That "Dateline" Show
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
That "Dateline" Show
I'm posting this here because of the ramifications of what I'm about to say. Please: I'M NOT TRYING TO START ANYTHING WITH THIS, I'm just making an observation. Here goes:
This was certainly not the first time that a TV magazine went undercover to "expose" car dealers. But I've noticed that all these shows have something in common, and that's WHERE these dealers are located. Without exception, the dealers they expose are located in the South or Southwest. I'm not ignorant enough to think it has anything to do with the PEOPLE that live in these states, but why don't they expose the bad Northern or New England dealers? I think it has to do with the state politics. Frankly, I think the Attorneys General in these states let the dealers get away with more nonsense than other states. This lets the dealers think they're not likely to get caught, that they can get away with more, so it's easier to "expose" them. They let their guard down, so it's easier to get this stuff on hidden camera.
Any thoughts? Again, this is not some "North vs. South" thing, just an honest and sincere observation.
This was certainly not the first time that a TV magazine went undercover to "expose" car dealers. But I've noticed that all these shows have something in common, and that's WHERE these dealers are located. Without exception, the dealers they expose are located in the South or Southwest. I'm not ignorant enough to think it has anything to do with the PEOPLE that live in these states, but why don't they expose the bad Northern or New England dealers? I think it has to do with the state politics. Frankly, I think the Attorneys General in these states let the dealers get away with more nonsense than other states. This lets the dealers think they're not likely to get caught, that they can get away with more, so it's easier to "expose" them. They let their guard down, so it's easier to get this stuff on hidden camera.
Any thoughts? Again, this is not some "North vs. South" thing, just an honest and sincere observation.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 306
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The tactics used by dealers on Dateline are not limited to a specific region of the country. I sell cars so I know a little about this. They are classic "old school" ways that dealers have used for decades and I would have thought they would have wised up and changed by now.
Up front prices, fair trade values and no gimmicks would be the right way to do business but sad to say the dealers that try to be low key and be fair and honest usually profit less by selling fewer cars etc. The public seems to tolerate the games and even expect them. Arm yourself with all the information you can before heading out to buy a car or truck and YOU be up front with what you want to accomplish like you do have a trade and you do have a pay off and you do have great or lusy credit and YOU the buyer will win.
Up front prices, fair trade values and no gimmicks would be the right way to do business but sad to say the dealers that try to be low key and be fair and honest usually profit less by selling fewer cars etc. The public seems to tolerate the games and even expect them. Arm yourself with all the information you can before heading out to buy a car or truck and YOU be up front with what you want to accomplish like you do have a trade and you do have a pay off and you do have great or lusy credit and YOU the buyer will win.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 723
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From: Spring, Texas
There is so much information out there to be had that if you should have no problem being an informed buyer. Impulse buying is the reason that most, not all, get ripped off. It happens all over the country.
If you walk in looking like a sucker then you will probably get played like one. I'm not saying it is right, I'm just saying there is no reason with all the resources available to us that anyone should get suckered or swindeled.
If you walk in looking like a sucker then you will probably get played like one. I'm not saying it is right, I'm just saying there is no reason with all the resources available to us that anyone should get suckered or swindeled.
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Oct 28, 2002 08:08 PM
