/r/askcarsales
A place to ask professionals in various aspects of the industry your questions. Top level replies are from accounts that have been vetted and flaired.
If you have not decided what car you wish to buy, please use /r/whatcarshouldibuy.
Car salesperson, want to complain about managers and customers? We don't need that at /r/insidecarsales
Can't decide what car you want? Head over to /r/whatcarshouldibuy and get some help.
Need Prepurchase inspection advice? Click here:
Would you rather get advice for that guy who bought that car that one time? ASK /r/IBoughtACarOneTime
Please post the Model, Year, Miles and Trim when asking vehicle-specific questions to help us resolve your issue faster! This should include trim, major options (engine, 2WD/4WD, specific options or add-ons), and an honest evaluation of the condition. Mods reserve the right to remove excessively vague posts that are not clarified within a reasonable time frame.
Please let us know if you are financing or paying cash in regards to a lot purchase, so we can respond with the appropriate information for your situation. As well as what country/state you live in.
If you have suggestions/thoughts/comments or anything you need to discuss with us then please press the message the mods button below, we will reply as promptly as possible.
If Posting any type of links, Please format them. Only flaired car salespeople are allowed to submit links such as videos or blog posts. All other links are only allowed in the body of a question. Do not post a link to your dealership's site, or any site for the purpose of selling your wares. This is considered spam.
If you are a car salesperson - we encourage you to submit proof to mods to get flair, so that anyone will see if an answer comes from a salesperson, or a regular Redditor. To submit this request, message the moderators.
The Mod Team has final say in all disputes.
Spamming will not be tolerated. This includes trying to make a sale through the comments. We don't allow commercial advertisements, messages, solicitation or referrals in here. Basically if you're looking to transact business it's not permitted here.
WE WILL NOT DO VIN CHECKS! This Includes CarFax and Autocheck, and MMRs.
We will, however, provide VIN checks for new car rebate compatibility, especially as it pertains to manufacturer pricing plans such as Ford A/D/X/Z-Plan, or FCA Affiliates Rewards Program.
24 Hour Engagement Requirement. If you post a question in this sub and then do NOT engage in the discussion within 24 hours, the thread gets deleted. These context-less threads are a breeding ground for troll activity and they contribute nothing to the overall ability of this sub to impart knowledge on subscribers. We want robust discussions here where people can get the whole picture of a situation. These threads only provide a sliver of context and result in a LOT of assumptions and guesses.
I thought this went without saying but apparently it needs to be said - this is our sub. It was created and is run by people in the car industry. You're allowed to dislike us but if you express that in here you'll be warned. If the behaviour continues you'll be banned. At mods discretion we may skip the warning if we feel you'll never be a valuable participant here. There are hundreds of subreddits you can subscribe to where bashing our profession is welcomed. This is not one of them.
This sub exists for industry professionals, past and retired alike to give consumers advice navigating the car buying process. Non-flaired users, people not in the car industry are welcome to provide additional feedback but keep in mind it is a courtesy. Only verified/flaired industry people are allowed to make top level responses. If your advice is found to be harmful, misleading, incomplete or derisive of our industry (see rule 10) that privilege will be revoked. Some examples of advice that will not be tolerated here include "Never buy a (new) car until you own a house and max out your retirement savings.", "Never buy a car you can't pay for with cash.", "Never buy any aftermarket / add-on products or warranties.", "Leases are bad/Never Lease." or really any other "Frugal" response or absolute.
/r/askcarsales
I live in California and I'm moving to Colorado in the next couple of months and I'm looking to buy a new vehicle (currently using parents' cars while my gf will drive us to Colorado so it's not an issue to not have one rn).
I'm looking specifically at a Tesla, or even a plug in hybrid like a Prius Prime.
Which state is better to buy in terms of car taxes, registration fees, new and used car prices, insurance, etc?
There's two trains of thought in my experience
"I never leave a voicemail. No one checks their voicemails. Think about it, when's the last time you checked yours. If I leave a voicemail the person finds out what I wanted and never call me back. By not leaving a voicemail I give an element of mystery and curiousity. They want to know why this person called. Instead I will sent a text telling them to call me back. They will always reads texts."
"If someone doesn't leave me a voicemail it must not be important. If it is important they will call back. I don't answer numbers I don't recognize so if you don't leave a voicemail I will assume it's spam and block your number"
Where do you stand?
Good afternoon,
Asking this question on Reddit before I walk into a dealership and make a fool out of myself or waste someone’s time, as I’d much rather do that online.
Question is: I may be looking to buy or lease a new C300, and I’ve seen on Edmunds and TrueCar that they’re generally being deeply discounted. I also have an Amex, which seems to be good for 3k in bonus cash. Does the Amex “stack” with a dealer discount, or is the Amex cash the discount?
330i is my first choice but might be looking to Mercedes if the BMW doesn’t work out.
For those that don't know, Keysavvy allows private sellers to offer the 30% Clean Car tax rebate on a used EV they are selling to circumvent something that only dealers are entitled to do. When a private seller and buyer agree on a deal for a used EV, the seller sells the car to Keysavvy, who then sells it to the buyer at 30% off ( less their fee). Sounds like a straw purchase arraignment to circumvent the spirit and intent of the Clean Car program for used EVs that was designed to encourage dealers to market more EVs. Probably a gray area legally at least.
I’m looking to purchase my first car on car finance and am a bit confused on how the commission works, I’ve been informed that it will be around £650. Is this something I pay now or is it something that is payed to them that I pay through the monthly payments and the Interest. Many thanks if anyone is able to help
Nevada resident here. Looking to buy a truck in Arizona (couple thousand cheaper than Vegas) i just need help understanding the taxes. From my understanding i need to pay Nevada tax on it. The dealer told me if i buy it in Arizona i pay the Arizona tax. They already said this will provide a temp tag and also be able to register it in Nevada. Any help?
lexus RX350L 2018 52k miles
used a loaner/corporate vehicle in a delership for most of its life
maintenance records are available, condition is good
give the history, is this a good deal?
Hi everyone,
I’m not the biggest car person as I currently am leasing a Nissan Altima, but I recently got a big raise at work and thought to myself that once this lease is up, I’d be very interested in looking into purchasing my first ever luxury vehicle. I’ve been interested in a few such as the Audi A7, Mustang Mach-E and my eyes have been more recently glued to the BMW 430i Gran Coupe. I don’t know much about cars (please don’t roast me) but I’m hoping a few people could give me their thoughts and experience with this vehicle. Is the driving assistance professional package worth adding on? I’m not expecting for the car to have complete self-driving like a Tesla, but if the assistance is worth the almost $2k add on, I’d love to hear why you think so. I’d definitely be interested in also hearing if you have any other Luxury car recommendations under $75k. I do not necessarily care about having a super sporty car, but definitely one with decent perks , especially on the interior, such as heated/ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, driving assistance, self-parking, etc.
I appreciate you all for any help and recommendations!
Hi everyone!
I’ll be purchasing my third vehicle soon and I wanted a bit more clarification before heading to the dealer. Long story short I recently had a total loss and insurance covered about 90% leaving a $4000 balance. I did have GAP but I am still going back and forth with them so my loan still has that balance on it.
I found the vehicle I’d like to purchase and I have good credit, my down payment and anything else that may be needed but I am worried about the balance left on the loan and how that may affect me getting a new one. Would love if anyone who’s experienced this can give me a better idea of what to expect. I will be purchasing a BMW x3 2022.
Hi guys looking for some advice on what to do.
I purchased a CPO Mazda on Monday. Had appointment to sign and drive between 5-5:30pm, arrive at 5:15pm, kept waiting until 6:25pm for signing that took less than 30 minutes. On the way home (20 minutes later) the car starts misfiring.
They tell me to bring it back the next day. I drop it off at service, they provide me a loaner, not comparable to my purchase, but grateful.
I call daily to request updates. Yesterday they informed me the ignition coil is bad and that the part had to be ordered and won't be there for 2-3 days.
Am I overstepping if I send a letter to the GM informing them of the situation and asking for some compensation such as my first month paid by the dealership.
I want this whole ordeal finished fairly.
I bought a car while visiting family in North Carolina (dealership not affected by the hurricane) on 8/15. It is now 11/1 and I still don't have my registration stickers or any documentation saying my vehicle is registered online and no title. They did a plate transfer, so I have my old Texas plates. I paid for registration/title etc, is there any way to get this done quicker? I worry about legal issues. I have reached out multiple times to the dealership and they just tell me it's delayed. Thanks.
So I put money to reserve a car and they told me it was loaded on the truck last Wednesday. It was scheduled to be delivered Friday but it never came in. It’s been a week since the last update and they said they don’t know where it is thinks it might have been a quality control issue. Is this a possible thing or could the car been damaged in transport and they didn’t want to disclose this information?
https://www.mariettatoyota.com/inventory/new-2025-toyota-camry-xse-fwd-xse-4t1daack2su073671/
Is the below a good deal for the above car?
Selling Price: | $38,049.00 |
---|---|
Digital Screen Protector: | $299.00 |
MT Lifetime Benefit Program: | $1,995.00 |
Total Purchase: | $40,343.00 |
Trade Allowance: | $0.00 |
Trade Difference | $40,343.00 |
Dealer Documentation Fee: | $699.00 |
Tax: | $2,872.94 |
ELT: | $257.00 |
Georgia Lemon Law Fee: | $3.00 |
Total Price: | $44,174.94 |
Trade Payoff: | $0.00 |
Deposit: | $0.00 |
Balance: | $44,174.94 |
So im currently in the process of financing a $7900 chevy camaro, putting 3900 down on it.
Being paid over 42 months im looking at 262/monthly.
I have the paper giving what i have paying, with the total (being before my down payment) sitting at 12460.64.
Leaving 8570.64 to be paid.
I just want to know what other costs get added on that result in the total being almost double the cost of the car im buying?
Obviously like 1000 in state sales (thats shown).
Just my first time purchasing a vehicle so im trying to learn where most of that other value comes from.
The car is a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ls with 106,858 miles on it and a little rust on the outside of the car. I live in New York and i am buying it from a "Car2sell" location in New Jersey.
Hello everyone,
My wife bought a car got "approved" we gave them money down etc. Now 3 moths after they want the vehicle back due to not being approved by any bank (She don't have credit score yet). Now they want to charge us all the money down into "usage of the vehicle". We told them we need our down payment back and not charge us 3.5k for mileage usage. Now they are saying i have to give them the car first and then they will send a check through mail in stead on giving it back the same day we will return the vehicle. its this even a thing? are they legally allowed to do that ? like take the car when they want but i have to wait for them to give us our money back?
Thanks!!
Is there room to negotiate when buying this model or not due to it being a quick seller?
I am purchasing a car and I have a co-signer who is my mother. After we started the process, they listed her as the primary and me as the co-signer and lowered the rates from 9 to 7%. I am just wondering if this will affect me being the owner of the car. Can we both be on the title and have ownership? I have 100% trust in my mom but the situation just seems off since I am listed as the co-signer. Any help or advice is appreciated. Thanks! (Btw, I am in Ohio and buying out of Florida)
I'm looking to buy a car soon and stumbled across this benefit. Is anyone fimilar with this program, and what documentation is needed from the veteran? Thank you.
Hello! I need some advice, I bought a car about 2-3 weeks ago now. A few days ago the battery completely died and the person who sold me the vehicle gave me a new battery for the car. I took the vehicle to a mechanic who told me the vehicle has a bad alternator. Would the person who sold me the vehicle be responsible for paying for the new alternator? He offered to pay for the part but not the labor and was incredibly rude, just don’t want fucked over. By his screaming, I assumed I caught something I have no clue about.
Edit: you can get your point across without being disrespectful or ignorant towards other people. If you think not having knowledge and asking for said knowledge is so bad, how do people learn? Grow up and learn human decency.
Located in illinois, I know normally if you trade in a car at a dealer you only pay the difference in tax on the new car. What if I wanted a lease, would my tax liability still be deducted? Also would I have to buy the car from the same dealer I'm trading in at? For example, sell my car to Carvana but buy a car from my mom and pop dealership. Thanks!
Hi guys,
I’m going to be moving from Florida to New York in January. And I’m debating if I should buy a Corolla down here in Florida or wait and buy it in New York.
Can a dealership here in Florida register the car from day one in New York? And if they can would there be issues driving it in Florida for a month before driving it up to New York?
Just bought a new ‘25 Civic Sport Touring Hatchback. Sticker was $3405. They got it down to $32795 plus $2248 in tax/fees. They added tinted windows and free delivery (2 hours away) at no charge. After I signed the paperwork, I asked if they would throw in Honda floor mats and the salesman said no the deal was done. I then asked if they would at least match the price of online Honda parts dealers and he checked and it was also no. Why couldn’t they do the mats (other than the obvious deal is done)?
Edit: thanks to all those who’ve answered my question and explained the nuances within the deal. Now it makes complete sense why they wouldn’t.
Hi everyone, I bought a gold certified 2022 Camry recently with 50k miles… the carfax was clean and dealer didn’t tell me about any issues.. but when I downloaded the Toyota app, I am seeing this listed in the service records, at the same dealership that I got the car.. but this was never reported to me at time of sale or on the carfax.. should I be worried about this?
INSTALL SIGHTLINE WIPER BLADES, TECH INSPECTED ALL BRAKES AND HARDWARE. NOTHING ABNORMAL FOUND. NO PULSATION FELT ON TEST DRIVE. B, TECH INSPECTED ALL BRAKES AND HARDWARE. NOTHING ABNORMAL FOUND. NO PULSATION FELT ON TEST DRIVE. B, TECH INSPECTED AND VERIFIED CONCERN. INSPECTED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, NOTHING ABNORMAL FOUND. HEARD C, TECH INSPECTED AND VERIFIED CONCERN. INSPECTED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, NOTHING ABNORMAL FOUND. HEARD C, TOYOTA OF PLOANER CAR. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES & REPLACING FUEL USED. VEHICLE, TOYOTA OF LOANER CAR. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES & REPLACING FUEL USED. VEHICLE, FULL VEHICLE ALIGNMENT, ... TECH TEST DROVE AND COULD NOT VERIFY SULFUR SMELL ON HEAVY ACCELERATION. PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK, N, TECH TEST DROVE AND COULD NOT VERIFY SULFUR SMELL ON HEAVY ACCELERATION. PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK, N,..
FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY (ONE SIDE), FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY (ONE SIDE) COMB: OPPOSITE SIDE, TECH REPLACED LEFT FRONT CV AXLE, NOISE STILL PRESENT. TECH DIAGNOSED USING CHASSIS EARS., TECH REPLACED LEFT FRONT CV AXLE, NOISE STILL PRESENT. TECH DIAGNOSED USING CHASSIS EARS.
I've been wanting to get into car sales, as I’ve always wanted to try a commission-based role. Although I’ve never done sales before, I naturally understand cars and can explain complex features simply. I’m 34 and struggling financially, and though I had big plans when I was younger, life took a different path. I’m also a recovering addict and have been sober for nearly two years.
My dad’s always said I’d be great at sales. When I was 16, I convinced my frugal parents to buy me a brand new 2006 Mustang by doing extensive research, comparing dealerships/deals, and pitching them on the benefits. Now, I’m finally considering sales seriously, but I’m held up by extensive dental work that'll take a few months. I know appearance matters for first impressions, so I want to wait until it’s done.
In the meantime, I’m planning to take online sales courses and research the industry. For those in car sales, is this a good move? Any tips on how/what to prepare or study? I’m wondering if my lack of experience will hold me back, or if the industry is open to newcomers. My plan is to research car types or brands since used car dealerships often specialize (e.g., luxury, electric, SUVs). It is my assumption that new car sales is only something that would be an option after I have some experience behind me, correct me if I am wrong. I am also assuming that would be where there is more money to be made. I’m hoping interviews will involve selling a vehicle to the interviewer—I think I’d excel at that. My only worry is my resume; I was homeless and struggling with addiction until two years ago. I’ve grown a lot, but I’m unsure how to present that without being judged and dismissed. Any advice?
Likely a dumb question--But I bought a car on the 19th (Saturday), and I finally got a text from Stellantis welcoming me 2 days ago, and I registered for my account online and can see my payment is due on the date on my loan agreement, and my VIN, etc.....However my trade in on Chase has not been paid off.
With me able to access my account, does that mean the dealer was funded and likely my trade in would be paid off ideally in a few days?
Driver side leather has tears, window rollers leak grease onto the windows (lol), power steering rack and pinion failed and was rebuilt.
Oil changes done religiously, and never has had any motor or AC issues... or really any other issues of any kind.
So last year I bought a 2023 Honda Accord from Copart.
It was a brand new car that went from the dealer to Copart (was a "flood" car but was just really dirty), but the dealer didn't remove the GPS tracker before it went to auction.
Now the tracker installed down by the OBDII port has an annoying little siren that goes off each time I start the car.
The original dealer is out in California and I'm in Utah.
How do you guys usually remove these?
Do all Honda dealers use the same type of trackers?
I'm not sure how the Honda dealership here would react if I brought in a car and asked them to remove the tracker lol.
Yesterday, 10/30, I bought a new Subaru Ascent. The salesperson was very good and listened to exactly what I wanted. He showed me what I came to see and didn’t try to sell me something else I didn’t want. I was straight up with him and told him I couldn’t take delivery until 11/01 due to my wife’s schedule and we wanted both our names on the title. He see,ed a bit hesitant at first but then told him I wanted to make sure it counted for October for him as I didn’t want him to miss out on any sales bonuses so is there a way we can back date the sale for October even though I will take delivery November 1st. He seemed very appreciative of this. He grabbed the finance person so I could ask him. The finance person said we can definitely work this out to count as an October sale.
During negotiations there was a bit back and forth. I went low, he went high. In the end we met in the middle to where we were both happy. I got what I felt was a very god deal and he made money, plus some extra from the accessories I wanted installed before taking delivery.
Later when I went into finance, I was told he can push the sale through that day, 10/30, by having me sign my portions of all the paperwork. I signed all the paperwork and did everything I needed to do so the sale can count for October for my salesperson. sale for October.
I like to thank you all for the knowledge I learned from surfing the posts here to make sure that the salesperson and myself both had a happy and successful transaction that we are both happy with.
Hey yall, looking into a few corvettes online in Florida. Lots of different dealers to choose from. The question is that I know they’ll add different fees, or attempt to. Which fees do o actually have to add? Or pay for? I’m pretty sure different dealerships do it differently and I don’t want to get suckered into a good advertised price and then pay for it in hidden fees.