Car Dealer Tricks That Could Cost You Thousands — And How My Car Insight Protects You
When a Wisconsin car salesman posted a TikTok bragging about selling a single mom a car for $10,000 over sticker price, the internet exploded. Whether his claim was true or not, the outrage resonated because many car buyers have felt the sting of hidden fees, inflated prices, or confusing financing tricks.
At My Car Insight, we see these tactics every day. Here’s what you need to know and how we keep them out of your deal.
The Most Common Dealer Tactics
1. Markups above MSRP (“Market Adjustments”)
Dealers often add thousands on top of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, especially for high-demand vehicles.
2. Hidden Fees & Add-Ons
From “paint protection” to nitrogen-filled tires, many of these extras are optional but are slipped into contracts as if required.
3. Documentation (“Doc”) Fees
Doc fees vary by state. In some places they’re capped, but in many states, they’re left up to the dealer. They can add hundreds of dollars to your purchase. All dealers charge a doc fee, but some try to pad the fee or add on additional ones that need to be negotiated off.
4. Payment Packing
Extending a loan or sneaking in add-on products to make the monthly payment look affordable, while quietly increasing the total price.
5. Yo-Yo Financing (“Spot Delivery”)
Dealers let you take the car home before financing is finalized, then call you back saying you need to accept worse terms.
6. Extended Warranties & GAP Insurance
These products can provide value, but they’re often marked up far beyond their real cost and bundled without explanation.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always request an itemized Out-The-Door (OTD) quote. This includes all taxes, fees, and add-ons so you can spot surprises before signing.
- Negotiate one piece at a time. Agree on the car price first, then your trade-in, then financing and add-ons.
- Get pre-approved financing. This takes away the dealer’s leverage in yo-yo financing situations.
- Know your state’s doc fee laws. If they’re capped, don’t let a dealer overcharge. If not capped, compare across multiple dealerships.
- Decline unnecessary add-ons. Unless you want them, you don’t have to pay for VIN etching, paint sealant, or nitrogen tires.
- Match the contract to your OTD quote. Never sign until every line matches.
How My Car Insight Stops the Games
This is where we come in:
- We secure multiple OTD quotes in writing before you ever visit the dealership.
- We strip out unwanted add-ons and challenge inflated doc fees.
- We arrange financing ahead of time, so you’re never pressured into yo-yo terms.
- We review warranties and add-on products to make sure they provide real value — not just dealer profit.
- We are available at any time during the signing process if clients have questions or need a second set of eyes.
With My Car Insight, you walk into the dealership fully prepared. No surprises. No gimmicks. Just a fair deal on the car you actually want.
Final Word
That viral TikTok may have been just one salesman showing off, but it struck a chord because many buyers have been there sitting across the desk, wondering if they’re being taken advantage of. At My Car Insight, our mission is simple: we do the homework, challenge the tactics, and make sure you get the car you want without the dealer games.
