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Why Most Car Advice Is Wrong
Why most car advice in the US is wrong—invoice focus, payment focus, and old rules that don't fit data-driven buying.
AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
2 min read
Most car advice in the U.S. is wrong—because it assumes information asymmetry and focuses on invoice, payment, or old rules that don't fit data-driven buying. Here's why most car advice is wrong and what to do instead.
TL;DR Most car advice is wrong because it focuses on invoice (not market), payment (not OTD and total cost), and "trust the dealer" or "buy at end of month" without verifying with data. Use market data, OTD, and total cost instead. Use autopremo.com so you buy with data, not wrong advice.Why Most Car Advice Is Wrong
- "Negotiate from invoice" — invoice doesn't define fair; market does. Use comps and median—not invoice—to set your target. Use autopremo.com price checker.
- "Focus on payment" — payment hides total cost and term. Focus on OTD and total cost (principal + interest). Use autopremo.com OTD and payment tools.
- "Trust the dealer" — verify with data. Get comps, OTD, and total cost from autopremo.com; compare to dealer offer. Don't trust—verify.
- "Buy at end of month" — timing can help, but market is the reference. Use autopremo.com to see current market; don't assume end-of-month is always best.
- "Cash is king" — cash doesn't always get you a better price; dealers often make money on financing. Agree on OTD first; then decide cash or finance. Use autopremo.com.
What to Do Instead
- Use market data — comps, median, OTD. Use autopremo.com.
- Focus on OTD and total cost — not payment or invoice. Use autopremo.com OTD and total cost.
- Verify with data — compare dealer offer to market; get breakdown in writing. Use autopremo.com.
Bottom Line
Most car advice is wrong because it focuses on invoice, payment, and old rules. Use market data, OTD, and total cost instead. Use autopremo.com so you buy with data—and don't follow wrong advice.