Red Flags When Shopping for a Reputable Car Dealer

Buying a car can be a stressful task, and, let’s be honest, nobody enjoys looking for a new or used car. There are plenty of ways to tell if you are being scammed by a car dealer. Here are some of the big red flags to look out for.

Car dealerships are the main way of buying cars in America, but, just like any business, dealerships have one mission, to make money. You are a customer, someone who needs to buy a car, and you are more than willing to drop some serious cash to have the car you want.

Dealerships know this information and will do anything they can to make a profit off of you. Hidden fees, accrued interests, and shady sales tactics are key things to look out for when buying a car. Not all dealerships out there are like this, but it is very important to know what to look out for, so you don’t become a victim on your journey to finding a reputable car dealer.

Are you looking for a car right now? If yes, then this article is definitely for you. Keep reading to learn what red flags you’ll need to keep an eye out for.

Hidden Fees and Add-Ons

Remember, car dealers see you as an opportunity to make money. If they are not reputable, they’ll do anything to make an extra buck, which, in any case, could mean hundreds of dollars out of your pocket. This can be avoided.

There are fees, though, that cannot be avoided. These are fees such as sales taxes, car title fees, registration fees, inspection fees, and destination fees. These fees might cost a pretty penny, but they are unavoidable. Shady car dealers might try to include deceptive fees and add-ons. These are the ones you need to look out for. Besides the ones you know are legit, look out for fees such
as loan payment fees, advertising fees, market adjustment fees, and dealer preparation fees.

Also, make sure not to fall for phony add-ons such as paint protection and window tinting. Only pay for what you need to.

More Car Dealer Red Flags: Bad Reviews, Low Prices, No Inspection

One way to tell if a car dealer is bad news is to look at their reviews. Before purchasing a vehicle, make sure its reputation is validated through its online and in-person reviews. Also, word of mouth goes a long way in this industry.

Believe it or not, low prices are often an indicator of shady business. If a car dealer is offering prices that are too good to be true, they could possibly be selling faulty cars or using false advertisements to bring in business. A trusted car dealer will price their cars earnestly and honestly.

Lastly, if a car dealer is unable to provide inspections on their vehicles, it is an indicator that they are unable to prove their cars are reliable. This is a major problem because you are getting ready to put lots of money down on the table, and making a mistake is not an option.

There are lots of other red flags. Most importantly, stay alert and aware when considering car dealers.