You Can Play Their Games

Your countertactic
Keep in mind that if a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
first We Need roar Life History

In some dealerships, even before you've agreed on a car or a price, the salesperson will want to fill out a credit application. This is a ploy designed to establish your ability to buy, i.e., are you a real buyer or a deadbeat? In addition, the more information they can get from you up front, the greater their advantage.

Your countertactic
Don't give them any information other than your name until the deal is made. If they insist that they have to have a credit application before they can negotiate a price, make it clear that until you do have a price, you do not plan to provide them with any additional information. If they balk, you can walk.

The Car Switch
Some dealers have been known to agree on a deal for a specific car and then switch it with another car-exact same year and model-which has been damaged during transport and then repaired and repainted. If the repair job is marginal, they might even arrange to deliver it to you at dusk or at night, when it will be harder for you to notice any telltale signs.

Your countertactic
Always write down the VIN number of any new or used car you decide to buy and then check it against both the title and the car itself when you take delivery. Chances are you'll never run into this ploy, but it doesn't hurt to take precautions, especially if the negotiation has been difficult and you sense that the dealership would somehow like to get even.