Car Salesman

Car Salesman

CaliCarSalesman

Los Angeles, CA

Male, 33

I sold luxury cars in Los Angeles, quickly learning all tricks of the trade … which I’m happy to share with you. Between the staff and the clientele, one can only imagine the range of personalities I encountered.

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26 Questions

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Last Answer on May 17, 2012

Best Rated

What’s the best time of month/year to buy a car?

Asked by ITSATARP almost 13 years ago

The best time of the year to get a discount is at the beginning of the new model year (usually end of summer or beginning of fall). Keep in mind that the discount will be on the old model year. The end of the month is the best time to buy a car because salespeople are trying to hit their bonus goals.

Are women more likely to get taken advantage of when buying a car? Would you recommend that women always have men with them when car shopping?

Asked by Corinne almost 13 years ago

Great question. If the salesperson is a male, he will most likely feel he has an advantage over you. But this is only true if you allow it. Prepare yourself with the tips listed above. Also, if you're married, he may assume that your husband is the decision maker and ask to negotiate with your husband. Make it clear that you're the decision maker (if you are). Remember, don't fall for scare tactics. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and say no. If you happen to be the type that would rather jab your left eye with a sharp stick before negotiating with a car salesperson, by all means, take someone with you and play "good cop, bad cop". Have fun with it!

What's the easiest way to tell if a dealer has really offered me the best price possible?

Asked by helldog1 almost 13 years ago

This is practically impossible. The best you can do is FEEL that you've been offered the best price possible. So it's up to you to figure out what price you're happy to pay. I personally feel that I've achieved the best price when I call as many dealers as possible within driving distance to me. Then I go to the dealer that quotes me the lowest price and further negotiate until they say no and are willing to let me walk.

What are the biggest "sucker" options that dealers will try and sell you to beef up their commissions? (Extended warranties? Rust-proofing? Etc?)

Asked by tinydancer almost 13 years ago

Always, always, always negotiate everything in your car purchase. That includes extended warranties, interest rates (if you're financing through the dealer), lo-jack etc. There's profit margin on all those options for the dealer. Still, I pass on rust proofing (I don't keep the car long enough for that), Scotchguard, Lo-jack etc. If you really want any of those, you can usually find it cheaper if you shop around. Just make sure any options, such as rims, etc don't affect the warranty, unless, of course, you gotta have your 22 inch spinners and just don't care.

What are the best websites to learn how much others are paying for a certain car model?

Asked by BLACKwhite almost 13 years ago

Edmunds.com is the best, in my opinion, for all models. You can also search for forums specific to the make/model. Bimmerfest.com is great for BMW. Lastly, I like leasecompare.com to get the lowdown on lease rates.

What are the tell-tale signs that a salesman is one to avoid?

Asked by chuckles almost 13 years ago

Looks can be very deceiving on the dealership floor. If they look too slick, then maybe they are, but the most important quality in a good salesperson is the ability to really listen to the customer which enables them to help a customer make the most informed decision. But, if they're talking really fast and shifting their eyes around a lot, that guy is probably hopped up on Red Bull and in any case will have a hard time listening to you. If you're feeling really ambitious, go for the guy that looks nervous to engage with you (newbie) and show him how to really negotiate!

How much sales experience did you have when you started selling cars?

Asked by metero almost 13 years ago

Despite some light sales experience outside of the auto industry, I actually had no experience selling cars previous to my time at the dealership.