A low online price is useful only if you can actually buy the advertised vehicle for that amount plus legitimate government charges. In March, the Federal Trade Commission warned 97 dealership groups nationwide to review whether their advertising matched the real price charged to customers.
What the warning covered
The FTC’s examples included required fees left out of the headline, discounts unavailable to most shoppers, an extra required down payment, a price conditioned on dealer financing, mandatory add-ons and vehicles that were not actually available.
Ask for one written number
Request the out-the-door price for the exact VIN before visiting. It should identify the vehicle price, dealer charges, government taxes and registration costs, optional products, rebates and financing conditions. Keep the trade-in separate until the purchase price is clear.
Compare offers on equal terms
Use the same down payment and loan length for every quote. A smaller monthly payment can hide a longer term, larger amount financed or products you did not request. Compare the total of payments with a bank or credit-union preapproval.
The HomeCostGrid view
Save the ad, stock number, email quote and buyer’s order. Cross out unwanted optional products before signing and ask for a clean copy. If the written total suddenly changes, pause the transaction rather than negotiating against a monthly-payment deadline.
