• noobface@lemmy.world
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    7 days ago

    Nope. In the US we have a system enshrined in state laws that cemented a layer of middlemen between auto manufacturers and consumers. These middlemen are called dealerships. They typically run showrooms, sales, and service for one manufacturer and hold a stock of vehicles on site.

    These guys made so much money fucking consumers over they’re universally distrusted. “Car salesman” is a dirty profession in the US. Because they don’t really add value to the process and had a ton of money, they lobbied aggressively to protect their fiefdoms to state governments and successfully made it illegal in many states for a manufacturer to sell directly to consumers.

    Awful system. I hate buying a car because of it and go to extraordinary lengths to lie and cheat their system when engaging with them, as they’re doing the same by default.

    • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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      7 days ago

      It’s worth noting that they aren’t just lobbyists, in many states the legislature is largely made up of real estate agents and car dealers.

    • Free_Opinions@feddit.uk
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      7 days ago

      Interesting. I’m not sure how it’s different where I’m from. I’ve always just imagined that walking into a Nissan dealership is equivalent to walking into an Apple store.

      Though on the other hand I only buy +10 year old cars so it’s not really something that concerns me so I haven’t put much thought into it.

      I agree about the car salesmen though. They’re professional bullshitters.

      • MegaUltraChicken@lemmy.world
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        7 days ago

        equivalent to walking into an Apple store

        It’s like walking into an Apple Store, but the store is run by a 3rd party that jacks up the price and it’s the only place you can legally buy a new iPhone.