What is a Push Pull or Drag Sale?

One of the time honored ways new and used car dealers bring in business is by holding what is known as a push pull or drag sale. This colorful name invokes comical images of consumers managing to get their old wrecks of cars to the dealer in any way they can, all in hopes of being able to use the more or less useless car or truck as a trade in for something more reliable. While many dealers using this approach are honest and ethical, it is important to look closely at the terms and conditions of this type of offer, since there may be hidden fees or terms that would make it better to leave the old wreck at home.

The basics of a push pull or drag sale are normally very simple and straightforward. A dealer creates a trade-in program that ensures a minimum trade in value for cars that are in any type of condition. Even cars that are not running but that the owner can manage to haul to the lot somehow are considered eligible. The acceptance of the vehicle in the PP&D; event is predicated on two things: the owner either having the cash or qualifying for financing to buy a car from the dealer, and the car meeting any minimum standards the dealer has included in the terms of the promotion.

While a push pull or drag sale normally calls for very liberal terms of acceptance when it comes to the trade-in, there are usually one or two qualifiers. For the most part, dealers will not accept cars that are extensively damaged, such as crushed in doors, missing windshields, and similar issues. In addition, most dealers will not accept cars that are missing key components, like drive shafts, engines, and transmissions. The idea is that the car needs to have all its parts, even if they are not in working order.

Before making assumptions about what type of vehicles will in fact qualify as a trade-in on a push pull or drag sale, take some time to look into the terms of the offer. Dealers routinely make the terms readily available for potential customers, both in written form at the dealer and online. Taking the time to do so will help you decide if your old wreck does meet the minimum standards and is likely to qualify for at least a minimum trade-in value.

Keep in mind that choosing to participate in a push pull or drag sale does require the consumer to do some homework on the front end. Always look into the reputation of the dealer offering the promotion, and satisfy yourself as to the integrity and honesty of that dealer. If possible, spend some time researching the dealer online, paying close attention to any reports from consumer watchdog agencies as well as comments from former or current customers. Doing so will often help you avoid getting involved in a deal that ends up costing you more money than if you had skipped the push pull or drag sale altogether and went to a different and more reputable car dealer.