I Just Bought a “Bonus Car!” Should You Congratulate Me?
You have been walking the lot with the salesman for 45 minutes, and you have actually driven one vehicle. The salesman keeps pushing you toward a vehicle that really does not meet your needs, but for which he says that he can get you a “great deal.” After another hour-an-a-half of prodding, and two more test drives, you have been beaten down. You finally begin to believe that what appears to be the salesman’s favorite car is actually the best deal on the lot.
The car is not the color you want, but you rationalize that your favorite color is really too flashy for your age. The car only seats 4, and you have a family of five. Well, your family can always take two cars, right? The model year is two years ago, but the car is still “new,” right? Oh, and then there is the fact the the salesman can get a “spiff” or a bonus for selling that particular car to you. What? You didn’t think about that, because the salesman did not tell you.
A “bonus car” is one for which the dealer will pay a salesperson a “spiff” (usually cash) or a bonus. There is usually a reason that the dealer needs to pay a bonus. The car is “new,” but the model year is two years old. The car has a horrible Consumer Reports rating. The car was previously wrecked and repaired. The list of potential issues is long.
If a car salesperson keeps steering you (no pun intended) toward a particular car or truck, ask her (and yourself) some questions. Its always great to see someone get a bonus, but it should not be at your expense.
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