Several years ago I was thinking of trading my 99 Eclipse in for a new one. I went to the car dealer and it was absolutely horrible.

I had not found your web site at that point, but I did know that I was not willing to walk out of there with a new car unless I got what I wanted. Needless to say I did not get what I wanted, but I got about every car buyer's nightmare. I had the salesman, his Sales Manager and the Finance Manager all pressuring me.

I was insulted, ridiculed, and told that I had to help them. I was told that I was living in a fantasy world if I thought that I could get what I wanted from them.

I told them firmly, several times that I could happily leave if they could not help me. So the Finance Manager goes out and says "well, we can get you in this vehicle for $420 a month." I tell him "NO" so he says, "OK" and leans forward and writes some figures and says "How about $500?" I asked him when $420 became more then $500 a month, and why would I take that stupid figure anyway, and how much was the APR they where discussing?

I never did get to find out what the APR was on the payment, and then they started switching vehicles around telling me they could get me into a cheaper model that was not the color that I wanted for less.

They attempted to spin me in circles, hid my license and keys and then then tried to tell me to work with them. "I am giving you the world!" "You have to meet me half way" the Finance Manager says.

I said "Dude you just insulted me earlier and now you want me to help you out? I don't have to give you a damn thing. You're not going to pay for this car, I am!"

Each time they told me I needed to help them or meet them I told them no I didn't, they where not paying for the car, I was so they could make me happy or leave me alone.

I did make the mistake of letting them run my credit so they knew I could get the car and they really wanted me to get it. It was horrible, and after that I did more research, found your site and I thank you.

I went out and got my 03 Wrangler for 2k under invoice. I do admit I didn't do a great job with the trade-in so they got some back there, but in the end I was satisfied. This time I plan to go for blood! Thanks a lot!

Mels

My Answer to Mels . . .

Thanks for taking the time to email me. It never ceases to amaze me how some car dealers treat their customers.

They lose sight of the fact that without the customer they have no business or job, yet they have this attitude like they are doing the customer a favor by gracing them with their presence when in reality it's the other way around.

It's a crazy business!

As long as you remember that you are in control of the deal, not the sales person, you'll do just fine. They need you more than you need them. If you get up and walk out they lose! You can always find another car dealer.

This story also points out why it's so important to negotiate on the selling price only. Once you start negotiating a car payment everything gets confusing real fast. You have no way of knowing price, APR, etc. Always arrange your own financing - ahead of time. Doing this takes away a big advantage the car dealer has over you in the negotiating process.