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I worked years in automobile financing at a bank here in Texas and I pretty much know all the tricks and games these dealers play.

Last year I bought a used Chrysler after doing hours of research. I found 2 almost identical Pacifica minivans. One at a local dealer and the other at CarMax. CarMax also gave me an internet offer of $20,000 on my trade in.

I went to the local dealer first. I found and agreed to buy the Pacifica they had at the price they asked. Yet they were only allowing me $18,000 for my trade in. I showed them the contingent offer from CarMax and said this is what I want. They said no, I’d have to go to CarMax and get a written offer from them, not just an internet offer and then come back.

I looked at them and asked if they were crazy. Were they really going to blow the deal and send me to CarMax knowing I would not be back? Even if CarMax did offer me only $18K on the trade in, I’d take it and buy their van.

They came to their senses and gave me the $20,000 trade in allowance.

There’s a million dirty tricks these dealers play. Did you know when they leave their office for whatever reason leaving a couple alone to discuss what’s going on that they record you?

I really should have gone to CarMax in the first place. I hear they don’t screw their customers over and people leave satisfied.