Car Dealership Tactics: What Everyone Should Be Aware Of

The Warning Sign: 'Fck You Muffuggah!!!'

Ever heard of the four-sided version of the famous three-card Monte? Some car dealers use this tactic to ensure you pay the full Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the car. Imagine if The Finance Guy drew a 'Fck You Muffuggah!!!' sign on a large sheet of paper and then adjusted the other three quadrants to make you pay more. This could include increasing the price of the car, raising the down payment, lowering the trade-in allowance, and increasing the monthly payment. If this happens, it might be time to tip over chairs and quietly exit the dealership. This becomes even funnier if you happen to be a woman!

The Three-Card Monte: A Car Dealership Cheat

The Three-Card Monte is a well-known cheating game, and the four-sided version in car dealerships works similarly. Dealers adjust the usual expected outcomes to manipulate your purchasing decision. Here’s what each quadrant might signify:

LT UPPER QUADRANT: Price of the car is never lowered. RT UPPER QUADRANT: Large down-payment is required. LT LOWER QUADRANT: Minimal trade-in allowance. RT LOWER QUADRANT: Higher monthly payment.

Dealers learn these techniques to maximize their profit from the sale. If you can’t afford the car at the current price, remember - there are options like European delivery, fleet rates, and sometimes even factory discounts that make purchasing a new or used car more affordable.

Common Dealership Fees and Tricks

Many car dealers add unnecessary fees to the cost of the car. Here are some common examples:

Destination Fees: These are fees associated with shipping the car to your location. Most manufacturers already pay these and include them in the MSRP. There's no need to add to your final cost. Undercoating: Modern cars are already coated with a protective layer that shields them from rust. Adding an undercoat during a new car purchase is unnecessary and a trick by dealers to boost profits. Ceramic Top Coat: Again, modern cars come with multiple layers of clear coat, which provides protection from scratches and acids. Adding ceramic top coats is redundant.

Unscrupulous dealers also mask engine problems by performing minor repairs or replacing minor components just before a car is showcased to potential buyers. Always request a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection to ensure you know exactly what you're buying.

Improving Your Dealership’s Website

An often-overlooked aspect that can make or break a car deal is the quality of the dealership’s website. A well-structured and user-friendly site boosts your online visibility and can help attract potential customers.

Website Architecture: Ensure the site is easy to navigate, with clear categories and minimal required clicks to get to the desired information. Aesthetics: The design needs to be appealing and professional to engage visitors. Keyword Selection: Choose relevant keywords that your potential customers would use to find your dealership. If your specialty is electric cars, use terms like 'electric car deals' and 'electric cars near me'. Regular analysis can help refine these keywords.

Regular updates to your website’s content and SEO optimization can significantly improve your online presence and attract more customers. With the right strategy, you can avoid the pitfalls of car dealership tricks and find the best car for you.