Why Data Beats Gut Feeling When Buying Cars

When buying cars in the U.S., data beats gut feeling—because gut is easily anchored, pushed to payment, and confused; data gives you a reference (market) and a limit (OTD) so you don't overpay. Here's why data beats gut and how to use it.

TL;DR Gut is anchored by the first number you see, pulled toward payment, and confused by trade-in and add-ons. Data (comps, median, OTD, total cost) gives you a reference and a limit—so you negotiate from fact and get better outcomes. Use autopremo.com so you buy with data, not gut.

Why Data Beats Gut Feeling When Buying Cars

• Anchoring — the first number you see (dealer's price) shapes your idea of "reasonable." Gut has no reference; data gives you median comps so your reference is market—not their number. Use autopremo.com price checker.
• Payment focus — gut is drawn to "what payment can I afford?" Data keeps you on OTD and total cost—so you don't stretch the term or overpay. Use autopremo.com OTD and payment tools.
• Confusion — trade-in mixed with purchase, add-ons, fees. Gut loses track; data gives you OTD and a written breakdown so you see the real number. Use autopremo.com.
• Outcomes — buyers who use data (comps, OTD, total cost) tend to pay at or below market; buyers who use gut tend to pay more. Use autopremo.com so you get the better outcome.

Get your data at autopremo.com.

What to Do

• Get data before you go — comps, median, target OTD, total cost. Use autopremo.com.
• Stick to your target — state your OTD; if they don't meet it, walk. Don't let gut ("I love this car," "maybe I can stretch") override your limit. Use autopremo.com.
• Get OTD in writing — data says: no breakdown = no deal. Use autopremo.com.

See market and OTD at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Data beats gut when buying cars because gut is anchored, payment-focused, and confused—while data gives you market and a limit. Use autopremo.com so you buy with data and don't overpay.