What to Do When a Dealer Says This Is the Best Price

"When a dealer says 'this is the best price,' most buyers freeze. They don't know if it's true or if they're supposed to push back. Here's what 'best price' usually means and what to do next in the U.S. market.

TL;DR "Best price" is often a closing line, not a fact. Verify against market data, ask for the breakdown in writing, and be willing to walk. If the number is truly fair, you can say yes. If not, leave. Check if the price is fair at autopremo.com.

What "Best Price" Usually Means

• Sometimes: The dealer has hit a real limit (e.g., manager approval, minimum margin). The number might be fair.
• Often: A closing tactic. They want you to stop negotiating and sign. The "best price" may still be above market.
• Always: A claim. You don't have to accept it without verification.

Your job isn't to trust—it's to verify against market and your own max.

Verify any "best price" against market at autopremo.com.

What to Do Step by Step

1. Don't agree or disagree yet

You're not saying "I believe you" or "I don't believe you." You're saying: "I need to verify this against what I'm seeing in the market."

2. Ask for the full breakdown in writing

You: "I'd like to see the full breakdown—selling price, any incentives, all fees, and the out-the-door total—in writing."

When it's on paper, you see:

• If "best price" is the car only or includes fees
• If there are hidden add-ons or bloated doc fees
• The real number you're being asked to pay

No breakdown = no way to verify "best." Insist on it.

3. Compare to market

Use autopremo.com's price checker (or similar) to see what similar cars are listed and selling for in your area. If the dealer's "best price" is:

• At or below market: Likely fair. You can accept or try one more move (e.g., "If you can do $X OTD I'll sign today").
• Above market: It's not the best fair price. You can push back or walk.
• Unclear: Get another quote from a different dealer (same car, same terms) and compare.

4. State your position clearly

If their number is above your max or above market: You: "I've looked at comparable cars in the area. This is [X%] above what I'm seeing. I need to be at [your target] out the door. If you can get there, I'm ready to buy today. If not, I'll need to look at other options."

You're not attacking—you're stating your limit and giving them a chance to move.

5. Be willing to walk

If they won't move and the number is above your max or above market, leave. Say: "I appreciate your time. My number is firm, so I'm going to look elsewhere. If anything changes on your side, you have my number."

Often, "we'll call you in a day or two with a better offer" means they can do better. Sometimes they don't call—and you find a better deal elsewhere. Either way, you didn't overpay.

Know your fair price before you hear "best price" at autopremo.com.

What Not to Do

• Don't accept "best price" without a written breakdown. You can't verify a number you can't see.
• Don't negotiate on payment only. "Best payment" can hide a higher total cost (longer term, more interest). Focus on out-the-door price.
• Don't cave to pressure. "This price is only good today" is often a tactic. If the price is fair, it will be fair tomorrow. If they won't hold it, walk.
• Don't assume they're lying. They might believe it's their best price. Your job is still to verify against market and your max.

When "Best Price" Might Be Real

• The car is in very high demand (e.g., limited supply, hot model).
• You've already negotiated and they've moved twice.
• The written breakdown shows the number at or below market and at or below your max.

In those cases, "best price" may be their real limit. If the number works for you, you can say yes. If not, you can still walk.

When "Best Price" Is Probably Not the End

• They won't put the breakdown in writing.
• The number is above market or above your max.
• They're pushing payment, add-ons, or "today only" instead of addressing your OTD target.
• You haven't negotiated yet—they led with "best price" before you asked for a discount.

In those cases, push back or leave. Get your fair price number at autopremo.com so you know when to stay and when to go.

Your "Best Price" Checklist

When a dealer says "this is the best price":

• [ ] Ask for full breakdown in writing (selling price, incentives, fees, OTD)
• [ ] Compare OTD to market (same car, same area) using autopremo.com
• [ ] Compare to your max OTD (did you set one before you came?)
• [ ] If above market or above max: state your number once, then be ready to walk
• [ ] If at or below market and at or below max: you can accept or try one more move

Check fair value for any car at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

When a dealer says "this is the best price," verify. Get the breakdown in writing, compare to market with autopremo.com, and compare to your max. If the number is fair and within your limit, you can say yes. If it's above market or above your limit, state your number once and be willing to walk. That's how you respond to "best price" without overpaying.