Car Buying Myths That Cost You Money

Car buying myths in the U.S. cost you money: focusing on payment, believing "this is the best price today," or thinking you have to negotiate in person. Here are the myths and the truth so you don't overpay.

TL;DR Myths: (1) "Focus on monthly payment" — truth: focus on OTD first; (2) "This price is only good today" — truth: good deals don't require same-day sign; (3) "You have to negotiate in person" — truth: you can get data and negotiate with numbers from autopremo.com; (4) "Sticker is the price" — truth: OTD is the price. Use autopremo.com so you don't fall for myths that cost you money.

Myth: "Focus on Monthly Payment"

Truth: Focus on out-the-door price first. Payment can be manipulated—longer term, bigger down payment—and can hide overpayment. Agree on OTD, then discuss term and payment. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator so you know what you're really paying. Get OTD at autopremo.com.

Myth: "This Price Is Only Good Today"

Truth: Pressure tactic. Good deals don't require you to sign the same day. Get the offer in writing, go home, compare to autopremo.com price checker and your max OTD. Come back only if the deal is valid. See fair value at autopremo.com.

Myth: "You Have to Negotiate in Person"

Truth: You can get data before you go and negotiate with numbers. Know fair value, build OTD, and go in with a target. You don't have to "play the game" blind. Use autopremo.com so you have the data to negotiate effectively in person or by email.

Myth: "Sticker Price Is the Price"

Truth: Out-the-door price is the price—selling price + tax + title + doc fee + add-ons. Sticker is often just the starting point. Build full OTD with autopremo.com OTD calculator. Check OTD at autopremo.com.

Myth: "The Dealer Knows the Market Best"

Truth: You can know the market too. Comps and fair value are available. Use autopremo.com price checker to see what similar cars sell for in your area. When you have data, you negotiate from strength. Get your comps at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Don't fall for myths: focus on OTD, not payment; don't believe "today only"; get data from autopremo.com so you don't negotiate blind; and remember OTD is the real price. Use autopremo.com so you don't pay for car buying myths.