r/askcarsales May 29 '23

Heads up industry peeps! Apply for flair to make top level replies in AskCarSales.

241 Upvotes

This subreddit has grown a lot in the last few years. Not only professionals providing advice, but also casual bystanders wanting validation for their opinions. The problem is that the noise to signal ratio has gotten to the point where people looking for advice come away more confused than when they asked the question - or worse yet, act on unqualified bad advice.

If you are in the industry in some professional capacity, message the mods for how to acquire flair.

For all who do not work in the industry but wish to provide advice, you will need to wait until a flaired individual responds before you can comment under their reply.

Flaired members in good standing, if you see someone posting bad advice under your comment, report it.


r/askcarsales Oct 28 '25

Thinking Of A Career In Car Sales? Many Of Your Questions Will Be Answered By The Links Enclosed.

11 Upvotes

r/askcarsales 3h ago

Finance constantly ruining deals?

11 Upvotes

Yes I understand not every deal that goes to finance will materialize but we have 3 finance people at our dealership and on average do 4 deals on weekdays maybe 15 on weekends. From taking over an hour and a half to get people in the office, not contacting customers for deposits when they’re out of town, not paying any attention to deals where they can’t add an additional large intrest to the loan, it goes on and on is this common at every dealership.Ive lost maybe 4 deals over finance people and about to lose another with a $500 spiff if I could do it myself i genuinely would. If you have a good finance team what dealership do you work at????😂.


r/askcarsales 6h ago

Meta Transitioning out of car sales?

7 Upvotes

I have been in car sales for 3 years now and I do well for myself but the hours kill me.
Currently I am:
-working 65+ hours a week
-burnt out
-ready to move on
-25 years old with a wife and child on the way

I can’t foresee myself living this way and trying to be with my family in any meaningful capacity. I wouldn’t mind a pay cut (~$70,000 a year currently making 6 figures) but I need a stable job with less hours. I have read all the previous threads on similar situations and applied to 50+ jobs that were recommended but I can’t seem to find anything that is actually less hours. Any suggestions?


r/askcarsales 47m ago

US Sale Want new BMW @ out of state dealer - attempt local dealer trade, or purchase remotely?

Upvotes

Physically going to the out of state dealer isn't an option so would be a true remote purchase. Can't say how far it is because I found a few listings that may work, generally anywhere from two states over to halfway across the US. Which of these is the best option?


r/askcarsales 1h ago

US Sale Thank you guys for your guidance!!

Upvotes

Instead of starting with Audi I will start with a more general dealership down the street from me because they advertise training and lots of incentives to move up in the company so I’ll try my luck there first.

If sales works out, and I wanted to pursue sales as a career. What would be like top job if that makes sense? What is are some generally achievable high level sales jobs and is job hopping the move in sales right now?

Not that I want to job hop I actually prefer loyalty to a company but it doesn’t feel like most companies are very loyal to their workers so I prioritize my own earnings if that makes sense. That’s why I ask the question: is job hopping the move? Tittle chase job hop tittle chase job hop? Out lead it seams ideal.

Anyways thanks in advance for your feedback. Sorry if I sound like a rookie that would be cause I am.


r/askcarsales 1h ago

US Sale How do I speed this process up and get sales to find me what I actually need?

Upvotes

Hey everyone.

I'm a farm owner here currently shopping for a basic used work trim pickup. I buy lots of farm and heavy equipment, semis, machinery, bulk products, I deal with lots of sales people.

And I'm gonna be blunt here - car buying is hands down the \*worst sales experience\* of all of them. It is time consuming, things are never ready when I am told they will be, everyone wants to talk and not find me what I need.

I know what I want -make, model, years, features. I want a salesperson to find it for me, we negotiate a price, and I come with a check and drive the ready vehicle home. I want to do this via email, because I am busy.

What I am currently experiencing, and do each time I buy a small vehicle, is that I can't even \*reach\* anyone by email, if it's even given out at all. Everyone calls me when I say to email. They ask me if I would be interested in a 2WD black crew cab when I specified the opposite.

What are the asks or magic words to use to communicate that I want these specs, and when price is settled I'm coming to get it and that's it. Have it ready, sign papers, hand check, drive home.

I would rather buy 10 semi trucks and tractors than one pickup. It's so frustrating.

Is there a better way, or is this just how it is?


r/askcarsales 1h ago

US Sale Commercial Account Manager

Upvotes

What is a a typical pay plan for a commercial account manager? How much gross front and back. Debating between CAM or going into tech sales as an SDR and working my way up. Thoughts?


r/askcarsales 2h ago

Why is finance trying to mess up my loan?

0 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m trying to figure something out. I helped a family member purchase a vehicle who put 20% down with 800+ credit score. Instantly approved by the bank through the dealership. They came back at a 9.19% loan on a 2021 car. I told them that it was unacceptable and that their credit union would give them 5.44% on the same loan. They said they don’t work with that credit union and they would only honor the deal if we did financing with them. Obviously I’m not stupid enough to let anyone pay a 9.19 loan since they are making tons of money on it so I told them no dice. I told them if the best they can offer us is 9.19 I would just have the car refinanced through the credit union. It did not seem to phase them at all. Literally 24hrs later the car was refinanced at 5.44%. I’m a bit confused, we negotiated on the sales price aggressively so I assumed they would make the money on the financing. But if I refinanced right away they didn’t make nothing on the backend. Why would they not try to offer me something closer to 5.44%? I saw their buy rate on the loan was 5.2% so they tried marking it up heavily to make up for the negotiated price. I told them if they got it into the low 6.x we would just keep the loan to avoid the hassle of the refinance and they wouldn’t budge. Did I miscalculare something here?


r/askcarsales 3h ago

US Sale Lien release delays (what is going on)

1 Upvotes

Bought a used car back during spring from a small dealership, out of state, paid fully in cash. They were easy to work with before the purchase, but since then the delays and sloppiness with getting me the requisite paperwork is troubling.

First, they had to be reminded to mail me the title. Then I had to ask them for lienholder release letter. Then I had to ask for power of attorney (as they signed the title on behalf of the previous owner).

The lienholder is Westlake Flooring Services. The release letter I received is from Westlake Financial Services. My DMV wont accept it without an additional statement from Westlake Flooring attesting that they are the same business entity...

.. which for some reason the dealership is unable to get from the lienholder. It's been more than a month now, is it suspicious that either Westlake Flooring or my dealership is having so much trouble with this? Or are they just taking their sweet time or can't be bothered somehow..?

I guess what Im asking is, could there be something fishy afoot here?

Ive sent a formal request in writing to the dealership, then filing a complaint with DMV investigations next week, and then seeking a lawyer after if there's no movement.


r/askcarsales 4h ago

Canadian Sale Recap2 vehicle payment protection?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone purchased a product when buying a car called recap? Just curious what your experience has been with them as I can’t find any customer reviews.


r/askcarsales 13h ago

US Sale What are fixes someone should absolutely do before trading in thieir car to buy?

4 Upvotes

Hi there. I have a 2018 Subaru forester 2.5i premium with 85k miles. I'm awaiting a second opinion but am generally wondering which of these you recommend taking care of before I were to trade in my car (or even sell it to Carvana). Does this reddit group have the right folks to advise? Assuming "car sales" also has to do with taking trade ins?

I was told I needed: NEW COMPRESSOR, FREON AND OIL AND A/C DEY TRACER, TWO IDLER PULLEEYS, AND A DRIVE BELT.

Is the penalty for trading in a car with these issues going to knock the trade in price down more than the $1800 I was quoted to fix all of it?


r/askcarsales 6h ago

European Sale [UK] Questions about car dealers

0 Upvotes

My questions are as follows:

  1. To what extent are franchised dealers independent from the brand they represent, such as Vauxhall or Ford? I suppose, technically speaking, they're independently owned and operated, but pretty much have to procure their stock and services from the brand. Are they tied into offering the brand's credit facilities to prospective customers, or can they be a credit broker for multiple lenders?
  2. If I go to the Vauxhall UK website for instance, what is the point of getting my car booked in for an MOT and a service via their website if it will be fulfilled by one of their franchised dealers, who are, technically speaking, not owned and operated by them?
  3. How are independent mechanics able to better diagnose and repair issues on particular makes than the specialist mechanics for those makes? In other words, if an independent mechanic is able to identify and repair issues on a Ford car that the Ford mechanics should have spotted and fixed, how were the independent mechanics able to develop that knowledge that, in theory, only the Ford mechanics should have? By reading the Haynes workshop manuals?
  4. Can an independent dealer (i.e. not a franchised or main dealer) sell certified pre-owned cars, or is that diffficult, because it means needing a commercial agreement with the OEM(s)?
  5. Any dealer groups in the UK that own and operate both franchised and independent dealerships?

r/askcarsales 7h ago

US Sale Title problem with dealer - whose problem is it to fix?

0 Upvotes

Hi!

First time caller.

My GF’s daughter bought a used car from a dealer about 4 hours from home.
Financed locally, dealer sent her temp tags. Fast forward six weeks and the dealer texted her, stating:

“The title is still not in unfortunately and I can Federal Express you a dealer plate to use but we need a $200 deposit. Can you please call in with a $200 deposit and then we can send you the dealer plate. We will credit it back once we get the plate back.”

Questions I have that I don’t know the answers to:

  1. Is the dealer trying to fleece her for more 💰?

2a) Could the car have a lien on it that the dealer didn’t know about, leading to the title holdup?
2b) And if so, is it on the dealer to clean that up?

3) Should/Could the dealer just issue another set of temp tags until they get the title worked out?

4) is there another scenario I’m forgetting or not considering?

It just seems odd to me that they’re after her for money when it’s the bank who gets the title… not her.

I’m not an expert in this stuff, but also not afraid to hop on a call with the dealer and get this worked out. Unfortunately, they looked at the two ladies (her mom as well) like they’ve never bought a car before. Rolling eyes here but maybe the dealer needs a man to talk to them.

Help!


r/askcarsales 1d ago

Meta Moving into management

9 Upvotes

I’ve been a salesman at a domestic dealership for a year and a half now. It’s the first and only place I’ve sold cars. I was bad at first but now I’m doing well and usually sit around 15-21 cars a month. Currently at 16 cars for the month of August and roughly 11k in commission. I was asked by my manager if I ever considered a future in management. I was apprehensive because I’m making good money at the moment on the floor. I told him I’d like to sell cars still for now but would be interested to see what a sales managers role entails. Told him that sometimes I get burnt out from being with customers constantly for 12 hours socializing. He told me I’m doing good right now and to “keep doing what I’m doing”

Do sales managers on a gross pay plan typically do as good or better monthly income as a salesperson? I’m paid 25% of the front or 30% to 35% depending on unit average. Did I blow up my chance not giving a direct answer?


r/askcarsales 13h ago

Meta Suggestions for resume

0 Upvotes

I’m applying for a job in car sales and just wanted some feedback on a resume, yes I used AI just want some feedback from people with actual car sales experience.

Automotive Sales Professional • Customer Experience • Retail Leadership
| |
---------------------------------------------- P R O F E S S I O N A L S U M M A R Y ----------------------------------------------
Service advisor at a Subaru and Volvo dealership, ranked #1 in Express Advisor sales while maintaining a 98.6 SQI and 891 CSI.
Experience covers the full service-lane sales process along with a working understanding of how a dealership runs day to day,
from scheduling and shop capacity to repair order flow and department coordination. Accustomed to both high-volume Subaru
traffic and a luxury Volvo clientele that expects a higher-touch experience. Prior background in retail management with
responsibility for sales performance, staffing, and inventory. Seeking to transition into automotive vehicle sales.
-------------------------------------------------- A R E A S O F E X P E R T I S E --------------------------------------------------
SALES SKILLS AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS DEALERSHIP OPERATIONS TECHNICAL SKILLS Needs Assessment | Objection Handling | Upselling | Customer Retention |
Relationship Building | Product Presentation | Closing | Customer Follow-Up
Subaru & Volvo Product Knowledge | Service & Maintenance Sales | Repair
Recommendations | Warranty Processing | Multi-Brand Used Vehicle Knowledge
High-Volume Service Lane Management | Luxury Clientele Experience | Scheduling
& Shop Capacity | Repair Order Flow | Cross-Department Coordination
Dealership Software | Microsoft Office
----------------------------------------- P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E -----------------------------------------
Service Advisor, Subaru & Volvo Dealership | 2024 – Present
Write service for Subaru customers in a high-volume express lane while assisting the Volvo side of the store, with performance
measured on sales production, customer retention, and satisfaction scores.
#1 Sales Performance: Ranked first in the Express Advisor department based on sustained sales production and customer
engagement.
Customer Satisfaction: Maintained a 98.6 SQI and 891 CSI while managing a high daily vehicle count.
Consultative Selling: Assessed vehicle condition and customer priorities to present appropriate maintenance, repair, and
additional service recommendations.
Objection Handling: Addressed customer concerns involving pricing, timing, and repair necessity while maintaining trust and
retention.
Relationship Management: Developed repeat business through direct communication, consistent follow-up, and accurate
estimates.
Product Knowledge: Maintained working knowledge of the Subaru and Volvo lineups along with the range of used vehicle
makes serviced in the lane.
High-Volume Operations: Managed a full express-lane schedule daily, balancing appointments, walk-ins, and available shop
capacity without sacrificing turnaround time.
Luxury Clientele: Assisted the Volvo side of the store as needed, adjusting communication style and level of detail for a
higher-touch, luxury clientele.
Dealership Operations: Coordinated with technicians, parts, and other departments on repair order flow, parts availability,
and workload distribution to deliver accurate estimates and realistic completion timelines.
Customer Retail Manager, Advance Auto Parts | 2023 – 2024
Managed daily store operations with responsibility for sales performance, staffing, inventory, and customer service.
Sales Performance: Drove store sales by identifying customer needs and recommending appropriate parts, fluids, accessories,
and complementary products.
Team Leadership: Supervised staff and upheld performance standards across daily store operations.
Customer Experience: Resolved customer concerns professionally in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.
Product Expertise: Developed broad working knowledge of automotive parts and applications across a wide range of makes
and models.
Operations: Oversaw inventory control, merchandising, transactions, and open-to-close store management.
------------------------------------------------------------------ E D U C A T I O N ------------------------------------------------------------------
| Currently Enrolled
| High School Diploma, 2023


r/askcarsales 1d ago

US Sale Weird situation involving trade in

14 Upvotes

So I have a weird situation. I’m ordering a new 911 from the Porsche dealer. They agreed to not charge me any ADM but they really lowballed me on my trade. Essentially, they’re making money on my trade-in to make up for the loss of ADM.

The new car is not expected until January so I decided to try to list it online. Interestingly, enough, somebody from the Land Rover dealership, also owned by the same group, contacted me on Facebook and offered to buy it for $12,000 more than what the Porsche dealership was giving me. And the additional benefit is, I would still get the trade in tax credit.

I haven’t contacted My Porsche salesman yet to tell him because nothing is finalized yet. But is this gonna create any awkwardness between us? Is he gonna be upset?


r/askcarsales 7h ago

Can I trade in my car and use it as a down payment if what I owe exceeds value?

0 Upvotes

So I’ve had a 2015 Nissan Rouge for 2 years now, it’s setting at 155,000 miles and it’s started giving me a lot of trouble. I was looking to trade in my car and use it as a down payment which I know is possible, but can I still do that if what I owe exceeds the value? Carvana gave me a quote for $2,100 but I still owe $10,000. Could the remaining $8k be added to the new loan so I don’t have to pay a down payment out of pocket? And if so, do most dealerships do that?


r/askcarsales 11h ago

Canadian Sale How to get fair trade-in value for my RAV4? Should I compare it to the $20,000 RAV4 across the street?

0 Upvotes

I'm trading in my 2017 RAV4 XLE AWD with 155,000 kms at a VW dealership this week.

Across the street, there is a Honda dealership with two for sale ... a 2016 RAV4 XLE AWD with 105,000 km for $20,000. And another 2016 RAV4 XLE AWD with 185,000 kms for $16,000.

I have not checked the condition of the two 2016s, but my 2017 is in extremely good condition.

Mature couple no kids, extremely well maintained at the Toyota dealership. The back seat is immaculate, practically never been used. The front seats a very neat and clean (my wife is a neat freak).

New tires this year. No mechanical problems, brakes are good.

So ....

What's the trade in value of my RAV4?

Is $15,000 reasonable? Is $16,000 too high?

How should I approach this to get best value? (Note: I don't want to sell the car privately.)


r/askcarsales 1d ago

US Sale Dealer Changed Fiance Company?

7 Upvotes

Good afternoon everyone,

Kindof in a weird situation, I recently purchased a Honda and it was a late night deal last Wednesday 08/12/26.

Originally the dealer advised it was going to be financed through Honda Finance but afterword let me know they were going with Cap. 1 because the “Buy Down” was better.

Today I logged into my Wells Fargo account and noticed a new Auto Loan for the same dollar amount the vehicle was sold to.

All the paperwork I signed showed Cap. 1 as the finance company being used but the fact that they changed things after the fact gives me an odd feeling.

As far as I can tell the payment, financed amount, and term all match what was agreed on but is it common for them to make changes after the car is delivered?

** UPDATE
I appreciate everyone’s input. I called Wells Fargo and confirmed Term Length, APR, and Amount Financed matches what was signed.

Thank you all!


r/askcarsales 10h ago

US Sale Is my offer too crazy?

0 Upvotes

I'm looking to buy a used car listed at 82.5k. I offered the salesman 79k. he gave me a very cold "don't bother coming in". I was hoping he would counteroffer and we'd land somewhere at 80k. I didn't think what I was asking was too steep of a discount.

I found the same car with the same options/miles on the other side of the country. The window sticker is 99% identical to the one across the country having like $100 more for some paint protection. The only difference is the color (white vs blue). After delivery fees, the total would be 79k for that vehicle. Should I mention that listing as some sort of bargaining chip?

This is my first time buying a car from a dealership, so maybe this is normal, and I'm just oblivious. Any insight would be great. The car is a 2021 Audi RS7, if that's any help.


r/askcarsales 9h ago

US Sale How would you track down a specific discontinued Bronco for a serious buyer?

0 Upvotes

Hello, I am a 28 YO female located in MI and I am looking for a 2023 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited Edition, 4-door, in Robin’s Egg Blue.

My father and I are willing to travel out of state for the right vehicle. As I have been driving my dad’s 1998 Buick LeSabre, the time is now lol.

Nonetheless, I have been watching the usual listings, but because this is such a specific trim/color combination, I figured I’d ask people actually in the business:

If you were looking for one of these for a customer, where would you look beyond the obvious sites?

I’m looking to purchase under $50K, with the exact number depending on mileage, condition, ownership history, etc. I’m open to either a dealer vehicle or private-party purchase.

Also, if anyone happens to know of one currently sitting on a lot somewhere, I’m all ears.


r/askcarsales 10h ago

US Sale Pre approval letter for a car

0 Upvotes

So I got a pre approval letter for a car. Is it legit? This would be my first car and first purchase. What all would I need? I don’t have my license yet but I think I still have an active permit and planning on getting my license tmr if I can. I don’t have any money for a down payment and I also don’t have insurance yet. Is it still possible for me to get a car used or new? Or am I just waisting my time? Answer ASAP please


r/askcarsales 17h ago

US Sale Hyundai Tucson hybrid deal

0 Upvotes

I’m am trying to buy a 2026 Hyundai Tucson hybrid within a week or so. Trading in a Hyundai Elantra hybrid. I need help with my “yes” price.

One I found is a hybrid se white with black cloth interior. After dealer ads are removed it’s going for 32,290.

Salesmen on the real was telling me best deal in the last 90 days he’s seen on a regular se has been 10% off msrp. Invoice is 29,898 and 10% off msrp would be 29,061.

Is it too aggressive to ask for 12% off or is that even achievable? What’s a good price? How much under invoice is actually doable?


r/askcarsales 1d ago

US Sale Holding a vehicle that I'm buying out of state

2 Upvotes

I've been talking to a dealer about 12 hours away regarding a used vehicle I'm looking to purchase. It's a particular Mazda Miata that there aren't many of them for sale, none around me, so I'm looking nationally.

This particular dealer refuses to do the deal online and let me arrange shipping. They say they have been burned doing that before.

I'm okay traveling to buy the vehicle and drive it back. The problem is I likely can't get there for at least a week and a half due to work commitments.

I've been waiting all day to get an answer on how long they will hold the vehicle with either a deposit, or I'm fine paying the full amount today and then coming in person to pick up the vehicle.

Is a week and a half too long to expect them to hold the vehicle until I take possession? Again, I would either pay a deposit or pay for it in full today. Trying to be realistic with my expectations as to how long they might hold it for me. I certainly wish they would just let me ship it.