Results: Buying a car through a dealership has never been easy. Now it is even more difficult - even when you are in a buying mood.
Published on 04/11/2023
The last time we owned a car was in 2014. Since that time we have been driving the pick up truck we used to tow our RV. We are getting rid of the truck and RV and are in the market for a small, used, fuel efficient, practical car. It needs to be easy to get in and out of and have room in the back for our dog. Our choices are surprisingly limited and the people who sell them seem to be in the "sales prevention department." We have done 90% of the car search work ourselves. The final 10% is an ordeal. Why is that?
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
We researched the various makes and models and came up with our top 3 makes and models. Ford C-Max, Kia Rondo, and Mazda 5 wagons (now known as "people movers"). Unfortunately they stopped making them around 2016. They switched to SUVs, which are more difficult to get into and, to get enough room for our dog, we would need to buy a much bigger vehicle than the 3 wagons on our list. A small wagon seems much more practical. What do you think?
What a great little car. I wish they still made them.
20%
446 votes
I prefer SUVs because they can have 4 wheel drive.
27%
601 votes
I prefer the look of SUVs.
22%
476 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
47 votes
Not Applicable
38%
845 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.70% | 11 | |
| Personally, I would not buy any of the brands you have listed. I am Toyota all the way! Have had 2 Tacoma pickups and now in a Corolla since 1987. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I have an SUV....a Buick....best vehicle I've ever owned, and I've owned many! | 0.06% | 1 |
| love our suv but it is not 4 wheel drive | 0.06% | 1 |
| Try a Honda Fit. They can actually carry as much as an SUV. | 0.06% | 1 |
| i love the new ford rangers, 4 cyl, and back row seating and a truck | 0.06% | 1 |
| prefer a sedan | 0.06% | 1 |
| I'm a van person, even though I live alone, and don't often have others in the car. I have a Kia now, but would not buy a Kia again. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer coupes | 0.06% | 1 |
| I have never been able to be picky about cars I owned, I got whatever I could afford. Even an old yucky looking Dodge Aires that cost me 100 and lasted 1 month to date! | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer Crossovers | 0.06% | 1 |
| Dodge grand caravan | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer a pickup , sorry | 0.06% | 1 |
| I want an SUV, so my wife and I can get in and out of easier, due to hop and knee problems, so we are looking at CrossoverSUV, like a Ford Escape. | 0.06% | 1 |
| HOW ABOUT MINIVANS? CARGO AREA IS LOWER TO THE GROUND | 0.06% | 1 |
| I like minivans because they're versatile and easy to get in and out of. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Ford Transit is nice | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer vw sedans | 0.06% | 1 |
| station wagon | 0.06% | 1 |
| I like fast muscle cars! | 0.06% | 1 |
| Gotta be a truck. Have no use for a car or SUV | 0.06% | 1 |
| maybe leave the dog at home,where he'll be happier. | 0.06% | 1 |
| The bigger the car the better! | 0.06% | 1 |
| Subaru outback? | 0.06% | 1 |
| I suggest that you either look for a hybrid or EV. The world is changing. My DD & SIL just bought a larger car, so that their aging dog can lie down comfortably., but I cannot recall the make or model. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Van/Minivan | 0.06% | 1 |
| Who's the doofus who thought "people move" is any kind of improvement over "station wagon" (though I was never sure about what "station" was being referenced in that name either)?! | 0.06% | 1 |
| I want a truck! I am 5 foot tall & hate being in a car where a bigger vehicle pulls up behind me & I am looking at or under the grill! | 0.06% | 1 |
| I'm a fan of the MiniCountryman or the new VW Hatchback (arteon) thats built on the Audi a7schassy. .but it takes premium gas, | 0.06% | 1 |
| I like a mid size sedan or sporty car. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer my Honda accord hybrid | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer Crossovers. They have lots of room, easy to get in and out of. | 0.06% | 1 |
| LOVE the ground clearance (even though don't go offroad) and better visibility of SUVs | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer minivans. I can get our grandkids, my family & all 4 dogs in with plenty of room. | 0.06% | 1 |
| nothing beats a pickup truck for room | 0.06% | 1 |
| Buy a van | 0.06% | 1 |
| I prefer SUVs so I can haul my son and his friends around, so I need 3rd row seating | 0.06% | 1 |
2.
2.
The first car we wanted to look at was the Ford C Max. It had some extra features the other 2 didn't and it was more fuel efficient. We found a Ford dealership with one in inventory and went to have a look at it. The salesperson we met at the door was straight from central casting and didn't inspire trust. I needed to use the washroom and, while I was there, he talked himself out of any potential sale. His first question to my wife: "Are you looking for anything in particular"? Answer: "A C-Max" His response "We don't make them anymore". Then silence. Next question. "How much were you hoping to pay"? Answer: "We will trade in our truck". His response: "We don't have anything under $25K". Then silence. I arrived back and my wife related his 2 questions to me. I said:"Then I guess this will be a short visit." And we left. We still are interested in a C-Max. What would you have done?
I would have left and looked elsewhere for a C-Max.
24%
522 votes
I would have spoken to his manager and then left.
11%
237 votes
I would have reminded him that he had a C-Max in inventory listed at $15,999 and waited while he found it. Then, if I liked the car I would have at least considered trying to do a deal on it.
20%
446 votes
I would have reminded him that he had a C-Max in inventory listed at $15,999 and waited while he found it. Then, if I liked the car I would have tried to find one at a different dealership.
12%
258 votes
I would have stopped looking for a C-Max
8%
184 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
21 votes
Not Applicable
37%
805 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.18% | 3 | |
| After you told him that I’d ask to speak to a manager and relay everything that was said to the manager. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would've questioned him about the listed inventory. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Spoke to the sales manager and had another salesperson help me | 0.06% | 1 |
| Not | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have asked to speak to the GM and then asked for a different sales person. | 0.06% | 1 |
| In the first place I would not even look at ANY Ford vehicle. I don't like Ford. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I don’t buy Fords. | 0.06% | 1 |
| went some where else | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would look for another comfortable car maker | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have reminded him that women have brains and money and buy cars too. We aren't just our husband's possessions. | 0.06% | 1 |
| unsure | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have asked him if he was the only salesman around and talk to an other one | 0.06% | 1 |
| askfor anotehr salesperson fo assistance | 0.06% | 1 |
| started looking online for what I want? | 0.06% | 1 |
| Remind him, give price, wait while he finds it, then speak to management with him present, go from there. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Go elsewhere and tell them about the one at the first place. They can do a dealer trade. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have requested a different salesperson. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Have you tried CarMax? | 0.06% | 1 |
3.
3.
We found a Kia Rondo listed on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Auto Trader and a local Toyota dealership. It was the same car but different photographs of it. We booked a test drive at the dealership with some skepticism. We were initially impressed with the salesman and loved the car which had everything we were looking for but was not in good shape. Just as we were about to leave for our test drive the salesman said. "If I can put a deal together, would you buy this car today?" I replied. "If I like the make and model I would like one in better shape than this one" his reply: "Then why would you want to drive this one if you aren't going to buy it today?" I explained the concept of comparison shopping and our desire for a used vehicle that had been looked after better. He continued to resist allowing us to drive the car and made no suggestion to look for one that was in better shape. We left without ever driving it. What would you have done?
I would have left and looked elsewhere for a Kia Rondo
33%
716 votes
I would have spoken to his manager and then left.
11%
235 votes
I would have reminded him that we had a short list of 3 cars and, if I liked this car I would consider a deal on one that was in good shape and hope that he found one for me.
10%
226 votes
I would have reminded him that we had a short list of 3 cars and, if I liked this car I would consider a deal on one that was in good shape. Unless he offered to look for one I would look elsewhere
11%
232 votes
I would have stopped looking for a Kia Rondo
9%
196 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
24 votes
Not Applicable
35%
776 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.37% | 6 | |
| I would look for an independent seller for a one owner car. Older people usually have gently used cars that do not use often. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Driving this one wouldn't give you the adequate experience of a better car, even if the same type, if the one you want has been cared for better. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have kick him in the shins. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Dealerships are rude and shifty, then lie to get to in and then waste your time. Try an Independent used car lot, or a private sale. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Not | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have asked to speak to the GM and see if he would make me a deal. | 0.06% | 1 |
| In the first place I would not even look at ANY Kia vehicle. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would look for another comfortable car maker | 0.06% | 1 |
| I I would have waited for a better one because mechanically they may be different. Just because it’s ugly outside doesn’t mean it don’t work like a charm and vice versa. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I wouldn't have told him i wasn't interested in this particular car until after the test drive. | 0.06% | 1 |
| go to many different dealers | 0.06% | 1 |
| Good on our surveyor for looking where I suggested he do in my answer to his previous question?! | 0.06% | 1 |
| Quit trying to buy a used car and find an inexpensive new one. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Would not buy a Kia as they are easy to steal. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I don't blame him. | 0.06% | 1 |
| I had the same issue in 2019. The salesman was rude so I left. The next day I went in and paid cash for the same car and loved the look on his face when I bought it from another salesman! Wish I would have financed it though! | 0.06% | 1 |
| unsure | 0.06% | 1 |
| I would have told him it depends on how happy I am with the car, not flat out I won't but this car. He's on commissions. When you told him you wouldn't buy that car, he heard you're wasting my time. | 0.06% | 1 |
4.
4.
So far we have established our short list of three cars but have not test driven any of them. We have only looked at and sat inside one of them. The third on the list is the Mazda 5. What should we do next?
Stop looking and keep your truck.
10%
226 votes
Buy and sell privately and avoid dealerships.
13%
293 votes
Have a look at the Mazda 5 and C-Max but don't expect to drive any of the three cars you may want to buy.
9%
197 votes
Take a patience pill and persevere. Buy one of the three cars on the list despite having to deal with a dealership and its salespeople.
17%
371 votes
Buy an SUV that is still being made.
18%
404 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
31 votes
Not Applicable
38%
826 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.33% | 5 | |
| You're the buyer, you make the decisions that either makes or breaks the sale, no sale is entirely up to YOUR attitude | 0.07% | 1 |
| Try to locate it, but have an open mind to other vehicles out there that may work for you. | 0.07% | 1 |
| Try looking for a car that is more available that suits your needs | 0.07% | 1 |
| MAY HAVE TO LOOK FURTHER AFIELD | 0.07% | 1 |
| Go through a buying service. | 0.07% | 1 |
| try one of the dealers that let you buy on line and pick your car | 0.07% | 1 |
| Refine your need and want | 0.07% | 1 |
| check with online car sale companies, CarMax, etc | 0.07% | 1 |
| Go to the dealership and ask to speak to the GM briefly explain what happened at the other dealerships and tell him you are interested in the Mazda 5 | 0.07% | 1 |
| Buy a Dodge!! | 0.07% | 1 |
| buy online, skip the salespeople | 0.07% | 1 |
| Don’t know | 0.07% | 1 |
| Insist on trials as it is your right. | 0.07% | 1 |
| Dealers seem to be operating under the opinion that they are doing you a favour by talking to you and your job is to keep them happy. I don't know if it is a personal thing or if that is the way they are taught, Either way the attitude is pathetic. | 0.07% | 1 |
| you have to do what makes you happy | 0.07% | 1 |
| I would look for another comfortable car maker | 0.07% | 1 |
| Buy a sedan. | 0.07% | 1 |
| Go to a used car lot and not a dealership, check out carmax | 0.07% | 1 |
| Look for a different vehicle and avoid the dealerships you had issues with. | 0.07% | 1 |
| Widen your list - Chevy Trax, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Soul are all easy to get in and out of and have space in the back. | 0.07% | 1 |
| public transportation | 0.07% | 1 |
| Buy an older wagon/mover and hope parts for repairs are easily obtainable? | 0.07% | 1 |
| Although private purchasing = lower cost, there are too unscrupulous people in our area. I suggest that you widen your search to other dealerships, even if they’re not as close to home. | 0.07% | 1 |
| Look at a Toyota Rav 4 | 0.07% | 1 |
| Buy a safe big car! | 0.07% | 1 |
| Pick better cars. All those models suck. | 0.07% | 1 |
5.
5.
Of the 3 vehicles listed, which one would you pick? Or if none of them, what would you recommend?
Kia Rondo
6%
134 votes
Ford C-Max
8%
183 votes
Mazda 5
14%
317 votes
None of the above. Get an SUV (recommendation below)
21%
458 votes
None of the above. Get a ... (recommendation below)
8%
179 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
41 votes
Not Applicable
44%
964 votes
- Keep your truck
- I would not buy a car at this time. This is not a good time to take on more debt unless your trade-ins are enough to pay for the newer vehicle.
- Toyota RAV4
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.99% | 13 | |
| truck | 0.15% | 2 |
| Not sure | 0.15% | 2 |
| I would get an suv but that’s my preference, do what feels right for you. Don’t compromise | 0.08% | 1 |
| Ford Transit wagon or a subaru wagon | 0.08% | 1 |
| Chrysler Pacifica or Grand Caravan | 0.08% | 1 |
| TOYOTA 4-RUNNER | 0.08% | 1 |
| LOOK AT THOSE 3 PLUS MINIVANS | 0.08% | 1 |
| Search for a Chevy or Ford SUV | 0.08% | 1 |
| I'd keep looking for one and try to test drive any that I find so I can eliminate models that turn out to be unacceptable because of their basic features, ie turning radius, etc. | 0.08% | 1 |
| I own a KIA SOUL (second one I have owned) and I found the car to be very good. | 0.08% | 1 |
| Buy a Dodge!! | 0.08% | 1 |
| Ford Edge | 0.08% | 1 |
| A Toyota | 0.08% | 1 |
| I would look for another comfortable car maker | 0.08% | 1 |
| I'm partial to SUV's, living in New England with unpredictable weather. | 0.08% | 1 |
| Batmobile | 0.08% | 1 |
| get a newer jeep. | 0.08% | 1 |
| All of these sound great. | 0.08% | 1 |
| kia forte | 0.08% | 1 |
| Honda | 0.08% | 1 |
| Subaru Forester | 0.08% | 1 |
| Don't buy. Unless you absolutely need yo | 0.08% | 1 |
| You'll get more if you sell your truck instead of trading it in, and perhaps you should also look at cars. | 0.08% | 1 |
| Toyota Tacoma | 0.08% | 1 |
| do what pleases you. | 0.08% | 1 |
| Get what you want and can afford, but maybe try carvana | 0.08% | 1 |
COMMENTS