I think this is, happily, becoming a myth. The transparency of the internet and the ease of owner to owner sales is making the used-car market more efficient. I

I think this is, happily, becoming a myth. The transparency of the internet and the ease of owner to owner sales is making the used-car market more efficient. It is easier now for consumers to know the value of a vehicle. If you are treated poorly or over-quoted at a dealership, hopefully you are in a position to just leave (like the parent). Fighting the "war", even if you win, is still supporting the old model. Keep in mind that it sucks for the salesperson, too, at these sorts of dealerships. I recently bought my first used car since 2007. The first dealership I went to is still in the past: "You know, before you go, I've just remembered I've got another one in the back that would be perfect for you....", overpriced, etc. The second dealership I went to simply pointed us toward the computer with a searchable inventory with all the information about the cars, prices, and additional fees explained. The way a purchase should be. Knowing the value of the vehicle beforehand made it easy know the additional cost due to the convenience of not searching on craigslist for weeks and weeks for some random "best deal", and driving out of the lot that day with a clean, serviced vehicle.