Is this a new gimmick in selling selling used cars...excuse me, "preowned?

[demosincebirth]

Heard the other day on the radio this guy haveing a "tremendous" sale of used cars...er, 'scuse me, "pre-owned" cars at "whole sale" prices.
I did not catch it right away, the more I started thinking, the more I thought...what the hell is the "whole sale" price for a used car? There is Blue Book value, a private party, etc. Never have I heard of a whole sale price for a used car. Please tell me, its not just me with this issue.

[AllegroRondo]

1. A wholesaler is more of a middleman

they buy traded in cars (pre-owned cars) from dealers and such, clean them, and re-sell to used car lots.
I'm not sure what they mean by wholesale price, its probably just a gimmick to get you to come in.

[Bozita]

2. 'pre-owned' cars are used cars selling for over $10,000

[central scrutinizer]

3. "Used car salesman" is a perjorative for a reason

actually, many reasons. Every week, they have their "biggest sale of the year". I love the ads for one of our local dealers: "we will pay off your current loan, even if you owe $5000 more than it is worth!" Then at the end when all of the legal disclaimers are spoken by somebody who can talk really, really fast, you can hear "negative equity added to amount financed". Let's see...a new car loses $2000 as soon as you drive off the lot, so now you own a car that is worth $7000 less than you owe on it. What a great deal.

[demosincebirth]

5. Thats another way to get people to buy...

cars that they can't afford.

[JohnnyRingo]

4. I always liked: These cars are "pre-tagged" ...the lowest price is on the

windshield....no need to haggle.

These deals are good only today...We won't be able to offer these prices tomorrow. (?)

At these prices, these cars won't last long. (truth in advertising)

[AlCzervik]

6. I like "Formerly registered"

[demosincebirth]

8. ...or only 5 left at this price

You go the the dealer within the next hour and they'll tell you they just sold the last one at "this price."

Car salesmen or Lawyer, don't know which one I hate dealing with the most

[KurtNYC]

7. I got it!

You go the dealership. They show the "pre-owned" cars then ask to see the non pre-owned cars. When they point to one - get in and drive away! No one owns it!

(Warning: This should be attempted only by trained smart alec professionals. Do not try this at home.)

[4_TN_TITANS]

9. they're all full of it....

of all things, don't get hung up or suckered by used car sales jargon!

All high-end product sellers are hurting right now because people and companies are feeling the Bush squeeze. The small business joys of shrinking the middle class.....

[Kat45]

10. There's a preowned Lexus dealership near me.

And a new Lexus dealership down the street from it.