Examples of Gender Bias in Car Sales

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Elle - 31 May 2005 23:09 GMT

I thought this an interesting read, for those silly enough to believe gender
bias is all in a person's head:

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/45991/article.html

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Elmo P. Shagnasty - 01 Jun 2005 00:43 GMT

> I thought this an interesting read, for those silly enough to believe gender
> bias is all in a person's head:
>
> http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/45991/article.html

You're right. There's plenty of gender bias--on both sides of the fence.

I was the victim of it about 20 years ago, in women's studies class in
college.

That gender bias exists does not mean that gender bias is EVERYWHERE.
If you believe that, YOU'RE being silly.

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jim beam - 01 Jun 2005 02:46 GMT

> I thought this an interesting read, for those silly enough to believe gender
> bias is all in a person's head:
>
> http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/45991/article.html

no one is saying gender bias doesn't exist. what we're all saying is
that someone cannot victimize you unless you in some way allow them.
that's /NOT/ a criticism! and it's gender neutral. it's also worth
saying again: it's impossible to victimize someone that doesn't allow
it. [isn't there an elenor roosevelt quote to that effect somewhere?]
if that statement makes no sense, then it's something that would be good
to research.

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Bucky - 01 Jun 2005 07:51 GMT

Interesting article. I had a female friend who went to buy a car, and
her boyfriend tagged along. Most of the salesmen kept talking to her
boyfriend, even though he told them that she was the one buying the car
(for example, asking him, "What color car is she looking for?"). She
ended up buying a car from the dealer who treated her with the most
respect.

I do agree that female buyers can't prevent gender bias in terms of
attitude from salesmen. But if you've done your homework and studied
the differences between the models, the prices, negotiating/sales
tactics, and shopped around at several dealerships, they can't rip you
off.

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Dee - 05 Jun 2005 03:11 GMT

No doubt there is gender bias, and as a rule women aren't taken as seriously
as men by those in the auto industry. However, women need to educate
themselves and not tolerate condescending behavior. The door swings both
ways -- just walk out. And don't hesitate to tell them why. Some of them
might not even be aware they're doing it.

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SoCalMike - 05 Jun 2005 08:14 GMT

> No doubt there is gender bias, and as a rule women aren't taken as seriously
> as men by those in the auto industry. However, women need to educate
> themselves and not tolerate condescending behavior. The door swings both
> ways -- just walk out. And don't hesitate to tell them why. Some of them
> might not even be aware they're doing it.

oh, they know. theyre just plain a.sholes regardless. best thing to do
is buy online via sams, costco, autobytel, AAA, etc.

you wont even deal with the scum, youll get a decent deal, and you wont
feel cheated.

also, do the research on the "foursquare" sheet they use. APR/down
payment/trade in/purchase price. they play with those numbers to get
what THEY want.

just by selling private party, you eliminte one of those 4 squares. pay
cash for the car or get preapproved financing through your bank or
credit union, and you eliminate 2 more... which leaves the purchase
price. and negotiating that ONE number is easier than getting
potentially confused by FOUR.

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Sparky Spartacus - 05 Jun 2005 11:45 GMT

>> No doubt there is gender bias, and as a rule women aren't taken as
>> seriously
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> payment/trade in/purchase price. they play with those numbers to get
> what THEY want.

I had great fun 2 years ago when I stopped by my local Honda dealer for
a test drive and to negotiate my new Accord EX sedan (I had researched
them on the Web and had a guaranteed price from CarsDirect, which was
below the "dealer invoice").

He whipped out his 4-square and asked me about my trade in - didn't have
one. Then he asked me about how big a monthly payment I could afford, I
told him I thought the monthly payment was a function of the amount
financed & the rate, so what rate can you quote me (I had pre-approval
from Honda Finance, but the dealer sets the rate)?

He futzed around for a bit and told me the *very* best they could do was
about $1,000 above the "dealer invoice", so I thanked him for the test
drive & his time and left. Got a call around lunch time the next day
saying he'd discussed it with the Sales Mgr and they would met my price
(plus they financed $14,000 at 3.64%). Walking out of their office is
one of the most dramatic things a buyer can do, plus you can be super
polite about it. <Heh>

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