Car Dealership Mind Games

Top 10 Ways They Drive Away with Your Cash (How We Are Manipulated)

By: Elira Fontayne

Narrated by: Ashley Bourgeois

Buying a car should feel exciting–that moment when you slide into the driver’s seat, smell the fresh interior, and picture yourself cruising down the open road. But step into a dealership, and you quickly realise it’s not just about picking a vehicle. It’s about navigating a high-stakes game where the rules are set by professionals trained to maximise one thing–your spending.

Car Dealership Mind Games pulls back the curtain on the subtle, calculated tactics dealerships use every day. From the “Manager Approval” Marathon that keeps you waiting just long enough to wear down your resolve, to the “Tag-Team” Good Cop, Bad Cop routine designed to steer your emotions, each chapter breaks down a classic strategy that can cost you thousands if you’re not prepared. You’ll see exactly how sales teams use urgency, charm, confusion, and even faux friendships to guide you toward decisions that benefit them far more than you.

Author Elira Fontayne explains why the showroom feels so carefully staged–the lighting, the music, the polished displays–and how every element is engineered to keep you relaxed, impressed, and just a little dazzled. She reveals the psychological triggers dealerships rely on, from “anchoring” high prices to make lesser ones seem like bargains, to the “Monthly Payment Maze” that hides the true cost of your car behind appealingly small numbers.

©2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK (P)2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK

Stop Overspending Fast

This audiobook teaches you how to stop losing money at dealerships by identifying manipulative tactics early. Fontayne breaks down every trick in a friendly, digestible way. The narration flows beautifully and maintains interest throughout. The book delivers practical skills that can help anyone negotiate smarter and avoid emotional traps. A powerful tool for every car buyer.

Decode Sales Manipulation

This audiobook reveals psychological tricks dealerships depend on to nudge buyers toward overspending. Fontayne’s tone is informative but never overwhelming, and every tactic is explained with practical examples. Bourgeois’ narration adds polish and clarity. I loved learning how showroom environments are engineered for emotional influence. A fantastic guide for anyone wanting a smarter, stronger approach to car buying.

Eye-Opening and a Little Infuriating

Some tactics described here honestly made me angry, especially the fake friendship routine and monthly payment traps. But knowing the truth is empowering. This book arms you with awareness, which is exactly what dealerships hope you won’t have.

Reveals the Secrets Behind Every Dealership Visit

This book is incredibly insightful, breaking down classic strategies like the Good Cop/Bad Cop routine and the Manager Approval stall. The author explains how dealers manipulate emotions and perceptions, helping readers recognize and avoid costly mistakes. A practical and empowering guide for car buyers.

Uncovers Tricks Dealers Hope You Ignore

The breakdown of psychological triggers was fascinating. I had no idea how much the showroom environment influences your decisions. Dealers won’t like this book, but buyers will love it.

Know Their Playbook

Car Dealership Mind Games serves as a buyer’s defense manual. The way Fontayne exposes each tactic, from fake friendships to emotional steering, is both fascinating and empowering. Ashley Bourgeois brings the content to life with clarity. This audiobook gives listeners control in a situation where dealerships usually hold all the power. Essential listening for shoppers.

Eye-Opening Guide to Car Buying Tactics

Car Dealership Mind Games is a must-read for anyone preparing to buy a car. Elira Fontayne exposes the subtle psychological tricks salespeople use, from staged showrooms to high-pressure negotiation tactics. I now feel much more prepared and confident entering a dealership.

Great Balance of Stories and Actionable Tips

The author blends real-world anecdotes with clear step-by-step advice. The examples make it easy to understand how these mind games unfold. I appreciate that each chapter ends with practical strategies to avoid paying more than necessary.

Helpful Even If You’ve Bought Cars Before

I’ve purchased several cars over the years, and yet I still learned new things from this book. It highlights subtle tactics that buyers often overlook. Even experienced shoppers will appreciate the deeper insights.

Explains the Psychology Better Than Anything Else

The strength of this book is how it breaks down the psychology behind dealership strategies. It’s not just warnings—it explains why our brains fall for certain cues. I walked away feeling far more confident and prepared for my next negotiation.