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Why Car Payment Rules Often Fail
Why car payment rules often fail in the US—dealers stretch term or inflate price to hit a payment; agree on OTD first so you don't overpay.
AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
1 min read
Car payment rules in the U.S. often fail because dealers ask "what payment do you want?" and stretch term or inflate price to hit it—so you overpay or pay more interest. Agree on out-the-door price first. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator and payment calculator. Use autopremo.com.
TL;DR Rules fail when you negotiate payment first—dealer stretches term or inflates price. Fix: agree on OTD first, then term and rate. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator and payment calculator. Use autopremo.com.OTD First
Negotiate out-the-door price (selling price + tax + fees) before discussing payment. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.
Bottom Line
Payment rules fail when you negotiate payment first. Agree on OTD first; use autopremo.com OTD calculator and payment calculator so you don't overpay.