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Car Dealer Scams To Avoid

FORBES.COM -- By Hannah Elliott

Of the top 10 industries that received the most consumer complaints last year, three were auto related.

New-car dealers, used-car dealers and auto service and repair shops registered almost 54,000 complaints in North America, according to the Better Business Bureau. They were the No. 4, 7 and 10th-most complaint-ridden industries of 2009. It's enough to make anyone blanch at the thought of buying a new car.

"Difficult times lead to creativity," says Bill Gerhard, AAA's director of financial services. "People come up with sensational hooks to try and get you to the dealerships, and once they lure you in, the goal is to sell you something and generate as much profit for the dealership as they can."

It helps to know what you may face before hitting the showroom.

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Submitted Mar 13, 2010 By: UncleCurt

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NakedDriver Champion Author Des Moines Posts:12,890 Points:1,998,600 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Apr 12, 2010 12:33:51 AM Ignore NakedDriver Report Abuse ə i should mention also that i have not bought a car from a dealer since 2000, and have done well. but then most dealers would not talk to me anyway when i show up in their display room barefoot! ə
ReaderBeware Rookie Author Toronto Posts:1 Points:145 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2010 10:47:04 AM Ignore ReaderBeware Report Abuse Is this what Forbes has to offer? I am glad I don't subscribe. Very poorly written Article...full of half truths and misinformation. I have many friends in the car business and they work hard to put food on the table for their kids. I made friends with the people, who work on my car. They have not been perfect, but they do good honest work. If you go into any situation expecting a bad outcome...you will get a bad outcome. If you enter a car dealership friendly, confident, and prepared to purchase the "right" car for your family...you will have a positive experience. Sales people don't want confrontation..they want happy customers, who will refer friends and family. I would say that I don't trust bad articles, written with an agenda, supported by made-up facts. Reader Beware!! Somebody should write a story on the lies and scams that the buying public tries to pull on the automotive industry and other businesses everyday. Just look up statistics on shop lifting if you want to get a quick glimpse of what companies deal with. Thou Shall Not Steal...applies to everyone. And Forbes...thou shall not allow elementary school research and articles to be printed.
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:10,815 Points:1,253,445 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 1:03:50 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse push;pull;drag Fordbes; at least since sales are down so much; so are complaints about car salesmen. good thing?
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:4,716 Points:1,658,720 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:53:56 PM Ignore remay Report Abuse I wonder what prompted THIS article from Forbes? If the following "fact" from the article is true, then WHY did they have to post the article? I would bet there is a VERY small minority of people who read Forbes that aren't FULLY AWARE of the tactics used to sell a vehicle. "...complaints at new-car dealerships declined 2.4%..."
ENORMS Champion Author Colorado Posts:3,014 Points:1,175,810 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 8:23:00 AM Ignore ENORMS Report Abuse People are convinced that the "Push. Pull, Drag" promotions are a real deal!
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:4,262 Points:1,401,460 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:48:38 AM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse TOYOTA/LEXUS
jedintheshed Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:1,587 Points:477,640 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 1:18:46 AM Ignore jedintheshed Report Abuse Buyer beware
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:3,560 Points:393,585 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:34:39 AM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse You have to be careful in anything you do. No longer is there the honesty as was in the past. (and no, everyone was not honest, but today, it is very hard to find those.)
The_Gunslinger Champion Author Arkansas Posts:1,897 Points:384,340 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:33:25 AM Ignore The_Gunslinger Report Abuse You're going to get taken to the cleaners regardless, but it is up to you to decide how many articles of clothing you will be left with.
Ready Eddie Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,425 Points:884,050 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:29:17 AM Ignore Ready Eddie Report Abuse Buyer be ware. It is most important to not get or buy when emotional.
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,172 Points:1,206,625 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:29:00 AM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse Sad to say, but finding a honest auto mechanic is rare nowadays.
Sody33 Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:15,482 Points:1,814,560 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:28:56 AM Ignore Sody33 Report Abuse ShadowAce, I am sure you are right about cellular communications as we have had experience with that - charging us money and not giving us service and trying to get us to buy another phone which we need like more holes in our heads, and cable/satellite is certainly not a nice outfit and when it comes to BANKS - HOORAH they have their hands out for money, money, money and will charge, charge, charge to get it. They are a bunch of crooks and grafters. Besides we all know that Used Car dealers have had a bad rep for years and years. This car was driven by a little old lady who only went 2 miles to the store and home.
skybiker Champion Author South Carolina Posts:5,496 Points:1,135,915 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:27:11 AM Ignore skybiker Report Abuse Yep, Watch out for those $500 wax jobs called "Paint Sealant"...
computernut2008 Champion Author Ohio Posts:4,275 Points:904,245 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:26:20 AM Ignore computernut2008 Report Abuse Anything to scam us
N5EXY Champion Author Austin Posts:3,215 Points:1,050,130 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:25:38 AM Ignore N5EXY Report Abuse Definitely do the homework. Know the car you want, price it on the internet, and, there are still paperback books available. Beware of dealer added items which are almost always high profits for them. Undercoating - only if you think you really need such. Paint protectors are, imho, a ripoff. A lot of this comes with the closing guy that is a skilled, usually commissioned, sales artist also. The last time around for me I was offered glass etching for $150.00. Police departments do this free. I declined, but, somehow, it was done anyway. That closer must have had a very high acceptance rate. Of course I did not pay for it.
ShadowACE Champion Author Boston Posts:6,629 Points:1,686,595 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:24:50 AM Ignore ShadowACE Report Abuse DrCashFlow thinks that "presumably lawyers and politicians are numbers 1 and 2." 'Fraid not. #1 is the cellular communication industry, with Cable/Satellite TV in second place. Banking/Financial is #3. I find it kind of remarkable that NEW car dealers are #4 while USED car dealers are way down at #7. The new car dealers have 50% more complaints than the used car dealers. Who wudda thunk that?
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,024 Points:1,401,170 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:24:27 AM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse I agree. Focus on the total price not the payments. You should already be aware of what your payment should be anyway.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:6,408 Points:1,514,645 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:22:30 AM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse As you walk into a dealer's show room or used car lot, you have a capital SUCKER/VUCTIM over your head, Be well prepared for the encounter, tough, nasty if necessary and walk out if you feel the least bit wary of the situation. They could care less about you so you should feel the same about them. Should you ever find a salesperson or dealer you like and that takes care of you, hang on to them, they are few and far between. (Sort of like insurance sales persons!)
4warned Champion Author Michigan Posts:5,522 Points:1,742,940 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:20:51 AM Ignore 4warned Report Abuse Good reputable car dealers are hard to fine. However, there are a few so it pays to know who you are dealing with.
MDTDriver Champion Author California Posts:7,465 Points:1,696,010 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:17:29 AM Ignore MDTDriver Report Abuse I go to my Honda dealer and tell then it is a bad month for me do not have $32 for oil change, they say no problem we will only charge you $19.95 full oil change lube and safty check my whole car and give a full reprot, nothing is worng. I out the door very happy.
Dmax13 Veteran Author Denver Posts:417 Points:301,760 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:17:07 AM Ignore Dmax13 Report Abuse whatever
BEngr Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,288 Points:1,119,505 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:16:26 AM Ignore BEngr Report Abuse I try to decide what king of car or truck I want to buy and a price range before I go to a dealership. Then I look for a vehicle that matches this. If you tell the salesman what you want before you look at vehicles it will save him and you time too. Don't focus on the monthly payments because you will lose sight of the overall price target. Ask for the Carfax and if it's not available or free, its time to move on to another dealer.
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:6,130 Points:1,126,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:10:54 AM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse Unless you know what you are doing, you always wonder if you got a good deal. One of the best ways is to check information on the vehicle you want on the internet. Then get price quotes from dealers on the internet.
EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:14,353 Points:2,571,565 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:10:10 AM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse Fix Or Repair Daily?
rippinusoff Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,069 Points:1,024,925 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:08:05 AM Ignore rippinusoff Report Abuse Nissan on Nicholasville in Lexington Ky are a bunch of rip off lying thieves...Don't buy anything from them!!!
moody4u Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,635 Points:716,280 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:05:46 AM Ignore moody4u Report Abuse Going to A GM or Mopar dealership ! Buy A Ford.
greenfog Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,174 Points:1,179,440 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:04:18 AM Ignore greenfog Report Abuse a dealer and auto mechanic you can trust are a rare thing now days. i find independent mechanics seem to be more trust worthy because they don't have the bosses pushing them to find big problems to get you to buy another car. the only time i go to the dealership is for warranty repairs.
jay4 Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:5,792 Points:1,326,080 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:03:31 AM Ignore jay4 Report Abuse Research in Consumer Reports, et al, ask friends, buy used so someone pays for depreciation and bir repairs, live simply.
Jarod13 Champion Author Virginia Posts:3,470 Points:1,052,830 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 12:01:15 AM Ignore Jarod13 Report Abuse I'm not surprised that the automotive dealerships and service and repair shops are amongst the top ten in compliant-ridden industries. Every time I have to buy a new car, I dread having to go to the dealership, since I know it's going to be a challenge of wits with the auto salesman to try not to get scammed. Since I found a good and reputable repair shop to get my vehicle serviced, I don't too excited or discouraged by the thought of getting my vehicle repaired anymore.
Jarod13 Champion Author Virginia Posts:3,470 Points:1,052,830 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:53:49 PM Ignore Jarod13 Report Abuse I'm not surprised that the automotive dealerships and service and repair shops are amongst the top ten in compliant-ridden industries. Every time I have to buy a new car, I dread having to go to the dealership, since I know it's going to be a challenge of wits with the auto salesman to try not to get scammed. Since I found a good and reputable repair shop to get my vehicle serviced, I don't too excited or discouraged by the thought of getting my vehicle repaired anymore.
GasitupJB Champion Author Columbia Posts:3,771 Points:572,255 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:53:14 PM Ignore GasitupJB Report Abuse same ole
EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:14,353 Points:2,571,565 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:53:01 PM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse The Answer is more bills, and aggravation.
Night Owl Champion Author Toronto Posts:5,285 Points:1,336,650 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:51:51 PM Ignore Night Owl Report Abuse There are scam artists everywhere.
nimpy Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:6,323 Points:1,336,760 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:43:06 PM Ignore nimpy Report Abuse makes sense to me
HailstormCA Champion Author San Diego Posts:5,871 Points:1,077,700 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:39:28 PM Ignore HailstormCA Report Abuse And now Toyota gets to join the gang.
Rt118E Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:6,729 Points:909,660 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:38:00 PM Ignore Rt118E Report Abuse Doing homework on a car and dealer before hand is important. You can use the internet.
kbierley Champion Author Dayton Posts:9,934 Points:1,271,545 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:37:15 PM Ignore kbierley Report Abuse Let the buyer beware!
my2002m Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,799 Points:1,208,520 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:26:43 PM Ignore my2002m Report Abuse Mostly common sense. Always do your homework and check around for the best deal and dealer.
RobRD Champion Author Alberta Posts:3,828 Points:896,020 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:25:43 PM Ignore RobRD Report Abuse Good advice. [Edited by: RobRD at 3/13/2010 11:25:55 PM EST]
enigma09 Veteran Author Dayton Posts:448 Points:777,160 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:24:28 PM Ignore enigma09 Report Abuse really isn't rocket science here
rimpyCA Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,550 Points:667,650 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:24:18 PM Ignore rimpyCA Report Abuse everybody cheats everybody for money
Lou08 All-Star Author California Posts:875 Points:202,805 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:19:31 PM Ignore Lou08 Report Abuse Conserve! In April 2009 the man took me back to the special room and tried to get me to take out a long term loan. No thanks! Warranty 4years 60,000 miles. I bit on that. Next time I'll see if get better deal elsewhere. I only buy car after many years and get off balance when they throw different scenarios at me. [Edited by: Lou08 at 3/13/2010 11:23:00 PM EST]
Jeeputtputt Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,403 Points:343,725 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:18:30 PM Ignore Jeeputtputt Report Abuse And how many don't register a complaint---PLENTY & thats just an estimate!!!!!!
tc316 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:7,767 Points:1,274,905 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:06:58 PM Ignore tc316 Report Abuse Buyer beware
Number43 Champion Author Lexington Posts:6,315 Points:1,193,780 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 11:04:58 PM Ignore Number43 Report Abuse My boss ( new car manager) always said that people were stupid to buy a new car. I think he was right.
djgunrunner Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:7,611 Points:1,891,820 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 10:58:15 PM Ignore djgunrunner Report Abuse If you go anywhere unprepared you are in trouble. You must have a plan. When I go to buy a car or truck I have researched prices. I know where I am. I have had to go to 5 or 6 different dealers but in the end I get the car pretty much for what I wanted. When you buy a car make sure it is because you want to and not because you have to have one right now. The service and repair shops should be willing to give you a written bid. If they don't it is like the IRS saying, "you can trust me, I want to help you.
zeddieiv Champion Author Columbia Posts:5,651 Points:1,490,920 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 10:55:05 PM Ignore zeddieiv Report Abuse Better yet, find another dealer, altima
altima2008 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:5,813 Points:1,276,305 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 10:51:58 PM Ignore altima2008 Report Abuse Research the car that you may want. Go check it out when the dealership is closed and go from there!
stoihor All-Star Author San Bernardino Posts:789 Points:205,995 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 10:42:19 PM Ignore stoihor Report Abuse Not a surprise...
rjoeh Champion Author Michigan Posts:5,755 Points:2,060,640 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2010 10:39:06 PM Ignore rjoeh Report Abuse Buying a new car to me is an art, and I do not like to be pushed. If I see a bait and switch with salesmen and sales managers, I just get up and walk out the door. They need me... I don't need them.