VSA Stories

Should I Buy a Car Privately?

2011-12-07T15:36:00.001-08:00

Likely half of all

so-called 'private' sales...

are breaking the law

The word "Curber" is commonly used in the motor vehicle sales industry to describe unlicensed motor dealers who sell vehicles posing as financiers, wholesalers, importers, collection agents, or "private citizens" under the guise of selling their own vehicles.

Private sales represent roughly one third of all used vehicle transactions in British Columbia each year, and many of these are simply individuals selling their own car, motorcycle or RV, but those who do it as a business - likely half of all so-called 'private' sales - are breaking the law.

There is great value in doing business only with licensed dealers and salespoeple! If you do buy privately, keep in mind that old saying: If something appears to be too good to be true, there is likely a very good reason!

~Watch the video below for tips on how to spot a curber ~

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs!

Buy Smartly! -Peter

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VEHICLE RETURNS

2011-10-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

A common misconception about purchasing a vehicle from a dealership is that you can return the vehicle if you're unsatisfied with it. A common belief is that there is a 10 or 30 day grace period, during which one could try out the vehicle while deciding whether or not to keep it.

There is no law that states that you have the right to return a vehicle; if you bought it, it's yours.

A particular dealership may have a return policy, which you should sign at the time of purchase. This is not to say, however, that ALL dealerships MUST have such a policy.

If there is a legitimate issue with the vehicle, or with the way in which the vehicle was sold to you, that's a different story! Simply because there is no legal right to return a vehicle does not mean that a vehicle cannot be returned under certain circumstances.

Watch the video above to hear Ian Christman (Deputy Registrar, VSA) discuss vehicle returns at the 2011 Smart Shoppers event, held by the Better Business Bureau of BC.

Ask me a question on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/VehicleSalesBC or via email peter@mvsabc.com

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs!

What's Up, Dec?

2011-09-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

NOT ALL DECLARATIONS ARE CREATED EQUAL

If you're buying a vehicle from a dealership, there are certain things that the salesperson must tell you about the vehicle. The most common declarations (or "decs") are damage history, past uses for the vehicle (ie. emergency vehicle, taxi, racing, etc.), and whether the vehicle was brought in from out of provice. For a full list of must-declare conditions, click this link: http://bit.ly/pANxAW

One thing to consider about declarations is how they impact the product value.

For example, a replaced windshield on an older vehicle, although probably installed as a result of damage sustained to the original windshield, is not necessarily a bad thing.

Don't reject a vehicle simply because it has a damage record; instead, consider how the damage has affected the real value of the vehicle.

Another example of this is multiple minor damage repairs (dents, scratches, etc.) versus one major damage repair (frame damage, etc.). The major damage will likely have a greater impact on the actual value of the vehicle.

Have you ever discovered problem with your vehicle that should have been declared by the seller?
Post a comment, or send me a message at peter@mvsabc.com

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs!

Deposits 101

2011-06-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

One question that gets thrown around a lot is "What's the difference between a deposit and a down payment?" Well, here's some stuff you should know about deposits:
Deposit: A sum of money paid by the buyer to the seller, to be forfeited if the buyer does not perform his/her/its part of the contract.

By making a deposit you demonstrate your good faith and intention to proceed with the deal. As excited as you are about your purchase, it’s not a bad idea to protect yourself and expect the unexpected. So, take the time and read the fine print!

After reading the deposit agreement you should know under what circumstances you could get your deposit back and when you will not get a refund.

If your purchase is subject to any conditions, for example that the vehicle must pass a mechanical inspection, make sure it’s included in the deposit agreement.

And remember, if you are not comfortable with the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, it’s not too late to walk away and find a dealer that has deposit practices that work for you!

I'll discuss deposits more in later posts, but this should get us started. Stay tuned for the next post where we'll chat about down payments.

Have you ever had any problems with deposits (ie not getting it refunded when you feel it should have been)?

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs!

New Drivers and an Angry Dog

2011-06-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

I was awoken at 3:30am this morning to the barking of a neighbour's dog.

This dog continued to bark, uninterrupted, for over two hours. As I lay in bed listening to this, I couldn't help but form the following thought:

"Just because you can afford to buy a dog, doesn't mean that you're prepared to own one."

There are more things to consider than simple dollars in determining whether or not to become a dog owner.

This led me to think about new drivers.

I reflected upon the high-school version of myself; I remember calculating how long it would take to save up enough money for my first car. As far as I was concerned, buying a car would be a two step process:

Save enough money to buy a car
Buy a car

... that was it!

These two steps were all that I had considered in the quest for my own wheels. Much like my neighbour, I was making some pretty major oversights!

So, for you readers who are prepping to buy your first car, consider this checklist before spending your allowance and 'cleaned-the-gutters' money:

More than dollars, you'll need to bring some sense to the table.

How did you prepare before buying your first car? Leave your comments and questions below!

Buy Smartly -Peter

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs!

Story Submitted by a Consumer #2

2011-06-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

First of all let me say I wish I had discovered your blog a year ago before I bought my car.

I had my first experience in buying a new car last August. My ’94 Dodge Colt was dying a slow & painful death. With my Dad’s help and guidance we decided that we would go to Wheaton GM to look for a new car and take advantage of the “Employee Pricing” and 0% Financing.

Overall I was pretty happy with the experience. Having said that there are a few things that upon reflection are a little disappointing.

The amount of time it took to actually purchase a new car was a little ridiculous. I’m pretty sure I spent more of my work day there than actually at work. It certainly was not a speedy process. I also got talked into buying the extended warranty and payment insurance. Seemed like a good idea at the time but in doing the math now the amount of money those two things will add up to in the long run makes me wonder the value vs. cost.... It ended up being a quick decision made on the fly with not much information.

But aside from those two things the one that gets under my skin the most is my poor little Dodge Colt. When they took a look at it to determine a value as a trade in I certainly was not expecting much. It was a great car and certainly did not owe me anything. The left headlight was being held in by duct tape... I did treat it somewhat like a bumper car so it had a few scratches and small dents in it. But it drove like stink, new brakes and certainly was still a very useful car. I was told that there was no way they could sell it and would simply be scrap. I almost wanted to have a funeral for the little car, having grown quite attached to it! They gave me a small amount for the car around $150 if I remember correctly give or take a little.

So imagine my surprise when I started getting texts from friends, “I saw your car!” I even had a friend send me a picture. I didn’t believe it. Call me crazy but I believed the salesperson when they said she was destined to become scrap. Maybe my expectation of a cars salesman being honest was a little foolish..? Sure enough not too long ago I saw her. She looked much the same, but with an older gentleman driving her. How could I be sure? She still had the Hanoverian sticker on the back bumper I brought home from Germany. There was no doubt this was my car.

When talking to a friend about this her reaction was that that was typical of a transaction with a dealership. But why should that kind of dishonesty be acceptable? What bothers me the most is not the small amount of money they gave me for the car but more so the deceit. The best part is the salesperson asked me for referrals which I certainly will not be giving. Word of mouth is the strongest form of advertising and I for one want people to hear this story. If nothing else to be prepared when going to a dealership. I wish I had been.

April

Pick Pocketing Piñata

2011-05-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Close your eyes for a moment.

Wait, if you close your eyes, you won’t be able to read this... or this...

Alright, don’t close them.

Imagine that you’re blindfolded, standing before a very small piñata; a wooden stick is in your hands. You have only one swing to hit the piñata, and if you miss on your one and only opportunity, the very small piñata will pick your pocket during your follow through.*

*Fear not, this is only a metaphor. To my knowledge, Pick Pocketing Piñatas have been extinct for some time now

This is how your vehicle purchase will turn out if you don’t prepare. If you go blindly into a major transaction, without seriously considering your needs or budget, the likelihood of picking the perfect vehicle for the perfect price is pretty poor; you’ll probably swing and miss, and it will probably cost you.

Is my metaphor starting to make sense?

What do you need out of a car? You should think very carefully about this before you start the process.

Watch this great video on ditching the metaphorical blindfold!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter! (@VehicleSalesBC)

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I won’t tell you to buy ‘X’ over ‘Y’, but I will teach you the ABCs

What You Need To Know Before You Sign

2011-04-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

A sale contract is comprised of a lot more than just words on paper. If a salesperson tells you that the vehicle you're about to purchase comes standard with a GPS System, forty-nine airbags and a young Hippopotamus strapped to the roof, then the salesperson is responsible for making sure that's true (even if the contract doesn't mention the Hippo).

Legally (http://bit.ly/jGFsVZ) a seller is forbidden from engaging in any deceptive act or practice, which includes any spoken, written or visual statement or action that could fool or mislead a consumer.

yawn...

In other words, a salesperson cannot simply defer to the fact that you signed a contract; there's more to it than that.

Having said that...

GET IT IN WRITING!!!

Anything that a salesperson tells you that pertains to the sale should be put in writing. This will prevent any confusion/arguments/rage coming up at a later date. This is where you, the consumer, can become empowered by taking some responsibility for the content of your contract.

When you are reviewing the sale contract, be sure to add in any promises that were made to you by the salesperson.

Easy-peezy, lemon-squeazy!

Buy Smartly! -Peter
I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs

Story Submitted by a Consumer

2011-04-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Vancouver International Auto Show!!!!

2011-04-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

This past week, the VSA had the wonderful opportunity of participating in the Vancouver International Auto Show! We had a great time, and the vehicles there were beautiful!!

Watch the video above for an inside look with yours truly!

Buy Smartly! -Peter
I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs

ps. There has been a new addition to the "Share Your Story" page from a disappointed consumer, so click the this link to see it! http://bit.ly/hMWAKs (scroll to the bottom when you get there)

I'll be discussing the new story at length this week, so please feel encouraged to contribute your thoughts!

Buying a Vehicle... Check!

2011-03-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

This week the VSA has a booth at the Vancouver International Auto Show! Stay tuned for an inside look from yours truly, which I'll post to this blog tomorrow...

In the meantime, have a look at our checklist for buying/leasing a vehicle!

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs

Parting with a Stereotype!

2011-03-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

We all know the used car salesman stereotype: untrusworthy, dishonest and in possession of a moral compass which points any way but North. We've seen this in movies and television, and have had it reinforced by that story about someone's cousin's roommate's girlfriend's dog-walker who got cheated by a salesperson.

"The Goods" (Movie, 2009)

"Fargo" (Movie, 1996)

"Call Me Fitz" (TV Show, 2010)

The thing is, this is rarely an accurate depiction. The vast majority of vehicle salespeople are responsible, diligent professionals. The motor vehicle sales industry has changed, and continues to change for the better!

You may or may not recall that realtors were once attributed a similar typecast. There was a time, not long ago, when the real estate industry fought to rid itself of such stereotypes as corruption and underhandedness... do these sound familiar?

At the beginning of next year, my wife and I will be house hunting with the assistance of a real estate agent. It has never occured to me that I might be deceived by my real estate professional. How has this industry made such strides in public image?

It's fairly common knowledge, even without being privy to the moving parts, that the real estate industry is regulated in some fashion. This regulation exists, at least in part, for the protection of consumers from any fraudulent or deceitful practices by real estate professionals. I just know that; I'm not sure how, but I do.

Well, what about the motor vehicle sales industry?

You may be relieved to know that every vehicle salesperson in BC must legally be licensed by the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (the other Provinces have their own regulatory bodies). One obtains a licence by attending a two day course with the VSA, which covers the laws that govern the motor vehicle sales industry (Motor Dealer Act, Motor Vehicle Act, Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, and others). The VSA not only administers this course, but also enforces the legislation and regulates the industry in British Columbia.

The industry is changing, and our perception of it should be changing with it!

The best way to be involved in this process is to be a responsible consumer.
How? Subscribe to this weekly Blog and we'll get there together!

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs

Videos!!!

2011-03-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you some of the GREAT videos that the VSA has come out with!

The following videos explain how best to buy a vehicle PRIVATELY:

Hope you learned something!

Also check out July Ono's blog post on her experience dealing with a shady private seller: http://www.julyono.com/?p=1600

Buy Smartly! -Peter

Lease-End Buy-Outs

2011-03-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

Many elements that go into buying a vehicle are easy to explain. The fact that you should get a vehicle history report on a vehicle before you buy it isn't rocket science... it's barely high school chemistry.

Unfortunately, not everything that goes into buying a vehicle is so easily digested.

Here's a hypothetical for you:

Peter leases a car from Hank (the dealer).
At the end of the lease, Peter would like to buy the car.
Before Peter makes the purchase, a safety inspection is done on the car.
Peter doesn't want to pay for the inspection, because it's Hank's car.
Hank doesn't want to pay for the inspection, because it's Peter's lease.

Who should pay for the vehicle inspection?

Legally, the safety of the product is the reponsibility of the seller, not the buyer. So, Hank is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle meets the legal safety requirements (Motor Vehicle Act). If Hank does not have an inspection done, he could be liable if any safety issues arise with the car, regardless of the fact that Peter has been leasing it.

So there you have it, in a lease-end buy-out, any inspections should be provided by the dealer...

UNLESS: The lease agreement states that the consumer is responsible for the cost of an inspection. So always remember to STUDY WHAT YOU SIGN!!!

Next topic will be lighter, I promise!

Buy Smartly! -Peter

I'm not going to tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs

Know Everything About Zero?

2011-02-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

Peter here...

If you're about to buy a car, truck or space shuttle, there's a good chance that the full price amount isn't neatly folded in your pocket. If you don't have all that red, green, purple and blue (CDN$) burning a hole somewhere, you'll need to finance in order to drive your new ride home.

The words "Zero Percent Financing" are some of the most common and familiar words in vehicle sales. I see them displayed in countless ads, hear them shouted in countless commercials; but as common as these words are, the translation is lost on many.

"Enter my classroom, pupils!"

When you see an offer of a special interest rate (such as 0% for 48 months), this often means that the manufacturer has bought this rate from a finance company. The manufacturer has agreed to pay a fee on each vehicle financed with this special interest rate.

Still with me?

Often, the manufacturer doesn't want to pay that fee, so they will defer it to the dealer. Oddly enough, the dealers aren't crazy about paying that fee either!

Do you see where this is going? Who's left?...

Oh right, you!

Some dealers try to recoup the fee from the consumer by charging a fee of their own... which presents a problem:

If you, the consumer, are charged money to enjoy 0% financing, then this may change the effective interest rate, making the advertised 0% financing... well, wrong!

Make sure you ask about all fees associated with your purchase!
Have doubts/questions/easy baking recipes? Send me an email! peter@mvsabc.com

Buy Smartly! -Peter

ps. "I won't tell you to buy X over Y, but I will teach you the ABCs" ~ Let me know what you think of my new catch phrase at http://www.twitter.com/vsa_stories

Check the Total Price... Twice!

2011-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

The purpose of a price tag is to tell you the price of whatever it's tagged to; that's a pretty fair breakdown, right? This definition should also apply to prices written on windshields at the dealership, shouldn't it? Yes, it should...

Unfortunately, some vehicle consumers end up paying more than the advertised price.

Why?

If you've been through the process, there's a good chance that you've heard of a documentation fee ("doc fee"). A doc fee is charged for a service, such as administration, finance, registration, a lien check, vehicle history report, etc. A dealer can charge a doc fee, but that doc fee must be included in the advertised price of the vehicle. This advertising includes the writing on the windshield, the newspaper, facebook, the salesperson's words... everywhere!!

Without ranting, I can tell you that the price written on the vehicle is the price that you should be paying (plus tax).

The moral of this story? You're entitled to the advertised price of a vehicle. Simple.

Don't forget to head over to our Twitter page for constant updates and buying tips! http://www.twitter.com/vsa_stories

Stay tuned, and buy smartly!

-Peter

6 Points for Purchasing Privately

2011-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

The ‘VSA Stories’ blog mostly discusses how to prepare for the dealership experience, but what if you’re planning to buy privately? We'll, here's a little treat for you dealership-dodgers!

Before I start off, I should begin by saying that there are some HUGE benefits to buying from a dealership. First, salespeople at a dealership must be licensed by the VSA (salespeople have a licence card that you should request to see). Also, if there is a problem with the vehicle after the sale, it’s a lot easier to resolve with a dealership than it is with a private seller (thanks in part to your friendly neighbourhood VSA). For these and many other reasons, there is often much less risk in dealing with a reputable, licensed vehicle dealership than with a private seller.

That being said, on with the show…

Here are SIX GREAT TIPS for buying privately (these tips are for those buyers that don’t know the person selling the vehicle):

1. Ask to see the sellers driver’s licence and proof of ownership

2. Check to see that the vehicle is registered in the name of the seller

3. The VIN on the registration should match the VIN on the vehicle

4. Get a comprehensive vehicle history report

5. Check for liens

6. Get an inspection from a trusted mechanic

*Even if you know the seller, numbers 4, 5 and 6 are a MUST!!!!!!!

I hope this has helped the dealership-dodgers (you should think about seeing the professionals). Stay tuned for more blog posts on such topics as online sales, warrantees, documentation fees, and MUCH MORE!!!!

Buy smartly! -Peter

Test Drive / Blind Date 101

2011-01-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

A hugely important part of the car buying process is the test drive. This is your golden chance to have a conversation with the car that you’re interested in. It’s a lot like a blind date. The test drive, like a blind date, can be very exciting, a little intimidating, but super great if you’re prepared! What questions do you want to ask the pretty four-wheeled treat sitting across from you? Well, here’s what I would ask:

1. Do you have time for me?

When you take your test drive, be prepared to drive for 30 minutes. A mistake often made is driving once around the block and calling it a night. If you don’t stay past the appetizers on your blind date, is that a long enough time to warrant a commitment? You might feel rushed, or excited, or a combination of both. Take your time, stay objective, and start asking your date, and yourself, the important questions!

2. Do I get a good feeling from you?

While driving, pay close attention to the way the vehicle feels and performs. Test the brakes and gears, and make sure the car doesn’t pull to the side when you (carefully) release the steering wheel. If you aren’t getting a good feeling from the ride, ask yourself why that is. If the brakes aren’t responding how you’d like, that’s a problem!

Your blind date is coming on too strong!

3. Are you adventurous?

If you only hit the city streets for your test drive (say, around the dealership), then you’re missing out. Try to take the test drive through multiple road types, such as highway, gravel (if you can find it), etc. More thorough testing means less chance that you will be surprised later.

4. Do I like what you have to say?

You must listen to what the vehicle is telling you. Pay attention to the brakes, engine and transmission; if something is wrong, you may be able to hear it. Make sure the radio is turned off, and your professional passenger isn’t speaking louder every time you approach a stop sign or red light!

5. Would my best friend like you?

As I said, you may be too excited or nervous to really soak in everything on your test drive. Bringing someone with you is a good idea! If you stick a friend in the back seat, they should be able to remind you what to look for, ask you questions about the feel, and ask the salesperson questions about the vehicle. It’s always comforting to have a wingman/wingwoman!*

* I would not advise inviting your wingperson to sit in the back seat during your blind date.

Congratulations! You are now prepared to have a successful test drive and/or blind date!

Buy smartly! - Peter

Solving the Mystery of Damage History!

2010-12-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Good News! This blog post is a response to our FIRST STORY SUBMITTED BY A READER!! Click the “Gimme Your Story” tab above to check that story and submit your own!

Without a vehicle history report, Anonymous had to rely on what she was told. What was she told? The car had only been driven a half mile to church and back once a week, and had never been in an accident! She may also have been assured that the car had never been in a fight, had never done drugs, and had NEVER forgotten the true meaning of Christmas!

As our lovely reader ‘Anonymous’ (pretty name) has pointed out, we can’t always trust what we’ve been told. Luckily for us there are services like Carproof and Carfax that can tell us what sort of shenanigans our “perfect” car has gotten into!

For my fellow Canucks, Carproof offers a very good vehicle history report for vehicles in Canada. A Carproof comprehensive report costs about $65 for common-folk, and about $40 for motor dealers. Most dealerships offer a vehicle history report to potential buyers, so make sure you ask for it! If they won’t pay for it, go to a dealership that will! I promise you that no dealership will lose a vehicle sale over a $40 report. For information on the services that Carproof offers, go to their website at http://www.carproof.com.

A big thank you to “Anonymous” (again, pretty name) for submitting your story! Her story had a happy ending, but these sorts of stories often don't.

Make sure you click the “Gimme Your Story” tab at the top of the page, and click on comments to gimme your story!

And remember...

Buy smartly! -Peter

Understanding The Deal

2010-12-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

The best way to avoid being overwhelmed in the business office of a car dealership is to prepare. I could drone on about how to do this, but this video does a great job of explaining what goes into the deal, and what you should do to prepare.

Leave your comments below!

Also, at the top of the main blog page (that you might be on now) there's a tab labelled "Gimme Your Story." Click on that tab, and then click "comments" at the bottom of that page. This is your venue to write about any experience that you've had, good or bad, buying privately or at a car dealership. If you don't want to submit your story there, you can send it directly to me, peter@mvsabc.com.

Buy smartly! -Peter

The "Dummy Hypothesis"

2010-12-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

What happens to us when we go to a car dealership? Why, in one of the most financially significant purchases of our lives, do we become dumb versions of ourselves? I see a few potential causes of this phenomenon (I’d like to call it the “Dummy Hypothesis”, but you’re welcome to come up with your own name).

"I LOVE IT!!!!!"

When you find the car you want, you’ll start to imagine yourself driving it. You’ll probably fantasize about how awesome the car will make you look and feel. While it is incredibly fun to picture yourself in your new car, this excitement is dangerous to carry along with you to the dealership, especially if you wear it on your sleeve. Why? You’ve shown the salesman that you’ve come for a specific car, that you love it, and that you’d be upset if you didn’t drive away with it; I don’t have to tell you what that does to your negotiating position.

"What Time Is It?"

Imagine that you’re buying a house. Would you sign the purchase agreement in the same afternoon that you meet the realtor? Of course you wouldn’t! There are simply too many details that must be considered for the deal to be struck so quickly. Your experience of buying a car has the terrible potential of zipping by before you can say “doc fee.” You may be thinking that I’m comparing apples to hotdogs, but the fact is that buying a vehicle is the second largest purchase that you’re likely to make, so it is a big deal! Take some time to think things over, go through the paperwork, ask questions and pause before signing away your hard-earned cash. If you were the salesman, wouldn't you want the customer to feel rushed, flustered and confused? Wouldn't you just love dummies?!

"Please Release Me!"

Here's where I contradict myself, but I do have a point. One afternoon is often not enough time to consider the many facets of buying a vehicle. But, when you sit in a dealership all afternoon, it can feel like forever! Have you ever spent hours discussing and negotiating makes and models, price, add-ons, mechanical condition, warrantees, insurance, trade-in value, and a dozen other boring things, in a single sitting? If you haven’t, I’m sure you can still appreciate just how badly you'd want to get outta there! This is usually the time when you’ll make your biggest mistakes. You’re tired, confused, and you just want to take your new car home. “Fine, just tell me where to sign.” My last blog mentioned the “purchase hangover” suffered the following morning… this is what causes it; this is the “consumer roofies” at work.

Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms? There are many more elements that you and I will add to the “Dummy Hypothesis”, but I think this is a good start.

How do you spit out the “consumer roofies” and foil the “Dummy Hypothesis”?

1. Don't get too emotionally attached

2. Take your time, and think about what you’re being told

3. Don't slip into a “sign-anything-to-get-out-of-here” state!

Number three on the list above is a tough one: “Should I just leave? What if the car is gone when I come back?”

Tune in next time and we’ll chat about it.

Buy smartly! -Peter

Ps. please leave a comment below!!

Losing Your Sense at Your Wallet’s Expense

2010-12-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

I’m a sensible person.

I’m a sensible person when I wake up, eat a sensible breakfast, tie my shoes and walk outside. One day that all changed. For some reason, when I walked those sensibly tied shoes to a car dealership, my sense turned around and went home. If you’ve been through the process of buying a vehicle, you probably know what I’m talking about.

When I decided to buy a new ride, I did my homework. I researched different models, pricing, new versus used, and everything that I would need to feel confident when talking to the car salesman. By the time I got to the dealership, I was a bloody genius!

I woke up the next day, and experienced the equivalent of the walk of shame after a one night stand. A purchase hangover. Sorting through fuzzy memories, I tried to figure out what happened at that dealership. Looking over the bill of sale, I didn’t even recognize some of the stuff on there. It was like looking through the embarrassing cellphone pictures after a crazy night out.

The truth is, this happens to a lot of people; (the car buying part, not the drunken-one-night-stand-walk-of-shame part… ok, maybe that too). There are pressure tactics that some salespeople use to put you in this vulnerable, ignorant position.They call this position being "in the ether", I call it being slipped "consumer roofies". Once you're in that confused, stupid mind state, you can bet the salesman will see that and pounce!

Have you ever experienced this? How did it happen to you? Please submit your stories in the comment section below! ("Stories" is in the title of the blog, after all!)

The big question is, how can we close that window of being "in the ether"? How do we spit out the "consumer roofies"?

Tune in tomorrow and we'll chat about it.

Buy smartly! -Peter.