My experiences with 2nd hand car dealers have been frustrating -
whether its buying or selling a car. More often than not, they are
ah bengs who are tactless.
There was once after I test-drove a car, I couldn't decide if it
was worth the price. So I told him the truth, and that won't make a
decision yet. He just pointed to the Singapore Pools shop nearby
and said "go there and buy Toto....when you hit, then come back to
see me again".
There was another time when I wanted to buy a certain car. On that
day, there were a few advertisments in the paper's classified ads
for this type of car. Maybe I was stupid for being too
honest....when I visited the first dealer, I told him the truth
"I'm interested in this model, but as you know there are a few of
these on sale today and I want to try at least a few before making
my final decision". His reply was "oh, all the ads in the papers
today are ours - and all are for this same car, so no need to call
others already. You want, you can just buy". Talk cock!
There were even twice where I made an appointment to view the car.
When I reached there and asked to view the car, they pointed to the
car and said "there is the car, you go and view it lor". Then they
continued to go about their own business, ignoring me and leaving
me standing there like a fool.
There was once when after I viewed the car, he told me "actually,
another person has already offered to buy this car....so if you
want to give a higher offer, I can let you have it". I
refused....and after a few weeks, I saw the same car still being
advertised in the papers (classified ads). They lied.
Their general attitude is "don't ask too many questions, just buy
or fuck off....and we don't have to be polite, fair or honest with
you". And most have zero knowledge about the vehicles they are
selling too.
I've played with cars before and have had many other frustrating
experiences with them. Thats why for my present car, I bought it
brand new, directly from the agent....and I intend to keep it for
its lifespan of 10 years. Nowadays, some brand new cars are
actually quite affordable.
Out of the more than 50 used car dealers I've met, there were only
a few nice and honest ones. Its a waste that I didn't keep in touch
with them (after all, I don't sell cars every week 
). However, I think its best to ask your
friend/relative/family to recommend instead of asking publicly,
like in this forum ('cos you'll never know what you'll get - eg.
you may even get a 2nd car dealer posing to be a friend....and he
will only show his true colours later).
When you do find a good one, keep in touch with thim because they
are very rare....and they are the ones who deserve our business.
Good Luck!
