How Smart Buyers Think About Cars
How smart buyers think about cars in the US—total cost, data, OTD, and walk-away so they don't overpay or buy the wrong car.
Smart buyers in the U.S. think about cars in terms of total cost, data, out-the-door price, and when to walk—not monthly payment or "I love this car." Here's how smart buyers think about cars.
TL;DR Smart buyers: (1) think total cost—5-year cost, not just payment; (2) get data before they go—fair value, OTD, total cost from autopremo.com; (3) negotiate on OTD first, then term and payment; (4) set a max and walk if the deal doesn't meet it; (5) don't say "I love this car" at the dealer. Use autopremo.com so you think like a smart buyer.Total Cost, Not Payment
Smart buyers care about total cost of ownership—depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance over 5 years—not just monthly payment. Payment can be manipulated (longer term, bigger down payment); total cost tells you what you're really spending. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership so you think in total cost. Get total cost at autopremo.com.
Data Before You Go
Smart buyers get comps, fair value, OTD, and total cost before they set foot in a dealer. They don't negotiate blind. Use autopremo.com price checker, OTD calculator, and total cost of ownership so you have the data. See market and cost at autopremo.com.
OTD First, Then Payment
Smart buyers agree on out-the-door price first. Only after OTD is set do they discuss term and payment. They don't let the dealer shift the conversation to "what payment do you want?" Use autopremo.com so you have a target OTD and stick to it.
Set a Max and Walk
Smart buyers set a max OTD and a max they're willing to pay for total cost. If the deal exceeds either, they walk. They don't cave to pressure or "one more try." Use autopremo.com to know fair value so your max is realistic and you can walk with confidence.
Don't Signal Emotion
Smart buyers don't say "I love this car" or "I have to have it." That signals willingness to overpay. They say "I'm interested if we can agree on price." Use autopremo.com so you're always negotiating from data, not emotion.
Bottom Line
Smart buyers think total cost, get data first, negotiate on OTD, set a max and walk, and don't signal emotion. Use autopremo.com for fair value, OTD, and total cost so you think like a smart buyer and don't overpay or buy the wrong car.