Question: Now that I've read your website I wonder...can I ever trust a car dealer?

June 21, 2005

Hello Tony

My name is Dave from Montreal. My question is simple: I'm only 19 and all I want is a car. The thing is that I can only afford a used one, and I spend most of my day looking at repossessed cars, but now that I've went through your website reading about car sellers and their strategies on ripping off people, I don't know what to do....

Dave

Answer:

Hi Dave,

First of all Dave, not all car dealers are crooks. There are plenty of honest people in the car business, you simply have to find them.

When talking to them about a car you will get a feel for their sincerity. If they try to push you into a deal before you're ready, or if the first thing they want is a deposit tell them to back off. Tell them you're not ready to buy yet.

You control the situation, not them. Of course you have to assert yourself if they try to intimidate you. Listen, you can always walk out and go somewhere else.

If they try to intimidate you or make you feel uncomfortable find another dealer to go to. Sooner or later you will get a good impression of the salesman and you will know in your gut he or she is OK.

By the way Dave, buying a repossessed car is not such a great idea. Many people know ahead of time if they are going to lose their car. At that point they stop taking care of it. They may even abuse it knowing they are going to lose it anyway.

If you find one you like have it inspected by a trusted mechanic and a knowledgeable body man. Be careful. Don't jump on the first thing you find.

All my very best...

Tony Iorio