How to Spot Red Flags in Car Deals
How to spot red flags in car deals in the US—price above fair value, no written OTD, payment focus, and pressure tactics so you don't get taken.
Spotting red flags in car deals in the U.S. helps you avoid overpaying, hidden fees, and pressure tactics. Here's how to spot red flags and what to do when you see them.
TL;DR Red flags include: (1) price above fair value for the market—check autopremo.com price checker; (2) no written OTD or vague "we'll work it out"; (3) focus on monthly payment instead of OTD; (4) pressure to sign today or "this price won't last"; (5) add-ons or fees that weren't disclosed. When you see a red flag, slow down, get data from autopremo.com, or walk.Price Above Fair Value
If the asking price is above the median for similar cars in your area (same make, model, trim, mileage), that's a red flag. They may be hoping you don't know the market. Check comps and fair value before you go. Use autopremo.com price checker to see market data by ZIP. If they won't come down to fair value, walk. Get your comps at autopremo.com.
No Written OTD
If the dealer won't put the full out-the-door price in writing—selling price, tax, fees, total—that's a red flag. Verbal promises don't protect you. Insist on a written breakdown. If they refuse, walk. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator to build your own OTD so you know what to expect. See OTD at autopremo.com.
Payment Focus Instead of OTD
If they keep steering you to "what monthly payment do you want?" without agreeing on price first, that's a red flag. They can stretch the term, add a down payment, or hide overpayment in the payment. Say "I'm focused on out-the-door price first." Use autopremo.com so you have a target OTD and don't get shifted to payment games.
Pressure to Sign Today
"If you leave, this price won't be here tomorrow" or "someone else is looking at this car" are pressure tactics. Good deals don't require you to decide in one visit. Slow down. Get the OTD in writing, go home, and compare to your data. Use autopremo.com to validate the deal before you commit.
Add-Ons or Fees Not Disclosed Upfront
Doc fees, dealer add-ons, or protection packages that appear only at the end are red flags. Ask for a full breakdown before you negotiate. If new fees show up at signing, refuse to sign until they're removed or you accept them knowingly. Use autopremo.com so you know fair value and can push back on inflated fees.
Bottom Line
Spot red flags: price above fair value, no written OTD, payment focus, pressure tactics, and surprise fees. When you see one, get data, slow down, or walk. Use autopremo.com for market data and OTD so you know when a deal is fair and when it's not.