7 Reasons Car Dealerships Still Treat Women and Men Differently
In an era where we expect professionalism and fairness in every industry, the car-buying experience still feels stuck in a different decade. Walk into a dealership, and the difference in treatment between men and women can be startling. While some salespeople are respectful and unbiased, car dealership gender bias is still very real—and very common. Whether it’s talking down to women or assuming men want horsepower over safety, outdated assumptions still shape the buying experience. Here are seven reasons dealerships continue to treat men and women differently, even when they know better.
1. Outdated Sales Training and Assumptions
Many dealerships still operate with sales tactics rooted in outdated gender roles. Salespeople are often trained—or at least conditioned—to assume that men are more knowledgeable about cars and that women need things “explained.” This creates an immediate power imbalance in the conversation, even if it’s not intentional. Women may be asked if a male partner will be joining or if they’re “sure” about a choice. These subtle digs reinforce car dealership gender bias and often push women toward shopping elsewhere.
2. Assuming Different Priorities Based on Gender
Men are often steered toward performance, speed, or aggressive-looking vehicles, while women are nudged toward safety features, family-friendly options, or compact SUVs. While there’s nothing wrong with any of these features, making assumptions based solely on gender ignores the customer’s actual needs. A woman might be looking for a truck to haul gear, and a man might want something economical for city driving. When salespeople pre-filter inventory based on gender, they do a disservice to both the customer and the dealership.
3. Price Negotiations Aren’t Handled Equally
Studies have shown that women often receive higher price quotes than men for the exact same vehicles. The assumption is that women are less likely to haggle or may not know what a fair price looks like. Some dealerships even use a patronizing tone during negotiations, offering “helpful” explanations rather than treating women as informed consumers. Men, by contrast, are more likely to be met with respect during tough negotiations. This pricing double standard reflects a larger pattern of car dealership gender bias that still hasn’t been corrected.
4. Women Are Often Asked About Approval From Others
While men are usually treated as the final decision-makers, women are frequently asked if they need to “check with someone”—like a spouse or parent. This undermines their authority and assumes they lack financial independence or automotive confidence. Even if well-meaning, these questions feel patronizing and unnecessary. No one should be made to feel like they need validation to make a purchase. Women buying cars aren’t looking for permission—they’re looking for performance, value, and respect.
5. Test Drives Are Sometimes Limited or Oversupervised
Believe it or not, women have reported shorter or overly monitored test drives compared to men. Some are only offered to ride as passengers, or are guided through a route with limited turns and features to test. Meanwhile, male shoppers are often handed the keys and given more freedom to explore. This unequal treatment sends a clear message: that women need “guidance” or supervision behind the wheel. It’s not just insulting—it’s bad business.
6. Questions and Concerns Get Dismissed
When women ask questions about specs, warranties, or financing, they’re sometimes talked over or brushed off with vague responses. Instead of providing clear answers, some salespeople assume women aren’t really interested in the technical side of things. Men, on the other hand, tend to get thorough responses, whether they ask for details or not. This kind of customer service gap only reinforces the idea that women aren’t “serious” car buyers, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Good customer service means listening first, regardless of gender.
7. The Staff Often Lacks Gender Diversity
Walk into most dealerships, and you’ll likely see a sales floor dominated by men. This lack of gender diversity affects how women are treated, often leaving them with no one to relate to or feel comfortable around. Having more women on staff could help balance conversations, reduce assumptions, and make the environment more inclusive. Until that happens, the car dealership gender bias cycle will continue to repeat itself. Representation isn’t just a buzzword—it directly impacts the customer experience.
Time to Trade In Old Habits for Respectful Service
Car dealerships have come a long way, but there’s still work to be done. Treating every customer with equal respect, regardless of gender, should be the standard, not the exception. Whether you’re buying your first car or your fifth, you deserve transparency, fairness, and support. The only thing a dealership should assume about you is that you know what you want. Let’s leave the stereotypes in the rearview mirror where they belong.
Have you ever felt treated differently at a dealership based on your gender? Tell us your experience in the comments—your story could help spark change.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.