The One Question Dealers Hate Answering

There's one question car dealers in the U.S. hate answering—because it forces transparency and makes it harder to hide fees and markups. Here's the question, why they hate it, and why you should always ask it.

TL;DR The question: "Can you show me the full breakdown in writing—selling price, any incentives, all fees, and the out-the-door total—before we go to finance?" They hate it because it removes confusion. You should ask it every time. Use autopremo.com to know what OTD you're willing to pay so you can compare to their breakdown.

The Question

You: "Can you show me the full breakdown in writing—selling price, any incentives, all fees, and the out-the-door total—before we go to finance?"

That's it. One question. But it does a lot.

Know your target OTD before you ask at autopremo.com.

Why Dealers Hate Answering It

1. It removes confusion

When everything is in writing—selling price, incentives, fees, OTD—you can see exactly what you're paying. No "we'll figure it out in the box." No hidden add-ons or bloated fees slipped in later. Confusion favors the dealer; clarity favors you. They prefer to keep things fluid until you're in finance.

2. It exposes markups and fees

A written breakdown shows market adjustment (ADM), doc fees, "dealer fees," and add-ons line by line. If the doc fee is $800 when your state norm is $200, you see it. If there's a $2,000 "protection package" you didn't agree to, you see it. They'd rather not put that on paper until you're committed.

3. It gives you something to compare

With a written breakdown, you can compare to your target OTD (from autopremo.com) and to other dealers' quotes. You can say "this line is high" or "this fee isn't normal." Without a breakdown, you're negotiating in the dark.

4. It creates a record

If they put it in writing, they're accountable. They can't "forget" a fee or add something later without you noticing. So they prefer to keep the deal verbal until you're in the box—when pressure is high and you're less likely to push back.

Get your target OTD at autopremo.com.

Why You Should Always Ask It

• You see the real number. OTD is what you pay. A breakdown shows you the real number—no surprises in finance.
• You can compare. Compare their OTD to your target and to other dealers. Use autopremo.com to know what's fair.
• You can refuse bad lines. If the doc fee is bloated or there are add-ons you didn't agree to, you can refuse before you sign. "Remove this line or reduce the selling price so OTD stays the same."
• You have a record. If something changes in the box, you have the written breakdown to refer to. "We agreed to this. Why is this line different?"

Don't sign without a written breakdown. No breakdown = no deal.

See what OTD you should pay at autopremo.com.

What to Do When They Resist

• "We'll get to that in finance." "I need to see it before I go to finance. Please provide the breakdown now."
• "We don't do that until you're ready to sign." "I'm not signing until I see the full breakdown. Please provide it now."
• They give you a verbal number. "I need it in writing—selling price, incentives, all fees, and OTD. Can you write that down or print it?"

If they refuse to put the breakdown in writing, that's a red flag. Walk. A dealer who won't put the deal in writing is not one you want to do business with.

Your Breakdown Checklist

• [ ] Asked for full breakdown in writing (selling price, incentives, fees, OTD) before finance
• [ ] Compared their OTD to your target (from autopremo.com)
• [ ] Refused to sign without written breakdown
• [ ] If they resist: repeated request; if they still refuse, walked

Get your target OTD at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

The one question dealers hate answering: "Can you show me the full breakdown in writing—selling price, any incentives, all fees, and the out-the-door total—before we go to finance?" Ask it every time. Don't sign without it. Use autopremo.com to know your target OTD so you can compare to their breakdown and avoid overpaying.