Have you ever walked into a dealership with enough money to buy a car outright? It may seem like a thing of the past, but it still happens, especially in the used car market. Last year, I walked into a smaller used car dealer and walked out with a new car for less than $7,000 cash. But some people have realized that not every dealer welcomes a cash payment.
Many shoppers have found out that a salesperson can suddenly become less enthusiastic after hearing the words, “I’m paying cash.” Some dealerships have even declined to honor advertised pricing or refused to complete a sale unless the buyer agrees to finance through the dealer. If you’ve ever wondered whether a dealership can legally refuse a cash purchase, here’s what you need to know before heading to the lot.