Shady Car Dealership Practices Exposed
When you think you’ve scored a great deal at a car dealership, be prepared for the finance manager to try and squeeze more money out of you. This common practice often involves adding unnecessary extras to the final contract, such as extended warranties and insurance plans.
Recently, a dealership in New Jersey attempted to tack on an additional $20,000 in extras to a customer’s purchase. Thanks to a vigilant car expert, Zach Shefska, the shady maneuver was brought to light.
The Lexus Deal Debacle
Shefska, known for his expertise in the automotive industry, helped a customer negotiate $7,000 off the sticker price of a Lexus at Lexus of Englewood. However, when the deal reached the finance manager’s desk, things took a suspicious turn.
The manager tried to sneak in $21,000 worth of unnecessary add-ons, including an extended warranty, maintenance contract, insurance, and even a “sales commission.” This blatant attempt to overcharge the customer was quickly exposed.
Despite the dealer’s efforts, Shefska managed to have all the extras removed, allowing the deal to proceed without the inflated costs. Many buyers might have walked away from such a deceitful tactic, but this customer chose to proceed with the purchase.
Lessons Learned
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully reviewing every detail of a car sales contract. Dealerships often rely on customers not scrutinizing the fine print, enabling them to slip in costly add-ons.
While it’s commendable that Shefska was able to rectify the situation, it raises concerns about the accountability of dealership staff. Without consequences for such behavior, unscrupulous sales tactics are likely to continue.
Ultimately, buyers should approach car purchases with caution, understanding that not every “deal” is as good as it seems. By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can avoid falling victim to deceptive practices in the automotive industry.
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