Stay away

1. **High-Pressure Sales**: Salespeople may use aggressive tactics to pressure customers into making a quick decision without fully considering their options or understanding the terms of the deal. This can include tactics like refusing to take no for an answer, repeatedly pushing for add-ons or upgrades, or creating a sense of urgency by claiming that a deal is available for a limited time.

2. **Bait-and-Switch**: Some dealerships may advertise attractive deals or low prices to lure customers into the dealership, only to switch them to more expensive options once they're there. This can involve claiming that the advertised vehicle is no longer available or adding on hidden fees and charges that weren't disclosed upfront.

3. **Manipulative Financing**: Dealerships may manipulate financing terms to take advantage of customers, such as inflating interest rates, adding unnecessary add-ons to the loan, or extending the term of the loan to make the monthly payments seem more affordable while increasing the total cost of the vehicle.

4. **Withholding Information**: Dealerships may withhold important information from customers, such as the history or condition of a used car, the full terms of a financing agreement, or the availability of rebates or incentives. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for customers to make informed decisions.

5. **Guilt Tripping or Shaming**: Some salespeople may use guilt-tripping or shaming tactics to pressure customers into making a purchase, such as implying that they're wasting the salesperson's time or that they're being unreasonable for not agreeing to the deal.

Dealing with strong-arm tactics can be challenging, but consumers can protect themselves by being informed, setting boundaries, and being prepared to walk away if they feel uncomfortable or pressured. It's also helpful to research prices and financing options ahead of time, and to consider shopping at reputable dealerships with a track record of transparency and customer satisfaction. If you encounter deceptive or unethical behavior, you can also report it to relevant regulatory agencies or consumer protection organizations.