Car dealerships are always looking for innovative ways to lure people through the door, and gift cards have proved to be good bait. Last year, Dodge and Ford dealerships gave away $50 gift cards to those who test drove their cars and trucks. Although these were national promotions, many local dealerships offer their own promos, giving out everything from free gift cards to free turkeys around Thanksgiving.

Check online for national deals, as well as in your mailbox for local giveaways for test drives. If you really just want the gift card and aren't ready to buy a new car, tell the salesman upfront and you won't waste his time or yours.