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Evergreen guides to help you keep $2–$5k in your pocket. We focus on written OTD quotes on real VINs, add-ons removed/deducted, and rate-beat in writing.
Buyer Guide for First-Time Buyers
How dealerships work: the price on the website is not the OTD. The OTD is the total after doc/admin, add-ons, taxes, and government fees. Payments can hide total cost—compare OTD, not monthly.
- Ask for written OTD in a PDF or email for a specific VIN.
- Decline or deduct add-ons you don’t want; request line-item removal.
- Bring a credit-union pre-approval; ask the dealer to beat it in writing.
Add-Ons Explainer (Typical Markups)
| Add-On | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VIN etch | $199–$399 | Optional; remove or deduct. |
| Nitrogen tires | $99–$299 | Optional; decline. |
| Paint/fabric protection | $399–$1,299 | Optional; compare to detailer cost. |
| GPS/anti-theft tracker | $499–$1,499 | Optional; demand removal or deduction. |
| Window tint | $299–$699 | Often cheaper aftermarket. |
Financing & Rate-Beat
Secure a credit-union pre-approval first. Ask dealers to beat the rate in writing. Compare APR × term × total, not just monthly payment. Beware “conditional” approvals that change after add-ons.
- Bring proof of CU APR and term.
- Ask for the dealer’s menu in writing (with base rate and any reserve/markup).
- Decline products you don’t need; revisit GAP/warranty only after OTD is finalized.
OTD Checklist
- Request written OTD for a specific VIN.
- Ensure line items: price, doc/admin, add-ons, tax, title/registration.
- Remove/deduct add-ons or require a dollar-for-dollar discount.
- Compare OTDs across 3–5 VINs; leverage month-end if timing allows.
- Finance comparison: APR × term × total; require rate-beat in writing.