If You Know Their Rules ...
You Can Play Their Games

Someone, Else Is Interested in This Car
"B-Backs" are the bane of the car salesperson's life. These are people who come in, spend time looking at a car, and then tell the salesperson that they have to "think about it." As they exit their last words are, "I'll be back. " Car people know that most "B-Backs" never return. Usually they go to another dealer, and the salesperson undercuts the first dealership's bid and gets the business. That's why car salespeople will do just about anything not to let you off the lot until you've bought a car.

One of the older and more tired ploys is to create a sense of urgency. Once you've decided on a car and shown a real interest, the pressure mounts for you to make a commitment.

If you decide you want some time to think about it-and by the way, this is always a good idea-the salesperson will announce that someone else is interested in the car and will be coming in later that day. They will then suggest that you give them a small deposit to hold the car. Car people know that once you've written a check, even a small one for a deposit, you're going to have to return and that will give them the opportunity to close the deal.

Your countertactic
Never, ever give anyone a deposit to hold a vehicle. There are always more of the same model out there. And this applies to both new and used. Once you've signed a check, even for a deposit, you lose some of your control.