Are there any good 'tells' to indicate a dealer is presenting pricing that you would never, ever get?

20

Asked by loretta Dec 22, 2017 at 11:54 AM about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE 4Motion AWD

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

I know 'if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.'  Does anyone have tips for how to spot phony dealer pricing without wasting time?  I'm thinking that the price change history might be a good indicator.  I see some from a dealer in Winchester, VA and the price on a single car goes up and down, ranging anywhere from $17,419 to $31,670!  How can that be?  Any other tips are welcome.  We want to buy a car before the new year and it's no fun.

3 Answers

159,315

I always go in person to look for a used or new vehicle. I generally avoid the little non dealership car lots. There is no general rule of thumb to help sort the good ones from the bad. Anytime they start to play games, just leave and go elsewhere. I have purchased several from CarMax and have been very satisfied with those vehicles. CarMax has a great website and their prices are clearly posted. I have never had them put the hard sell on me or play any games. Also CarMax will ship cars from other locations closer to you for your inspection and test drive. If locations are close these transfers are free and you are under no obligation to buy. If the locations are further apart then there is a fee to move the vehicle closer to you.

4 people found this helpful.

Use online car pricing guides to check the prices to see if they are high or low. Car Max is good if you hate negotiations but you will pay a premium for your car.

2 people found this helpful.
159,315

You will pay a premium on some vehicles. When I purchased a 2006 Corvette from them several years ago it was about $4,000 less than anywhere else I found with similar equipment and low mileage. Car dealers can still play games even if the price appears to be good.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Golf Alltrack

Looking for a Used Golf Alltrack in your area?

CarGurus has 36 nationwide Golf Alltrack listings starting at $8,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    50
  • #2
    Guru59K5W
    Reputation
    40
  • #3
    James Sparrow
    Reputation
    20
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
8 Great Deals out of 138 listings starting at $4,995
Used Volkswagen Golf
24 Great Deals out of 454 listings starting at $3,500
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
28 Great Deals out of 648 listings starting at $5,888
Used Volkswagen Golf R
16 Great Deals out of 548 listings starting at $15,000
Used Audi A4 Allroad
3 Great Deals out of 66 listings starting at $10,495
Used Volkswagen Tiguan
85 Great Deals out of 3,006 listings starting at $4,934
Used Subaru Outback
39 Great Deals out of 963 listings starting at $1,795
Used Volkswagen Touareg
4 Great Deals out of 76 listings starting at $7,988
Used Subaru Forester
27 Great Deals out of 1,295 listings starting at $2,295
Used Lexus RX
35 Great Deals out of 815 listings starting at $4,995
Used Volkswagen Passat
13 Great Deals out of 410 listings starting at $4,500
Used BMW 3 Series
66 Great Deals out of 1,240 listings starting at $2,950
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,420 listings starting at $1,695

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.