Car Shopping

It was time for a new car. I’ve had my Dodge Stratus for ten years. For months I didn’t know how many miles it had because where the numbers should be was a constant message “door” insinuating a door was ajar. It wasn’t. That was accompanied by a constant ding, ding, ding. When Brian was home for Christmas, I asked him to take scissors and start cutting wires until it stopped the incessant dinging, but Michelle vetoed that. I guess she’s partial to her baby having a father. I did finally take it to Lonnie- our mechanic, and now it’s quiet, but it really was time for a new one. We’re pretty systematic about car shopping: no mad rush. I had in mind several makes and models I wanted to try, so starting in January, we visited car dealerships and drove cars each Saturday. As Ken’s busy season got crazier, I often would go alone. Because we do it so infrequently, I had forgotten that car dealerships are, shall we say, unique places: a culture within a culture, if you will. Following is a list of my top ten favorite lines delivered by car salesmen: 1. “This incentive is only good through the end of the month (not mentioning that next month’s will be even better)” 2. “ I don’t care how much you shop around, as long as you end up back here.” 3. “We don’t mess around with pricing, we give you the lowest price we can right from the start.” (Ken bought his car from them a few years ago, and after we found the same car cheaper in Provo, they came WAY down on their price) 4. “Use me. I’d be happy to do research on that other car you’re interested in and get back with you.” (I’m sure you would!) 5. Girl: “I don’t know. I’ve only worked here two weeks. I don’t know. I don’t know.” (To everything we asked) “But I can find out.” By the end, Ken was reading her the owner’s manual and teaching her. Needless to say, we didn’t buy a car from her. 6. When I could see that the girl knew nothing, I asked for the manager- an acquaintance- after a long time, he comes out and says: “I was just in there eating birthday cake.” Sorry to bother you. 7. When asked if there were any deals. “Our deals are only for those who finance- not those who pay cash.” 8. Salesman who had to go to his “manager” to see what the price will be: Whispers to me, “I’m so glad you’re here when this manager is here. He really cuts it and gives you a great deal.” This is when I was shopping without Ken. Another “manager” at the same dealership gave us a quote $2,000 less when Ken was with me. I’ve heard about discrimination against women in this business. Now I can testify to it! 9. “You are obviously very good people, so we want to give you a great deal.” ( We just met you 20 minutes ago!) And my favorite of all: 10. “Does your husband know you’re out shopping for cars?”