Car sale jargon
When you are out looking for a car, here are a few popular lines you will come across. We have deciphered the real meanings.
Dealer says: "I'm trying to get you the best deal because I care for you."
What it means: Their job is to sell you a car at the highest profit possible. They do not care for you. That does not mean they are necessarily crooks, just that preserving your bank balance is not their concern.
Seller says: "AC is okay, just needs a gas charge."
What it means: The AC is kaput. If it was in great shape, it would be working and not require a gas top-up/charge. An AC system that needs a gas refill is a leaking AC. And AC repairs are pricey. They usually range between Tk. 15-50K.
Seller says: "The scratches on the windows will be polished out before delivery"
What it means: Window scratches are mostly there to stay. Certain polishes cover the scratches for a certain time but go away after a couple of washes. Badly scratched windows can only be fixed by replacement.
Seller says: Super low mileage.
What it means: Not exactly a false claim but mileage fraud is a common thing even for newer cars with digital odometers. An old, old car with really low numbers may just be too good to be true.
Seller says: "Someone else is interested in it."
What it means: “I see you like my car. I want to scare you into buying it before someone else does.”
Seller says: "Fresh engine. Only used for school duty"
What it means: Perhaps it was used only for school duty. That means incessant stop-and-go traffic where the car sits idling for long periods. This is the most stressful situation a car engine can be in. That is not a good thing. Engines need to stretch out, breathe and scream. Sitting and shuddering in traffic is a slow death.
Seller says: 90 percent fresh.
What it means: “Car has been thoroughly beat up but if you wear very dark sunglasses and look at the car at night, it will be exactly 90 percent fresh. Or more.”
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Showroom: Car Selection
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