Negotiating a Used Car

Good Day,

I’m a first time used car buyer and I have a few questions. If the dealer asks me for a deposit to either “show I’m serious” when negotiating or so I can take the vehicle off the lot to have it inspected by my mechanic, is this realistic? I would think that my spending the time to negotiate a price and spending the money to have it inspected would show I’m serious…but maybe not from the dealer’s point of view.

Secondly, is it legitimate for the dealer to ask me to sign anything except the purchase agreement after we’ve agreed upon a final price? I made an offer on a car on Saturday. The salesperson wanted to fill in “an offer worksheet” with my name, address, driver’s license number, and dollar figure. He then asked me to initial it. I said no, and he asked me, “How I thought his boss would take the offer seriously if I didn’t initial it?” I was uncomfortable doing this and said no again and suggested “we” go present the offer as it stood so he could see I was serious. His boss wouldn’t budge a dime on price, so I walked out. I just don’t see why I should sign anything except the final purchase agreement.

Thanks for your help.

I think you did the right thing. It's ok to be a little wishy-washy when your buying a car, because it's a pretty serious purchase.

What you were involved in were two "sales techniques" to push forward your commitment to the car. Sales people feel if you don't take these small steps toward buying the car it will be much easier for you to change your mind or become dissatisfied if the inspection finds flaws. Offer contracts and deposits try to take the emotion and buyers remorse out of the deal so you can't change your mind easily once you agree in principle. As long as you understand this, it is perfectly acceptable to proceed in either way, whicheve makes you most comfortable. Just be aware that the dealer can choose not to move forward unless his conditions are met too...