Like some of you on this forum, I am an old timer. I do have a background in sales and have been through some sales training which is why I am astonished at some of the practices going on in the world of dealerships and car sales lots.

1. Carvana. Carvana may have some nice cars....only one problem. Some of us prefer non-smoker cars. I called Carvana and asked if the Carvana rep would mind going to a particular car they had for sale, starting the engine and turning on the A/C. Would they please run the A/C for ten minutes or so and see if they smelled cigarette or cigar smoke? Carvana said NO, they were simply too busy to go do this. So I said I was too busy to spend my money on any of their cars.

next.

2. Local car dealers. Every local car dealer I have visited has their cars priced $4,000 to $6,000 ABOVE Kelly Blue Book and NADA blue book values.

3. Consignment car dealers. I have located some dealers who do consignment sales, particularly for classic/vintage cars. Only one problem; they do NOT allow ANYONE to test drive the cars they have on consignment. Can I at least start the engine and listen? NO, our carbon monoxide detectors will not allow it. Do the cars come with a warranty or guaranty? NO.


I call the above three items DEAL KILLERS.