Ins and Outs of the Used Car Business

Up until that time I had been a counselor for troubled youth and had no experience whatsoever in used car sales. But, I was told that if I first put in some time selling and learning the business, I would soon be a manager and then, in the near future, a part owner. I accepted the position, basically, because it paid a lot more than counseling and the future income quoted me was far beyond what I could have ever hoped for as a counselor.

I went into used car sales as a wide eyed optimist, convinced that my honesty, character and concept of fairness would serve me well. I soon learned that I was one of only a few.

Anyway, after about 11 months of selling used cars, I was given the job of used car manager at what was probably the largest used car operation in Erie County and the surrounding area.

Before I took the job I was told that the customer would always come first, that quality of product and service would be primary. Again, I believed this.

As a manager I was privy to all the aspects of a very successful used car operation, from appraising to sales; to wholesaling and wholesalers; to financing and warranties; to payoffs and all the tricks of the trade. I was privy to these things and they turned my stomach.

It is a profession, in my opinion, operated and committed to one thing, obtaining money, and obtaining it through any means: any deception, any lie, any empty promise and scheme it takes.

I observed little true respect, even less honesty and a general mind set of greed enhanced with a total lack of conscience.

So, I left the business. I certainly couldn’t change it, although I tried. Man, did I try. You see, making a profit is fine, but it doesn’t have to be obscene and it doesn’t have to be at the expense of honesty, respect and general human value and fairness.

Be assured that not all used car dealers and salesmen are like those portrayed within this book. But also be advised that in my opinion and experience, the vast majority are as portrayed. If you can find an honest one, more power to you, but if you are like most people looking to purchase a used car, I think this book will be a great help in not only getting your best deal, but also in understanding the whole world of used car sales, from the dealers and salesmen’s mindsets to the ins and outs of the business as a whole.

When I quit, I thought, "people should know about this business," and not just the information contained in some "how to buy" book. They should know exactly how this business works, where the cars come from, how appraisals are made, exactly where all the profits come from (not necessarily from the used cars), the scams and hypes and generally how the whole lousy system is put together. Actually, I believe that not only should people know everything about this business, they have a right to know. Either way, after you’ve read this book, you’ll know more about the used car business then you ever thought existed. And if you use this information herein correctly and follow my directions, there’s no reason you won’t save between one and three thousand dollars on your next used car purchase and every subsequent purchase. More importantly, you’ll never be taken advantage of again, and that’s the MAIN purpose of this book. I hope you not only learn something, I hope you enjoy yourself while doing so, at least as much as I enjoyed writing it.