Buying A Car - How a showroom works

Be under no illusion, as soon as you've walked into a showroom, you've entered the salesman's world. They will want to be in control and guide you towards the car that they want to sell.

• Keep you wits about you and keep to your agenda.

• Answer any questions truthfully and stick to what you use your car for and the sort of car you’re looking for.

• Listen to what the salesman has to say, but don’t be talked into accepting something that you don’t want.

• A common sales trick is to try to intimidate customers, so don’t allow yourself to get bullied into committing to something you don't want.

• Sooner or later, you’ll have to talk money and you may find yourself in front of the sales manager. Their job is to try to get you to spend as much money as possible. If you have a budget, stick to it. Be wary of being talked into increasing it.

What Car? Factsheet: How to buy a car

What Car? Checklist: How to haggle

What Car? Checklist: Buying a used car

What Car? Checklist: Used car sales receipt

What Car? Checklist: Buying a pre-reg car

What Car? Checklist: Importing a car

What Car? Checklist: How to take a test drive

What Car? Checklist: Taking delivery of a used car

What Car? Checklist: Taking delivery of a new car