What’s the #1 Mistake Smart Shoppers Make at the Dealership?

“Even geniuses forget the golden rule: never trust the first offer.” 😅🚗 - Chase Jordan

So You Think You're a Smart Car Shopper?

You totally are I'm sure but double check your process...

You've done the research.

You’ve watched the YouTube videos.

You even brought notes to the dealership like a true ⚡️boss.

But then—boom 💥—you make the one mistake that wrecks deals faster than a seagull on a windshield.

What is it?

You accept the first offer. You gave into what they wanted you too!

Why? Perhaps it was a reasonable discount off MSRP (Manufacture Suggested Retail Price), perhaps you liked the salesperson, perhaps they told you this was the best they could do?

It wouldn't be you fault! After all they're trained to get you to say "yes".

Let’s walk through how to avoid this dealership landmine (without needing a PhD in car sales psychology). 👇

Step 1: 🚫 Don’t Get Hypnotized by the Sticker

Dealers love it when you treat the sticker price like gospel. Many do, you'd be surprised!

But here’s the truth: the MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) is just that—suggested.

It’s the “wish list” price from the manufacturer and usually includes a little or a lot of extra cushion, not always but sometimes, for dealer profit.

✅ Your move: Always treat MSRP as a starting point and then ask for 11% off. At Deal Guard, we get that many times per week or more. Remember a great deal should get you 6 - 11%+ off MSRP in this market.

Step 2: 😎 Never Accept the First Offer

It doesn’t matter how friendly they seem.

That first number they throw out?

It’s padded like a sumo wrestler’s belt.

Why?

Because it leaves room for you to negotiate down—but if you say “yes” too fast, they’re high-fiving in the back room and cashing in. 🙄

✅ Your move: No matter how “fair” the price sounds, ask for a better one.

Always and then ask again! If you take their first and less expensive offer, you lose.

Managers always leave room for push back on their first "pencil" aka their first written offer.

Step 3: 💬 Use Silence Like a Ninja

Smart shoppers sometimes talk themselves out of a better deal.

Example:

Salesperson: “The price is $32,995.”

You: “Okay… I guess that’s not bad…”

BOOM.

You just bought it at sticker. 😬

✅ Your move: When they say a price, just stay silent.

Let it sit.

Make them sweat and go ask their manager. 😎

Step 4: 🔄 Compare Multiple Offers

The best buyers don’t just walk into one dealership and buy.

They shop the same car across town—or even across state lines with 4, 5, 6, and even 7+ dealers.

Sometimes a $35K car at one place is $31K at another, just because of a bonus, inventory glut, or pressure to hit quotas. 📉

✅ Your move: Make dealers compete. You set the market price, they don't.

It’s like reality TV—but with your money. 🤑

Step 5: 🧾 Know the Out-the-Door Price

Smart buyers sometimes forget to ask the only number that matters: the real total with all the hidden junk.

✅ Your move: Say this:

“Can you give me the out-the-door price with all taxes, tags, doc fees, and dealer add-ons included line by line?”

If they hesitate, 🚩 red flag.

Pro tips: They sometimes hide a few item into 1 line on the sheet they give you with all the numbers.

Step 6: 🎯 Focus on the Whole Deal, Not Just the Payment

Dealers know that many buyers fixate on monthly payment.

So they stretch the loan to 84 months and poof—your payment looks small, but you paid $6K more. 🙈

✅ Your move: Focus on price first. Not payment. Not trade. Not warranty.

Just.

The.

Car.

Price.

Step 7: 👏 Practice Walking Away IN The Mirror

The strongest tool you have isn’t your voice—it’s your feet. 🏃‍♂️

Even if you want the car, make them believe you’re not afraid to bounce.

Because the minute they know you’re attached, they’re in control.

✅ Your move: Say this if needed:

“Thanks for your time. I’m going to sleep on it and check some other offers.”

Spoiler: They’ll probably call you before you hit your driveway if their good. 📱😆

Final Thoughts from Chase 🚘

Even smart shoppers get tricked when emotions and pressure mix.

That’s why Deal Guard exists—to help people who think they’ve done everything right... but still walk away with a so-so deal.

Truth is, you can be smart and still get outplayed. It happens all the time.

So let’s change the game.

If you're ready to have a car buying concierge on your side—someone who lives and breathes negotiation—you know where to find us.

👉 GETDEALGUARD.COM – No tricks.

Just trusted car buying help.

Because being smart isn’t enough... but having a car buying consultant? That’s next-level ⚡️.