Buying a car can feel like a high-stakes game, especially when you walk onto the lot, armed with excitement and a bit of trepidation. Car salesmen are trained pros who know how to read people, and you, my friend, don’t want to hand them easy wins. To help you navigate the maze of negotiations and avoid unintentionally handing over the upper hand, these are the ten things you should never, under any circumstances, say to a car salesman. 

10. "I’m just browsing." 

Let’s face it, you’re not just browsing—you’ve got an itch to buy, and it’s probably the one thing occupying your mind all week. When you say this, you signal that you’re not serious about pulling out the credit card anytime soon, giving the salesman the impression that they don’t need to put in the extra effort. A car salesman aims to close deals, so they’re looking for customers ready to commit. Saying "just browsing" might lead to them showing you cars far beyond your budget or, worse, offering zero effort because they sense you're a low-priority customer. 

9. "I don’t know anything about cars." 

Let’s be real here—no one expects you to be a car expert, but giving up all your power by saying this will likely land you in a situation where the salesman will think you don’t know the difference between a radiator and a cup holder. Sure, you don’t need to be able to rebuild an engine, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Researching the car’s make, model, and features beforehand lets the salesperson know you're no push-over. Trust us; you'll get more respect and a better deal if you walk in with at least some basic understanding. 

8. "I’ll take whatever deal you can give me." 

Oh, sweet, sweet, surrender. This is a neon sign saying, “Please take advantage of me!” It’s understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed or just want to get the process over with, but saying this gives the salesman a free pass to present you with the highest prices and fees possible. The price of the car isn’t the only thing they have wiggle room on. They can charge for add-ons, warranties, or even things you don’t need. If you say you’ll take whatever they offer, you’re essentially handing over your bargaining power and turning the negotiations in their favor. 

7. "What’s the lowest price you can do?" 

This one might sound like a negotiation tactic, but it can put the salesman on the defensive. Instead of helping you out, it might make them start lowballing your trade-in value or offering you a higher monthly payment. The reason? You’ve set up the conversation to be all about price when, in fact, a car deal is a lot more than just the sticker price. Instead, ask for a breakdown of the car’s total cost, including fees, taxes, and other charges. That way, you can see if the deal is truly a bargain, not just the base price, which might not be the full picture. 

6. "I have bad credit." 

Sure, you probably think you're being upfront and honest, but this can automatically put you in a "problem customer" box for the salesman. While it’s important to be transparent about your financial situation, opening with this statement might cause the salesperson to get stuck in a mode where they’re trying to find ways to close the sale with less favorable terms. You’re better off showing them you’re prepared—bring your credit report and be ready to talk about what you can afford. This shows you're ready for a smart, strategic conversation rather than a desperate plea for a deal. 

5. "I don’t care about the car, I just need transportation." 

This one is like waving a red flag to the salesman. You're telling them you're not picky, which could mean they’ll try to sell you a model that doesn’t meet your needs or offer you less-than-ideal options. Remember, this isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about investing in a car that suits your lifestyle. Whether it’s fuel efficiency, safety features, or interior space, make sure you communicate your preferences so the salesman doesn’t try to talk you into a car you’ll regret buying. 

4. "I’m in a huge rush." 

We get it—sometimes life happens, and you need to get a car quickly. But dropping this line is like giving the salesman a free pass to hurry you through the process, which often means you don’t get to take your time on the important stuff. They might skip over questions you should ask or rush the paperwork just to close the deal. While there’s nothing wrong with needing to get in and out, don’t let urgency drive you into making an impulsive decision. You can still make the process quick without sacrificing important details. 

3. "This is the only dealership I’m visiting." 

This is probably the most dangerous phrase you can say. Telling a car salesman that you're not considering other dealerships can cause them to think they don’t need to give you their best offer. They know that you won’t be walking out and shopping around, so why not test your limits? If you’re really set on buying from them, a better move would be to say something like, “I’m considering other options but would like to hear your offer.” This lets the salesman know you’re informed, open to other options, and prepared to walk away. 

2. "I’m only here for the free coffee." 

Joking about the free coffee or treats they offer at the dealership might seem harmless, but it sends the wrong message. It can make you appear disinterested or not serious about buying, and salespeople thrive on customers who are ready to make a deal. Even if you’re just trying to lighten the mood, it’s best to engage in the conversation to show you’re invested in the process. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re just the person serving you free snacks on the way to your next stop. 

1. "I love the car, but I have to speak with my partner first." 

It’s one thing to be cautious and discuss big decisions with your partner, but saying this upfront is like signaling to the salesman that you’re a soft target. It also allows them to use high-pressure tactics or push you into making an impulse purchase before you “talk it over.” Instead, if you truly need to consult with your partner, ensure you don’t reveal it until you’re closer to a final decision. You can always ask to take the car for a test drive and come back later. This ensures that you don’t feel rushed and have time to consider your options and discuss with the person whose opinion matters most.