Of all the car columns I've written over the years, I receive more mail on columns written about used car salesman than anything other subject. Additionally, in no way am I insinuating that used car sales people are untrustworthy. Matter of fact, most are trustworthy.
So, with the best interests of "Cars We Remember" readers at heart, here's a lesson in slang that's spoken on used car lots across the country, both good and bad.
"B.C." - customer with bad credit.
"Buried" or "Upside Down" - a customer who owes more than the car he/she is trading.
"Back Lot Special" - a vehicle with little resale value that usually takes up a back row on the
car lot.
"Be Back" - the customer who says they'll be back.
"Bare" - paint that is beginning to fade.
"Checked Tops" - Vehicle with chipped or spotted paint on hood, top or truck.
"Donut" - small size spare tire used on newer vehicles.
"Fresh Badge" - Car that has recent state inspection.
"Full Shot" - A vehicle that has been completely rebuilt following a crash.
"Gear Banger" or "Stick" - Manual transmission equipped vehicles.
"In The Wrapper" - a car in like new condition.
"Leaker" - A bad moon or sun roof.
"Laydown" - customer who buys a car without negotiating price.
"Light the Candles" - start the engine.
"Nine Yards" - A car equipped with every option available.
"Orange Peel" - paint applied poorly that looks wavy.
"Plain Janer" or "Rubbernose" - car with few or no options.
"Put to Sleep" - Customer who paid too much for his/her car.
"Ringer" or "Hot" - a stolen vehicle with incorrect vehicle identification number (VIN).
"Slider" - Power sunroof.
"Slug" or "Dog" - vehicle with a worn engine.
"Spare Is In The Wrapper" - A spare tire that has never been used.
"Six Banger" - A six cylinder engine.
"Spinner" or "Bad Clock" - a vehicle with a rolled back mileage odometer.
"Stroker" or "Tire Kicker" - a person on the lot who looks with no intention of buying.
"Sneakers" or "Paws" - the tires.
"Tight" or "Cherry" - Vehicle in excellent condition.
"The Up" - the next customer assigned to a salesman who has to "get up" to assist.
"Worth A Nickel" - a vehicle with a value of $500. A pair of nickels is $5500, while a dime is $1000. A dozen is $1200 and so forth.
"50-50" - Agreement between buyer and seller where each assumes 50-percent of the cost of repair that occurs within the warranty limit.
Thus, with this knowledge you'll know it's time to leave when you overhear your sales person telling a colleague that you'd be the perfect person to buy the "spinner" that's a "slug" because you're a "laydown" who was "put to sleep" at the last dealership.
And, even though you've been "buried" and are probably not a "B.C.," the chances are good to sell you a dealer installed "slider" and offer a "50-50" warranty for your car and a "pair of nickels."
If readers would like to add some lingo I'll print the best of them.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist who welcomes reader input on collector cars, auto nostalgia or old time motorsports at 116 Main St., Towanda, Pa. 18840 or email at extramile_2000@yahoo.com)
