Much as it pains me to admit it as a lifelong car guy, I’ve had bad experiences in buying cars.  I’m going to be honest:  over the years, I’ve been seriously jacked by new-car dealers, more than once.  I’ve even been in the position of knowing it was happening, and not knowing how to escape.  Sure, everyone says to walk away–but how do you do that when they’re holding your credit card and car keys?

That’s right; I’m a knowledgeable car enthusiast, with years of experience in visiting dealerships and evaluating cars.  I’m the person that non-car-savvy friends want alongside them while they’re car shopping, and I fell right into the dealers’ trap, more than once.  Chances are, you will, too.

Next time I step onto a dealer’s lot, I’m going armed with insider information.  Inside the Minds of Car Dealers is a new book written by Ray Lopez, a former car salesman with thirty years of experience in numerous dealerships.  Inside the Minds of Car Dealers is, as the title suggests, a 118-page insight into the mind of a car salesman, and contains engagingly-written explanations of what goes on behind the curtain at a car dealer, so to speak.  Inside the Minds of Car Dealers offers tips on how to find a good dealer before you even leave the house, explains the head games salesmen play and how they can spot a so-called “auto expert” a mile away–and take him or her for even more money than they will the average consumer.

Reading Inside the Minds of Car Dealers, I saw exactly what was going on when I bought my Miata…and my Saab…and my Escort.  This book explained what the dealer was doing in each case–and how I was getting taken for every last cent each time!  Lopez’ writing style is a bit heavy-handed at times, but the information contained in this volume is vital, valuable stuff that’ll make your next car buying experience a great deal less stressful.  It’s $15.95 well spent.

Inside the Minds of Car Dealers is available from Five Star Publications.  For more information, check out www.insidethemindsofcardealers.com.