123c,

This is the typical game that salesmen play at used car lots. Car lots like this are a waste your of time. The salesman plays stupid and has to ask the manager for the price. You stand there waiting and waiting. The game is to get you in the "sales room" and keep you there until you buy. If you get stuck in one of this situations, you could say something like, "I like the car, but I would like to bring my wife to see it." You will be kicked out of the office. You should also keep your mouth shut and make the salesman pry information out of you. Let the salesman do all the talking. If he asks you what you think of the car say, "Its OK," and then shut up. This will drive them crazy! If he suspects that you like the car, the price will not come down no matter what.

I like to visit used car lots that clearly display the prices on the car's windshield. I find that these salesmen are not usually so high pressured. In fact, the salesmen were very friendly, and they don't try to get you in the "sales room." They let you spend as much time as you like looking and test driving cars. You can play games with the salesmen, and they'll come down in price!!

Remember, used cars from the 80's probably sell for about $500 at the dealer auction. Maybe an 80's Mercedes might go for $800. Dealers are unwilling to bid on diesels because there is a perception that diesels are hard to sell. So, if a used car dealer is selling you an 80's Mercedes, you know how much he paid for it.

I also like used car lots that advertise on autotrader.com. These guys don't play with you that much.