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Straight explanations of how vehicle deals actually work, so you know what you are looking at before you sign anything.
At the Dealership
7 articles
Why "What Payment Are You Looking For?" Is the Wrong Question to Answer
Dealers can hit almost any monthly payment by stretching the loan term.
How a Higher Trade-In Offer Can Cost You Money
A dealer can raise your trade-in value and quietly take it back on the vehicle price.
The Four-Square Worksheet: How the Dealership's Favorite Tool Actually Works
The four-square splits your deal into price, trade, down payment, and monthly payment so the numbers can be shuffled between boxes.
"Let Me Check With My Manager" and the Deposit That Comes With It
Repeated manager trips slow a negotiation down, and a deposit requested before you have a written number is a warning sign.
Nothing Is Final Until You Sign: The Guilt Play at the End of a Car Deal
If new fees appear late and you try to walk, a dealer may invoke an earlier verbal agreement to keep you at the desk.
Trade In or Sell It Yourself? Running the Tax Math Properly
Trading in usually lowers your sales tax, and dealers use that to argue their offer beats an outside cash offer.
When the Advertised Price Is Not the Price: What the FTC Told 97 Dealer Groups
In March 2026 the FTC warned 97 dealership groups that advertised prices must be the total price.
Rather not do this part yourself?
We negotiate the purchase, lease, trade-in, and add-ons start to finish. Book a free consultation and we will walk through your situation.
In the Finance Office
5 articles
GAP Insurance at the Dealership: What It Costs and What It Should Cost
Dealers commonly charge $500 to $1,000 for GAP insurance.
Extended Warranties: The Markup, the Negotiation Room, and When They Make Sense
Dealer extended warranties commonly carry 100 to 200 percent markup with 25 to 40 percent real negotiation room.
Prepaid Maintenance Plans: How to Tell If the Math Works for You
A plan that costs the dealer $1,500 can sell for $2,500.
Credit Insurance at the Dealership: Never Required, Frequently Sold
Credit life, disability, and unemployment insurance are optional by law and consistently overpriced against standalone coverage.
Protection Packages and Dealer-Installed Options: When "Already On the Car" Is Still Negotiable
Paint sealant, tint, and protection bundles are often presented as pre-installed and non-negotiable.
Rather not do this part yourself?
We negotiate the purchase, lease, trade-in, and add-ons start to finish. Book a free consultation and we will walk through your situation.
Financing and Incentives
5 articles
Dealer Financing or Your Own Bank? How to Decide Before You Walk In
Dealers can beat a credit union rate, and they can also mark one up.
Low APR or the Cash Rebate? Running the Math on Which to Take
Manufacturers usually make you choose between promotional financing and a cash incentive.
Lease or Finance? The Comparison Most People Get Wrong
Leasing is not throwing money away and financing is not automatically cheaper.
Car Dealer Doc Fees by State: What's Normal, What's a Red Flag
Doc fees range from under $100 to over $1,000 depending on your state.
Car Rebates and Incentives Explained: What Actually Stacks
What conquest cash, loyalty rebates, and dealer cash actually mean, and which ones stack.
Rather not do this part yourself?
We negotiate the purchase, lease, trade-in, and add-ons start to finish. Book a free consultation and we will walk through your situation.