Red Flag Detector

Many red flags can be caught before you even visit—salvage titles, liens, odometer rollbacks, and accident history. Get a VINsmart report →

This is almost always false. Dealers use urgency to prevent you from shopping around or thinking clearly.

Say: "If it's a good deal today, it'll be a good deal tomorrow. I need to think about it."

Classic pressure tactic. Even if true, there are thousands of similar cars. Don't let artificial scarcity rush your decision.

Say: "That's fine. If it sells, I'll find another one. Here's my card—call me if they pass."

This is a delay tactic to wear you down. Multiple "trips to the manager" are designed to exhaust you into accepting worse terms.

Say: "I have 20 more minutes. If we can't reach a deal, I'll try elsewhere."

Never start with monthly payments! They'll stretch your loan to 84 months to hit your number—costing thousands more total.

Say: "I'm focused on the total out-the-door price. What's your best price?"

Dealers often mark up the rate from what you qualify for. The difference goes in their pocket.

Say: "I have pre-approval at X%. Can you beat that, or should I use my own financing?"

Dealers ALWAYS start low on trade-ins. They're betting you don't know your car's value.

Say: "I have written offers from Carvana/CarMax for $X. Can you match that?"

NEVER sign anything you don't fully understand. This is how unwanted products get added.

Say: "I need to read everything before I sign. Please explain each line item."

This is YO-YO FINANCING! They'll call you back saying financing "fell through" and demand worse terms.

Say: "I'll wait until financing is 100% confirmed. Call me when it's done."

Discrepancies are not accidents. Verify EVERY number matches your agreed terms before signing.

Say: "This doesn't match what we agreed. Please correct it before I sign."

Extended warranties at dealers are hugely marked up. You can buy them later from the manufacturer for less.

Say: "No thank you. I'll consider buying directly from [manufacturer] later if I want coverage."

These cost the dealer $20-50 but they charge $200-500. They provide almost no real value.

Say: "No thank you. I'd like to decline all optional add-on products."

$30/month × 60 months = $1,800! Always calculate the TOTAL cost, not the monthly difference.

Say: "What's the total cost of that product? Show me the payment without it."

When in doubt, slow down. Take a photo, leave, and research.