What are some common dealership test drive horror stories?

Once I went for a test drive at a dealership. The car smelled like cigarettes really bad even though it was supposed to be a non - smoking vehicle. It was so disgusting that I couldn't focus on the driving experience at all.

Mechanical issues like strange noises from the engine are common. For example, a knocking sound that makes you think the engine is about to fall apart.

A common one is being overcharged. Dealerships sometimes charge exorbitant prices for simple parts and labor. For example, a friend was charged three times more for a brake pad replacement compared to what an independent mechanic would charge.

One of the most common dealership horror stories is the bait - and - switch tactic. They'll advertise a great car at a great price to get you in the door. But when you get there, they'll say that car is sold or has some issues, and then try to sell you a more expensive model. Also, getting stuck with a lemon is a horror story many face. Buying a car that constantly breaks down and the dealership refuses to take responsibility.

Once I went for a test drive of an old car. As soon as I started it, there was a strange rattling noise from the engine. It got louder when I accelerated. I was so scared that something might break down right there. I quickly drove back to the dealership.

One common horror story is being sold a lemon. Dealerships might sell cars with hidden mechanical problems. Another is the bait - and - switch tactic. They advertise a great deal on a car, but when you get there, they say it's already sold and try to push you towards a more expensive option. And of course, there are those pushy salespeople who won't leave you alone and use high - pressure sales techniques.

I heard of a case where a customer was pressured into signing a very expensive financing deal at a car dealership. The salesperson was very pushy and didn't fully explain all the terms. Later, the customer realized they were paying way more in interest than they should have and it was a nightmare to try and get out of the deal.

One common theme is misrepresentation. Dealers may overstate the condition of a vehicle or the benefits of a particular model. For example, they might say a used car has a clean history when it actually has been in an accident. Another theme is high - pressure sales tactics. They push customers into making quick decisions without fully understanding the implications. Also, hidden fees are a big problem. Dealers sometimes add on extra charges that were not clearly stated at the start of the deal.

One common element is overconfidence. Some people think they know it all and don't practice enough. Then during the test, they forget basic things like using the turn signals properly. Also, bad weather can be a factor. If it's raining heavily, it can be hard to see clearly and control the car well, which often leads to test - going - wrong stories.

I had a nightmare experience at a dealership. They had advertised a great deal on a new model. When I got there, they added all sorts of hidden fees. The price went up by thousands. And the salesperson was really pushy, trying to get me to sign the papers right away without explaining all the costs clearly. It was a total rip - off.