A buyer agent may help a consumer with purchasing a vehicle as long as they are not:

The role of a buyer agent in the vehicle purchasing process is fundamentally to act in the best interest of the consumer. A buyer agent may assist in finding and negotiating the purchase of a vehicle, but this relationship is compromised if the agent is compensated by the dealer. When a buyer agent receives payment from the dealer, it can create a conflict of interest. This situation might lead the agent to prioritize the interests of the dealer over those of the consumer, which undermines the trust and loyalty that is expected in a buyer-agent relationship.

In a healthy buyer-agent relationship, the agent should be dedicated solely to guiding and protecting the consumer's interests. Therefore, in order for the buyer agent to fulfill their role effectively without conflicting interests, it is essential that their compensation comes directly from the consumer. This ensures that their motivation is aligned with securing the best deal for the buyer, rather than being influenced by potential commissions or perks from the dealer.