Every salesperson wants to sell you what they've got. Car salespeople are no exception. It's hard to avoid these "tricks of the trade", but it helps to know what's going on.

The ABSOLUTE BEST WAY to avoid getting swallowed alive by a new car salesperson is DON'T SIGN ANYTHING! No signature = No sale. Don't even pick up a pen lest you get tempted. Instead get the numbers together and take it all home for review. That being said. Here are a few additional tips and tricks to watch out for.

Avoid the Frenzied Written Contract.
The finance manager sits you down and begins to write himself into frenzy, while quickly throwing numbers at you until you are so confused, you end up paying more than you agreed upon. This may seem impossible, but it happens all of the time. Don't let anyone rush you.

"I won’t get paid."
The salesperson pleads. The heart strings are tugged. Of course they'll get paid. Don't worry. Don't be fooled.

“We’ve Got it!"
This happens when you call a dealership asking for a specific car make, model and color and are told that they have it. When you get there they don't have it. Maybe they have something close, but not what you asked for. Their job is to get you on the lot, but you can always leave.

The Sudden Phone Call.
You have successfully negotiated a new car deal and the salesman suddenly gets a phone call with an offer for the car that is lower than the price you agreed on. Then he casually lets you hear him state that he will call them right back if you opt out of the deal. Next, he tries backpeddle on your deal in order to compete with the guy on the phone’s offer. Congratulate him on his new deal and walk away.

Turnover Attack. This is when the dealership sends over many different salespeople hoping to wear you down and get you to hurry up and buy. This might also be called harassment. Avoid this problem by leaving.

Monthly Payments. Somewhere along the way new car dealers forgot about prices and started quoted monthly payments instead. They will ask you what you want to pay monthly, or tell you you can afford the monthly payment on a particular vehicle. Don't get drawn into a discussion over lease or loan payments.

"Serious Buyer" Deposit
The finance manager insists on a deposit before you have signed the purchase contract. You will be told that the finance manager has to bring in a copy of the contract offer to his boss and he needs a deposit from you just to ensure that the boss will sign off on it. It’s just to make sure that you are "serious" about getting the car. Avoid this by refusing to give a deposit before the contract is finished and signed by both parties.