For some car shoppers, picking out a new or used car could be the highlight of their year. For others, it’s a headache of pushy salespeople and an onslaught of information. Don’t fret, though. You can avoid common car-buying don’ts to make your next dealership experience a good one. 

Steer clear of the behaviors that could make your next dealership car buying experience a nightmare

Maybe you have a make and model in mind. Perhaps you know exactly what car you want. Or maybe you have no idea at all. That’s okay. But regardless of your situation, you need to head into the dealership ready for what’s around the corner. And while some of this is going to sound like playing a game of poker, the lessons apply to your next car shopping experience. 

• Don’t get comfortable
• Don’t show your hand
• Never say yes to the first car you check out
• Don’t forget the test drive
• Never feel like you’re committed to buy

For starters, try not to get comfortable at the dealership. It’s not your home, it’s a battleground. A space for careful selection and negotiation. It’s permissible, even commendable, to be nice and civil with a salesperson. However, they want the best possible deal for the establishment and, in turn, the highest possible commission for themselves.

In that same vein, don’t show your hand. If a salesperson knows you’re head-over-heels in love with one particular car, it’ll make it more difficult to negotiate a better sales price down the road. Be cool and weigh your options.

Let’s say you’re hell-bent on buying a Toyota Camry. Not just any Camry, you love that Camry. Well, before you sign on the dotted line, consider driving multiple models. Try different specs and trims. You might discover that your in-person experiences change your preconceived conclusions.

That said, never skip the test drive. In addition to revealing quirks and features that you might not love or be able to live with, a test drive can reveal important factors about how you can manage with your would-be car purchase. Do you enjoy driving it? Does it have enough power for your liking when it comes to merging? These are things you won’t experience in a static lookover.

Finally, just because you spent time at the dealership, doesn’t mean you’re committed to buy. If you aren’t comfortable with a deal, feel free to walk away. Hell, walking away may be just enough to give you leverage should you return.