easy

    I know that sounds harsh, but you have to test drive cars before you can make a choice!

    I know the feeling of pushy sales people - just bought an i30 and the dealer was trying to make me put deposit down without seeing the car, or test driving that model, etc

  • John Kimble on 25/01/2017 - 13:15

    Do you feel guilty if you try on clothes/shoes, etc at a store but don't buy too?

  • [Deactivated] on 25/01/2017 - 15:59
    +1

    Last time I was looking, drove multiple cars. No issue from dealers at all. How will you know if it's as expected if you don't drive several to get a feel for what is normal for that car?

  • tims on 26/01/2017 - 07:42
    +4

    I did something similar once - parked outside the dealership and before we went for the test drive they advised me to take my car off the road as it was unsafe there so I parked in their customer parking space and away we went.
    After coming back there was the usual hard sales talk that I expected but this had an unfriendly tone to it - very intense but I was not impressed with the car so thanked them for their time and the test drive and walked out.

    I then found my car blocked in with one of their company cars - walked back in and everyone ignored me for a few minutes. Finally someone came up and said they would shift it but they kept me waiting for another 10 minutes!

    Lesson learnt: don't leave your car inside their dealership!

    • FutureTech on 26/01/2017 - 10:07

      That is some horrible experience right there.

    • 3 on 27/01/2017 - 10:02

      "Oh no, my car seemed to break down on the way out blocking your driveway. I'll just see if they have a replacement part at the Cinemas across the street. Back in a bit."

  • Skramit on 26/01/2017 - 11:35
    +4

    Don't lose sight of the fact that you are the customer. Don't let pushy salespeople make you feel bad for exercising your right to test drive any car with zero obligations to purchase it.

    Test drives are a service new and used car dealerships offer. It's not like it's taking advantage of them by taking up this service to help make up your mind.

    • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 01:03
      -4

      Customer / zero obligation to purchase it.

      Bit of a contradiction there. If you have zero intention of buying the car you're driving, don't waste that person's time.

      Salespeople are paid on commission. By dealing with you and showing you the car, they expect that you're somewhat thinking of buying the car you're driving.

      If you're just there for a joyride, don't waste their time.

      • Skramit on 27/01/2017 - 08:37
        +3

        I didn't say zero intention to buy. I said zero obligation. Big difference. :)

        There's a difference between a joyride and doing some test drive research to see if you like the car. But there's still no obligation to buy anything you test drive right?

        • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 11:11

          said zero obligation. Big difference. :)

          Yeah understood :)

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 26/01/2017 - 11:57
    +1

    test drive away it is your money if you dont want to buy something after you test drive it who cares about the salesmen! they would do the same thing!

  • robertbruce on 26/01/2017 - 12:15
    -1

    can't get a lot of feel from a testdrive - hire one of the models you want

  • 973728 on 26/01/2017 - 12:55
    +2

    Have a watch of this. I've found it pretty useful and so have friends I've shared it with. Good honest advice on how to deal with car dealers who generally don't have the desire to meet you in the middle:

    https://youtu.be/G5wMmq6-kNc

  • ipiok on 26/01/2017 - 19:31
    +1

    haha "honest" and car salesman should never be used in the same sentence.

    • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 01:05
      -6

      2-way street.

      Popular phrase in the industry - buyers are liars.

      Time and time again it's proved correct.

      Not sure what a salesperson can lie about these days - there's the car, that's the features, prices are advertised online. What can supposedly be lied about?!

      • John Kimble on 27/01/2017 - 06:52

        I was advised the wrong fuel tank capacity of a car and when I asked for total length, they told me wheelbase. If it wasn't intentional, then it was incompetence.

        Yes I could have checked beforehand, but I didn't and lucky I checked afterwards.

        • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 11:09

          If it wasn't intentional, then it was incompetence.

          100% incompetence. In that case they should've just used the simple line "I don't know but I can find out" and not try to guess what they don't know.

      • DrDollar on 27/01/2017 - 08:06
        +1

        Lol salesperson.

        An actor pretending to know something about what they're selling.

      • Wampus on 27/01/2017 - 09:55
        +2

        Sorry Spackbace, you seem to be in a very small minority of car salesmen if you're not sure what a salesperson can lie about. Every single dealing I've ever had buying cars, new or second hand, for myself or as a rep for a company, I've had to deal with incompetence at best and straight out lying at worst.

        Was sold a demo car without climate control when I had it documented that it did have it. Dealership gave me the runaround. I pulled a 5-car purchase from their parent company. Suddenly they wanted to fix the issue. Why put me through all that? Why not just fix the issue like EVERY OTHER INDUSTRY I DEAL WITH

        • vinni9284 on 27/01/2017 - 10:27

          Totally agree. It seems like you have to perform drastic measures for them to respond, especially after an item has been purchased. Looks like the dealership wasn't aware of your bulk purchase, hence the runaround. It's funny how it feels like this sort of mentality is becoming very common across the board. … Even with a new home purchase, the builders have the same mentality, even if it is correctly documented. Sorry a little off topic. Cheers

        • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 11:10

          Was sold a demo car without climate control when I had it documented that it did have it.

          That's strange. Was it an upgrade option on that car, or different model?

          Gonna assume you bought sight-unseen then?

        • Wampus on 27/01/2017 - 11:38

          @Spackbace: They were selling three identical vehicles. Inspected the other two, test drove one, the third was up on ramps. When I told them I was interested in buying they asked me if I wanted the one up on ramps as it had a tow bar already fitted but other than that it was exactly the same as the one I drove. I specifically got the up spec model for the climate control. When they delivered it I was unfamiliar with the dash layout so didn't realise until after I'd signed for it that it didnt have it, though it was the right spec. I have no idea why but they obviously had this one vehicle without climate control and thought it would be funny it to give the wood duck.

          This was for my own personal family vehicle and I knew what I wanted and didn't cause much fuss umming and arring about it when I test drove it. My fast decision made them think I was too casual about the purchase. They didn't know I had so much purchasing decision making power for the company I worked for so I pulled the deal with the auto group and gave them the reason.

        • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 11:39
          +1

          @Wampus:

          Ouch :/ Yeah not good to switch you and not explain any differences

      • mac2403 on 27/01/2017 - 10:54

        condition of the car, history of the car etc.

      • Chris12345 on 27/01/2017 - 11:38
        +1

        Im not so sure its dishonesty that most people dont like, but the pushiness. I only buy real cheap cars, and in general the salesmen in those yards are much better.

        Can I help you?
        Just having a look.
        Ok, sing out if you need me.

        Now thats good service.

        • spackbace on 27/01/2017 - 11:41

          Pushiness comes from management who want to know your life story if you enter the yard.

          It's always a fine line I'll admit, seeing if you can actually help someone vs pushing them away

  • Cwong14u on 27/01/2017 - 13:59

    A carsalesman was quite rude to me once.

    I went back 3 months later on a busy Saturday afternoon pretending to buy one of their flagship cars. After 2 hours I simply walked out…

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