“All right, if I scratch my nose, it means they’re trying to screw you. If I rub my chin, I’m telling you to say you’ll think about it. They’ll usually get a manager who’ll finagle the numbers lower. If I tap my forehead, it’s a good deal,” he explained. “Write these questions down.”
Addy tapped the app and typed the questions he gave her.
“Pretend you know what you’re talking about. If you waver or act like you have no idea, you’re a mark,” he advised. “Do you want to practice?”
“Yes, please,” she said, seeming like an eager puppy with her big eyes and phone at the ready.
“Ask me a question,” he ordered.
“All right,…what size engine does it have?”
“No, don’t hesitate. Ask me like you’re ordering one of your nurses to do CPR on a patient,” he coached.
“What size engine does it have?” she asked seriously.
“It has V4, V5, or V6 engine,” he told her.
Addy’s nose scrunched up as she scoured the list searching for the correct response.
“Don’t glance at your phone. Pretend the salesman’s a nurse and you already know what excuse they’ll give you. Appear confident in your questions,” he instructed her as she nodded, absorbing everything.
“Do I want a V4, V5, or V6?” she asked.
“You’ll know when you drive it,” he explained. “We’ll take it for a test drive. Pick something that feels comfortable for you.You’ll be doing the driving. Sit in the seat, try all the buttons, and think about what Zeus might like to ride in, considering his size.”
“Oh, I like your advice,” she said, typing it into her phone.
“You can’t keep glancing at your device,” he warned. “You’ll give yourself away. Do another question.”
“I’m searching for an all-wheel drive vehicle. Do you have any on the lot I can try?”
“Very good,” he complimented. “Try again.”
“What’s the warranty?” she asked with more power.
“You’ve got it,” he assured her. “We’ll check out a few lots and have lunch before we go to the others. Write down the dealer’s name if you see one that interests you. Once we finish lunch, you can decide if you want to revisit or keep going.”
“I really hate you’ll have to spend an entire day car shopping,” she confessed.
“Don’t. I’m in the market for a new vehicle. This one’s a loaner from the team until I find one of my own. I’ll peek while you roam the parking lot, and if I see anything interesting, I’ll return tomorrow.”
“Then I insist on coming with you. It’s only fair. I don’t know how I’d have done this without you,” she said nervously.
“You’d research intensely, and about a year from now, you’ll drive your purchase into your driveway,” he teased. “You can always take a friend.”
Addy nodded and didn’t say anything, another telling sign.
They entered the city, and she sat up, watching the cars pass with interest.
“Oh, I’d like something like that.” She pointed to an SUV at the red light.
“Nice eye,” he said. “It’s a great option. Have you considered a hybrid engine?”
“I’ll have to think about it and let you know,” she said firmly.
“Ahhh,” he said, smiling. “You’ll do great.”
“But seriously, do I want one of those?” she asked.
