Car shopping etiquette

[SH66]

If I just want to go out and sit in some cars I am obligated to stick with the first sales person I talk to if I decide later to proceed with a purchase? Once I am ready to pull the trigger I would like to go through the internet bid process, or AAA, Trucar or some other method. Do I complicate this by walking on the lot to kick the tires? Thanks

 

[Alwaysforward]

If I just want to go out and sit in some cars I am obligated to stick with the first sales person I talk to if I decide later to proceed with a purchase? Once I am ready to pull the trigger I would like to go through the internet bid process, or AAA, Trucar or some other method. Do I complicate this by walking on the lot to kick the tires? Thanks

I recommend simply telling the salesperson your plan upfront. At some point you will need to deal with a salesperson anyhow to manage the paperwork I would think. Most dealers have a Internet Sales person so you could ask to speak to him/her when you arrive. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Mark_888]

One way around the problem is to visit a dealer for a test drive that you are not likely to deal with via the internet. I believe that some sites like TrueCar will tell you which ones they have agreements with, so visit the others.

Another option is to make contact with the internet sales department first, and let them know that you want a test drive, and ask them what to do.

 

[ksoze]

If I just want to go out and sit in some cars I am obligated to stick with the first sales person I talk to if I decide later to proceed with a purchase?

Usually. Nothing wrong with sitting in some cars knowing you will be approached by someone who usually then owns your relationship with that shop. The initial salesperson is your salesperson, so changing around at the same shop will likely get you nowhere. Be upfront and let the salesperson know you are shopping on price and he is welcome to give you one once you are ready. When you gather other pricing, see if it is worth maintaining a relationship with the salesperson. As painful as this is, there can be a benefit to dealing with someone in person, especially if you need to find another car, get a test drive, deal at some point with a trade-in, etc. In the end it's your call and you are under no obligation to make anyone happy but yourself.

 

[JBoogie]

I worked at Acura for 5 yr back in the day. The process for most dealerships sales people are that if you simply talk to someone they are not you customer. If the sales person test drive with someone, they usually have to get a copy of the drivers license and insurance. That is when you become their customer and will get entered into the dealerships contact management system for follow up purposes.
In most dealerships the sales people work internet also. Let the sales person work the deal for you. They can beg a pre owned manager to put more on your trade and a new car manager to take a deal that they usually wont take if the manager likes the sales person.

Please note that most sales people are usually commission only.. A person coming in and spending a ton of time with one sales person then buying from another is not cool. If you don't like your sales person for some reason (smells like smoke or has bad attitude) tell them ASAP to get someone else.

Also note that the TMV crap is a joke. The price paid is reported to them by dealerships.. dealerships can report prices higher to get the average price to go higher. I would suggest to find the invoice and start from there on your negotiations.