Enemy Intel
The Tactics Library
Know their moves before they make them.
Critical Threats
critical
Yo-Yo Financing
They let you take the car home, then call you back days later claiming 'financing fell through' to force a higher rate.
Read Full Brief critical
Bait & Switch
The advertised car is mysteriously 'sold' when you arrive. But they have something 'even better' at a higher price.
Read Full Brief critical
Payment Packing
They quote you a monthly payment that secretly includes warranties and add-ons without telling you the real base payment.
Read Full Brief high
The 4-Square
A confusing worksheet designed to mix up trade-in value, down payment, and monthly payment so you lose track of the price.
Read Full Brief Fee Scams
high
Rate Markup
The bank approved you at 5%. The dealer tells you 7%. That 2% goes straight into their pocket as hidden profit.
Read Full Brief critical
Market Adjustment / ADM
An arbitrary markup (often $2k-$10k) added to the MSRP just because 'supply is low'. 100% pure dealer profit.
Read Full Brief medium
Nitrogen Tires
Charging $200-$500 for 'green air' caps. Regular air is already 78% nitrogen. This is pure profit.
Read Full Brief medium
VIN Etching
Charging hundreds to etch the VIN on windows. You can do this yourself for $20 with a kit.
Read Full Brief high
Extended Warranties
Overpriced service contracts sold in the finance office. Often marked up 200% or more.
Read Full Brief Psychological Games
high
The Turnover (T.O.)
When one salesperson can't close you, they bring in a manager or 'closer' with fresh tactics to wear you down.
Read Full Brief medium
The Waiting Game
Deliberately leaving you alone in a cubicle for 20+ minutes to wear down your patience and resistance.
Read Full Brief high
Holding the Keys
They take your trade-in keys to 'evaluate' it and then 'lose' them so you can't leave easily.
Read Full Brief high
Good Cop, Bad Cop
Salesperson pretends to 'fight' for you with their manager. It's theater—they agreed on the price before you walked in.
Read Full Brief high
The Deposit Lock
They pressure you to put down a 'refundable' deposit to 'hold' a car. Getting that money back is another story.
Read Full Brief Trade-In Traps
high
Trade-In Lowball
Your car is worth $14K. They offer $8K. When you accept, they profit twice—on your trade and the new car.
Read Full Brief Shady Dealers Sell Shady Cars
If a dealer is running these tactics on you, there's a good chance the car has problems too. Before you commit to anything, run the VIN to check for hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer fraud.
Check Vehicle History ($9.95)