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Outsmart the Lot

Don't get ripped off at the dealership.

Pick where you are in the car-buying process. Get clear steps, questions to ask, and words to use.

Choose my situation Free to use · No account needed
Deal X-ray Offer guide

Buying a car? Ask for a written quote.

Choose Price, Payment, or Add-ons to see what a purchase quote should show.

PARTS OF AN OFFER
Ask for each part in writing.
Vehicle price
Dealer fees
Optional products
Taxes + government fees
Total with taxes and fees
Loan terms, if borrowing
ASK · CHECK · DECIDE01 / 03
Ask the dealer for the total purchase price, including taxes and fees, in writing.Check a purchase quote

Where are you right now?

Pick the situation that fits to see steps, questions to ask, and words to use.

  1. Get ready to shopI'm getting ready to shop
  2. Handle pressureI'm at a dealership now
  3. Review an offerI'm reviewing an offer
  4. Solve a problemI've already bought or leased

Hear the pressure. Have your answer.

Choose something a dealer might say. See words you can use in reply.

The dealer says
“What monthly payment are you comfortable with?”
What you can say to the salesperson
“Please give me the full purchase price, with every charge listed. Then we can review the financing separately.”

Handle payment pressure

A lower payment can mean a longer loan.

Buying used? Check before you sign.

A history report, recall lookup, and inspection answer different questions.

Buying from a dealer? Use this checklist Buying from an owner? Use this checklist
Find a history-report providerThe U.S. Department of Justice lists providers; reports may cost money.Check for open recallsUse the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) to look up unrepaired safety recalls.Plan an independent inspectionAsk a mechanic you choose to check the car.
Independent help, with sources you can check.How we review guidance · Browse the library · More tools