Skip to main content

Tricks Some Car Dealerships Use to Con Customers

When it comes to the adage about love and war, does this also extend to selling cars? Are some car dealerships akin to war-time profiteering taking advantage of the automotive climate and customer car needs? Or, is this just part of doing business? You be the judge with this latest on the biggest car dealership rip offs---what they are, how they work, and how you can avoid them with advice from a professional car buyer/auto consultant.
Need to Know Car Buying Info Before Going to a Dealership

How Not to Buy a Car from a Dealer

It’s an unfortunate fact of life, but car dealership rip offs are on the rise as unscrupulous car dealers are trying to make the most of the current car shortage by overcharging car shoppers up to thousands of dollars per as car shoppers struggle to find----not necessarily the best or most popular model car they can afford---a reliable and affordable car in order to make a living.

Related article: The Best Used Affordable Economical Commuter Car Recommended by This Mechanic

Sound like an exaggeration? You be the judge as you watch this recent YouTube video from the Car Help Corner channel where the host talks candidly about some of the abuses car dealerships resort to in order to trick car shoppers into paying more than a vehicle is worth.

Case in Point

For example, we know that there is an assortment of legal fees that go along with the purchase of a new car, but did you know that some dealerships slip in additional fees that are not required by law as a way to trick customers into paying more for a vehicle? We are talking primarily here about so-called “protection packages” that sound reasonable as good car care measures to make your new car last longer, but in reality might already be part of the MSRP sticker valuation in a car contract loophole hidden from car buyers.

Related article: New Car MSRP Window Sticker Scam Car Buyers Need to Understand

And, there are also some pretty creative “processing fees” as well where essentially you are being charged for something that amounted to a simple keystroke and mouse click that should have been part of doing business anyways by the sales department.

Related article: Car Dealership Scam Warning

But It’s Much Worse Than That

Unfortunately, these are just the minor abuses. It gets worse when you find out why you might not be able to buy a car from some dealerships even if you have a briefcase filled with cash and a car that is physically on the lot with a “For Sale” sign on it.

That said, be prepared to be disgusted by the abuses some dealerships resort to in the following video. However, once you’ve learned what the tricks are and how to deal with them, you will become an empowered car shopper who won’t be taken advantage of by “Fast Eddie” the salesman.

Biggest Car Dealer Rip Offs You MUST Avoid When Ordering a Car

And finally…

For additional articles about how to buy a new car without getting scammed, here are a few for your consideration:

• Consumer Reports Recommends This Important Negotiation Point to Focus on When Buying a New Car

• Negotiating in 2022 with a Car Dealer Scam Must Watch Video

• A Successful Strategy to Get Your Car at MSRP

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Best Used Cars and SUVs for Every Budget

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pexels

Automotive News
Car Questions