6 things to avoid when buying a car from a dealership

Having worked for a large dealership group in the past, working my way from Retail sales to Fleet to then Marketing, I have come across quite a few things to stay clear of when buying a car, here are my top 6 tips:

1. Paint protection products, you’ll get given the spiel about that when it comes to re-sale it will add value to your car and you will pay a good whack to have it applied. I’m not saying that its not worth it, but you can get this done via an external company for much less.
   Sales people are targeted on selling this as it makes good money but unless your purchasing a Lamborghini or a Ferrari and going for a ceramic treatment, stay well clear.
2. GAP Insurance. Another product that the sales team would be targeted on and generally something like this (and the paint protection) would be thrown in for free, to get the deal. Believe me you will be paying for it somewhere. Again, external companies are your best bet for purchasing a policy.
3. Interest Free credit. Not always as free as you think. Dealerships generally have to pay a subsidy to the finance company to offer zero percent rates, the dealership generally also has additional incentives when they put you on a scheme where you may pay between 3–5%. Compare the two quotes side by side and work out the overall cost after paying interest, you may…