Buying a car is always a challenging task, especially for first-time buyers. There are any number of missteps you can take such as wrong choices or pricing mistakes when buying a car. It is, therefore, necessary to prepare a list of questions to ask the car dealer, and more importantly, to know what not to say to car salespeople when buying that first car or even a second car. Here are 10 things you should never say to a car dealer.

Learning about what not to say to a car salesman is also needful to give you an edge when negotiating

1. “I don’t know much about cars.”

Good car salesmen know full well their products and they’re always willing to sell you a vehicle. Confessing that you do not know much about vehicles accidentally gives them more chances of selling their car and superiority over you during ensuing negotiations. So, preparing as much knowledge as possible about cars, particularly about the car you intend to purchase, before entering a car lot, will stand you in good stead.

Confessing that you do not know much about vehicles accidentally gives the salesmen more chances of selling their car

2. “I’m just looking ...”

This may be the phrase car salespeople hear most, which tells them to stay far away from the customer. They know that you’re just looking, otherwise you would not be here. You might not know that salesmen sell more cars at high prices to buyers who’re “just-looking” than to those who make their intention clear and feel free to ask about specific vehicles, packages and prices. Thus, never say “I’m just looking…” Instead, open with questions showing you’re informed about the car you’re interested in. The salesperson’s answers also help you to determine if he/she is a knowledgeable one.

Never say “I’m just looking…” Instead, open with questions showing you’re informed about the car you’re interested in

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3. “I’m doing cash and carry.”

Do not say this to the salesman right from the start. Rather, let them know later when negotiating the final price. This could save you quite a bit of money. Given that many buyers in Nigeria check for the car first, then return later to buy, if the dealer assumes that you’re going to bargain and return, you might be offered better prices and promotions when you reveal it is cash and carry. Let that be your final weapon.

Do not say this to the salesman right from the start

4. “My car just died so I really need a one.”

If you rush to the dealer because your car has just died, it is advisable not to let the salesman know. Stay neutral or you will be convinced by the salesman to go for a car that might not really meet your needs. Therefore, if you are in a crunch for a new set of wheels, consider borrowing or hire a car for a while so you have the time you need to find the right car.

If you rush to the dealer because your car has just died, it is advisable not to let the salesperson know

>>> You might want to check this out: Car hire purchase in Nigeria guide: hire purchase contract and company list

5. “I really love this car!”

Showing emotions when making a deal is not recommended. Admitting how much you love the car signals that you can easily be persuaded by the deal that salesmen is offering you, not the one you should get. Remember when you are in that great car dealership, keep a poker face!

Showing emotion when making a deal is not recommended

Those are 5 things you should never say to a car salesman we would like to introduce in this part. Another five will be coming up next in Part 2. So make a point of visiting our page Naijauto.com regularly to keep an eye out for it as well as getting more about useful car tips and advice.

>>> Get the more 5 things you should never say to a car salesman in our part 2 here:10 things to never say to a car salesman (Part 2)