Why doesn't anyone want to sell me a car?

[sofc]

I walked onto five dealership lots today looking to buy a car. Was willing to buy this week.

Three of them, not one salesman came out to say hi or see if I wanted something even though I made myself very noticeable and spent about ten minutes walking around.

One of them, a salesman was right there so he said hi but when I wanted to test drive a car he wouldn't let me without running a credit report. When I explained that I wouldn't be financing the car, he smirked in disbelief and absolutely refused to let me test drive it. (if it was the movies, I would take whatever car I bought and go back and show him)

At one dealership, I waited outside and finally went in because I found a car I liked and wanted to test drive. Salesman was decent.

But the whole experience was not enjoyable at all.

 

[blooz4u]

Where are you located?

 

[bocker]

I recently found that most dealerships in my area have a no-hassle policy. They allow you to browse the lot on your own but you have to seek out a salesman on your own when you're ready.

 

[sofc]

I'm in MA.

I'll guarantee you if I had gone wearing a suit this would not be an issue. But I will have to test it out next week.

 

[swat253]

That may all change in a few weeks Bro... First of the month / no pressure. End of the month may be a little different.

 

[Cigary43]

Skip the salesman because he works on commission and go straight to Carsdirect.com and see what the actual pricing is for the car you want ( check at least 3 internet sources and bring paperwork with you to the dealer you will buy from... I did this with my last 2 cars and got great deals...no sales BS or anything)

 

[hdroadglide]

at first i thought danilo had posted this. and that would have been obvious!!!! lol
i am surprised you weren't approached better than that. even with credit the way it is, most dealers don't want to miss a deal. did you try toyota???lol

 

[sofc]

Skip the salesman because he works on commission and go straight to Carsdirect.com and see what the actual pricing is for the car you want ( check at least 3 internet sources and bring paperwork with you to the dealer you will buy from... I did this with my last 2 cars and got great deals...no sales BS or anything)

I haven't decided if I wanted new or used. I did carsdirect.com and other sources but kinda wanted to experience dealing with the dealerships.

I've bought four of my last six cars from a dealership I'm familiar with and two from acquaintances.

 

[Alwayslit]

I'm in MA.

I'll guarantee you if I had gone wearing a suit this would not be an issue. But I will have to test it out next week.

......I was going to ask what you were wearing...... dumb salespeople!!

 

[smokemifugotem]

I used to have the same issues brother...I went into a benz dealership and wanted to buy their new (at the time) c class cheapo version...they were like 26 k...10 people working that day and no one wanted to help...dicks...

same at a mazda dealership...went into test drive a mazda speed...took 30 minutes to get help then they told me no. left pissed...came back next day and went to another sales person and test drove and bought the car. the original person got pissed and called me out on it...I told her and her manager off. I should have never bought from them...but I just really wanted the car and they were the only one within 200 miles who had it

Keep ur head up bro...people stereotype...and those who do...don't get commission checks! glad ya got a car and I would go back and tell them to kiss your ass and show them your new ride! Just my .02!

 

[Cigary43]

I haven't decided if I wanted new or used. I did carsdirect.com and other sources but kinda wanted to experience dealing with the dealerships.

I've bought four of my last six cars from a dealership I'm familiar with and two from acquaintances.

One good thing about buying Used Cars is that you let the dealer deal with the depreciation and you can save literally thousands on a car that is only a year or 2 old. What money you do save you apply on a bumper to bumper warranty and you will still be $$$ ahead and a warranty thru the dealership is negotiable whereas a warranty thru another company usually isn't. The Finance guy is where you will get this but be careful because the Finance guy is usually the last person in the chain to seperate you from your wallet on those "extras" like Dealer Prep, Destination Fee, Undercoating, "Lienance Fees"....

The one other thing is Service After The Sale. Even if you get a great deal on the car it's the service afterwards that means everything and if they don't get this right you are the one to suffer as I had gone thru this before...great deal/horrible service.

 

[sgresso]

I'm in MA.

I'll guarantee you if I had gone wearing a suit this would not be an issue. But I will have to test it out next week.

not in my area. I had the same problem and I was in my suit when I worked at ADT. They found out I was not going to finance a car and would not help me. I was paying cash for my car.

Sorry to hear that man.

 

[sofc]

I've decided that next time I'm going I'm wearing my collar.

 

[sofc]

The thing is that it's not even a respect or pride issue. Scary to say but the reality is that I'm a middle aged white guy. I have no interest in trying to gain their respect or having them think anything. I just want to buy a car in peace.

 

[BGC]

Just go in there with a metal suitcase handcuffed to your wrist.

 

[Clint]

Skip the salesman because he works on commission and go straight to Carsdirect.com and see what the actual pricing is for the car you want ( check at least 3 internet sources and bring paperwork with you to the dealer you will buy from... I did this with my last 2 cars and got great deals...no sales BS or anything)

This is great advice.

It gives you the upper hand in negotiating, plus you can learn a lot about the car you want.

best of luck! Post a pic of your new wheels when you land a deal.