Buying a car involves excitement, anticipation, and, often, a fair share of anxiety. While many car salespeople are honest and genuinely want to help you find the right vehicle, some will say anything to close the deal, even if it means bending the truth. This is why it’s essential to be aware of the common lines some not-so-trustworthy salespeople use to push you into a purchase that may not be in your best interest.

This Car Was Just Traded In, So It Hasn’t Been Listed Yet

The salesperson might be trying to make you feel like you’re getting a first look at a great deal before anyone else, which might push you to act quickly. The car might have been sitting on the lot for weeks or months. Ask for a detailed vehicle history report and insist on a thorough inspection, as there’s no harm in waiting until it’s properly assessed.

The Bank Requires You to Buy This Extended Warranty

This is often a flat-out lie. Banks do not require you to purchase extended warranties as a condition for financing. However, the salesperson’s goal is to increase the overall cost of the car by selling you an unnecessary warranty as they earn commissions on warranties. Politely decline and, if necessary, contact your bank directly to confirm the terms of your loan.

We’ve Already Got Another Buyer Interested in This Car

Why haven’t they bought it then? This lie creates a fear of missing out or FOMO by making you think you might lose the car to another buyer if you don’t act immediately. In many cases, there is no other buyer. The salesperson is simply trying to eliminate any hesitation you might have and push you to close the deal on the spot.

Your Credit Score Doesn’t Qualify for the Advertised Rate

While it’s possible your credit score might not qualify for the best rates, some salespeople exaggerate this to boost their own commission by locking you into a less favorable deal. This is a common trick to get you to agree to a higher interest rate on your financing, which results in you paying more over the life of the loan.

Your Trade-In Isn’t Worth Much, But We’ll Give You a Good Deal

The salesperson hopes to profit more from the deal by undervaluing your trade-in and offering less than your car’s actual market value while trying to make you believe you’re still getting a good overall deal. Here, the salesperson is counting on you not knowing its true value or not wanting the hassle of selling it independently.

We’re Losing Money on This Deal

No, they aren’t. By claiming that the dealership is losing money on the sale, the salesperson tries to make you feel like you’re getting an unbeatable bargain and that there’s no room for further negotiation. However, dealerships rarely sell cars at a loss. This lie often prevents you from negotiating a better price or additional perks.

This Car Has Never Been in an Accident

This statement might be accurate, but it could also be a lie. Always run a vehicle history report through a private service, and consider having the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchasing. Remember that the salesperson is likely trying to justify a higher price by claiming the car has a clean history.

We Can’t Go Any Lower Than This Price

The goal is to make you believe that their price is rock-bottom and non-negotiable, as this will discourage you from negotiating further. In most cases, there’s still some room for negotiation, even if it’s just on additional perks like free oil changes or extended warranties, so don’t accept this statement at face value.

This Car Will Last You Another 100,000 Miles

Predicting a car’s lifespan is nearly impossible, especially without knowing how it’s been maintained. This claim often glosses over potential issues that might arise shortly and is meant to reassure you of the vehicle’s reliability, especially if it has high mileage or is an older model. The salesperson wants you to believe the car is a solid long-term investment.

This Model is Very Rare

By calling the car rare, the salesperson is trying to create an artificial sense of exclusivity so you can feel like you’re getting something unique you won’t find elsewhere. Nevertheless, the car may not be as rare as the salesperson claims. They could be using this tactic to justify a higher price or force you to make a quicker decision.

The Price Will Go Up Next Week

In reality, car prices don’t fluctuate as rapidly as some salespeople might suggest. This statement is often just a ploy to prevent you from leaving the dealership and shopping around for a better deal. By suggesting that prices will increase soon, the salesperson is trying to convince you that now is the best time to buy.

We Just Sold a Car Exactly Like This

This lie makes you think that the car you’re interested in is highly desirable and that you should act fast before someone else buys it. However, the salesperson may not have sold a similar car recently; they’re likely trying to make the vehicle seem more popular than it is, creating a sense of competition that doesn’t exist.

This Model is Fully Loaded

There’s no such thing. The term “fully loaded” makes the car sound like it has every possible feature to justify a higher price. The salesperson hopes you won’t question what features are actually included. It is a vague term that can mean different things. The vehicle might not have all the desired features or be missing some key options.

This Car Gets Better Gas Mileage Than Advertised

Research the car’s official fuel economy ratings from reliable sources. Additionally, read reviews from other owners to understand what fuel efficiency they’re experiencing in everyday driving. The salesperson is likely trying to make the vehicle more appealing, especially if you’re concerned about fuel efficiency. Such claims are often unfounded and could be misleading.

We Can’t Hold the Car for You Without a Deposit

While it’s true that deposits are commonly required to hold a vehicle, the salesperson may be exaggerating the demand or pushing for a deposit to make it harder for you to back out later. Consider a small deposit if you’re serious about the car, but ensure it’s refundable and that you have enough time to decide.