Bring a Wingman When You Buy a Car

Edmunds.com

Bring a Wingman When You Buy a Car

Use this car-buying buddy system to spot any inconsistencies in the deal and create leverage in your purchase negotiations.

Read the full story here

lilgreenchik

The wingman strategy realy works...especially if its somebody that knows more about cars than you do!

knowledgepower

Sometimes the "wingman" isn't always a good idea. First and foremost you must do your own research before ever coming to the dealership. If you must bring someone with you make they are looking out for your best interest and they don't go overboard when assisting you. Having them there for moral support is a great idea as stated in the article. In my experience so-called wingmen or "third basemen" as said in the auto industry have done more to screw up good deals than assist. Everyone from Dad to Uncle Charlie can sometimes hurt.

youautoknow

It is very discouraging that a great company like Edmunds would publish an article advising prospective car buyers to purposely lie and mislead when they go to purchase a vehicle. Ronald Montoya is doing your readers a great disservice by putting a chip on their shoulder with accusations of dealer dishonesty. I run the sales department at a large Mercedes dealership and personally resent the article. I stress being honest with clients to my sales staff and will not tolerate dishonesty. We stress training in product knowledge, not deceptive practices. We also stress great customer service as our clients deserve. Articles like this create an anticipated adversarial relationship between client and sales person that we have to overcome. Very dissappointed that Edmunds published this article!

rm2008

My apologies for the late reply, Youautoknow. We aren't accusing anyone of dishonesty, nor are we asking prospective buyers to "purposely lie and mislead." Car salespeople receive training on how to overcome buyer objections and create a sense of urgency -- the sense that the car needs to be purchased that very day. This gives salespeople a slight edge over the average shopper. This article hopes to better inform that shopper and level the playing field a bit so that both parties are fully aware of the dealership sales process. I'm sure your dealership treats its customers well. Many others do, too. But we can't ignore the fact that some dealers still do things the "old fashioned" way. ---Ronald Montoya, Consumer Advice Editor

knowledgepower

The so-called wingman tactic works well as long as this person doesn't interfere with the process. It's best this person gives advise and opinions when the salesperson is not with you. Take it from one who's sold and financed a few vehicles, we called that other person "the third baseman". This was an annoying person who interfered with the buying process and spoke too much and many times messed up an actually good deal. If your wingman doesn't but in then they can be effective and yes it is good for the confidence of the buyer but just don't but in.