The Most Insane Excuses from Car Dealers: A Decade of Stories and Advice

For nearly ten years, I have been sharing captivating stories and invaluable advice about car dealerships on Jalopnik. From dealerships refusing to provide written quotes to those notorious for excessive charges and add-ons, I have seen it all. There was even a shocking incident where a dealership thought it was acceptable to detain a customer against their will. Let’s dive into some of the most outrageous stories and learn from them.

Dealerships That Avoid Written Quotes

One of the recurring issues I have come across is dealerships that refuse to provide written quotes. This practice leaves customers vulnerable to potential scams and manipulations. In my article “This Is the Most Insane Excuse for Why a Dealer Won’t Send You a Written Quote,” I shed light on this unethical behavior and discuss the importance of insisting on written documentation.

Excessive Charges and Add-Ons

Another common problem in the car buying process is dealerships piling on excessive charges and add-ons. In my article “This Florida Dealer Should Win an Award for the Most Ridiculous Extra Charges,” I expose a dealership that takes advantage of unsuspecting customers by tacking on unnecessary fees. By being aware of these tactics, you can protect yourself from falling into similar traps.

Unbelievable: Detaining Customers

Perhaps the most shocking story I have encountered involves a dealership that resorted to kidnapping-like tactics to pressure a customer into making a purchase. In my article “Apparently, Some Car Dealers Think It’s Okay to Detain Customers,” I delve into this disturbing incident and emphasize the importance of knowing your rights as a consumer.

If you want to learn more about these jaw-dropping stories and gain valuable insights into the car buying process, click here to read more.