Outsmart the Lot

Don't get ripped off at the dealership.

Pick where you are in the process. Get clear steps, the questions to ask, and the exact words to say.

Choose my situationCheck a used car by VIN
Free to use · No account needed
Deal X-rayOffer guide

Buying a car? Get a written quote first.

Pick Price, Payment, or Add-⁠ons to see what a quote should show.

Parts of an offer
Ask for each part in writing.
Vehicle price
Dealer fees
Add-⁠ons (optional)
Taxes + government fees
Out-⁠the-⁠door total
Loan terms, if borrowing
Get the out-⁠the-⁠door price in writing. That's the total, with every fee and tax.How to ask for it, with an email to copy

Where are you right now?

Pick the one that fits. You'll get clear steps, questions to ask, and words to say.

  1. Get ready to shopI'm getting ready to shop
  2. Handle pressureI'm at a dealership now
  3. Review an offerI'm reviewing an offer
  4. Solve a problemI've already bought or leased

Hear the pressure. Have your answer.

Pick what the dealer says. Get the words to say back.

The dealer says
“What monthly payment are you comfortable with?”
What to say back
“Let's agree on the out-⁠the-⁠door price first, with every charge listed. Then we can talk financing.”

Payment talk hides the total cost. A lower payment often just means a longer loan.

Buying used? Check before you sign.

Run the VIN to see what car it really is, if it has open recalls, and if it has a salvage, flood, or odometer problem.

Buying from a dealer? Use this checklistBuying from a private seller? Use this checklist

Check a used car by VIN

Where to find it: Look at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side, on the driver's door frame label, or in the listing, title, or registration.

No VIN yet? Ask the seller to send it, or zoom in on the listing photos. Private seller? Copy a message that asks for it.

The free lookups go straight from your browser to NHTSA; we don't store your VIN. Privacy. Prefer VINsmart's own site? Open VINsmart ($9.95 per report).

Paid link: We may earn a commission if you buy a report through this link, at no extra cost to you. How this site makes money

Know the common traps, and your rights:

Independent help, with sources you can check.