Buying a car is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. When you know what to look for, you can shop with confidence and find a dealership that’s as committed to honesty as you are.
Do Your Homework First
Before you visit any dealership, check reviews and ratings online. Look for stores with a long-standing reputation and satisfied customers. Research the vehicles you’re interested in and decide on your budget ahead of time.
Look for Clear, Upfront Pricing
A trustworthy dealership will make pricing easy to understand. Expect:
- Disclosure of fees with no surprises.
- Clear explanations of financing terms, interest rates, and monthly payments.
- A transparent breakdown of add-ons or optional products — so you can choose what’s right for you. There should be no surprises when you show up at the dealership.
- OEM Add-On Equipment is equipment that comes attached to the vehicle from the factory and often is priced into the MSRP, as it cannot be removed.
- Dealer-Added Accessory: A physical item installed by the dealer (like window tint or a lift kit) that changes the vehicle’s price — it should be clearly shown in the ad up front.
- Dealer Optional Product/Service: A voluntary protection plan or F&I product (like extended service contracts or tire and wheel protection) that’s not required to buy the vehicle — it should be presented as completely optional.
Ask for Documentation
Good dealerships will gladly provide written details on pricing and offers. This protects you and helps you compare options.
Take Your Time
You should never feel pressured to buy before you’re ready. A professional sales team will give you space to make a decision and answer your questions honestly. A good dealership will never tell you that you “have to” buy an optional product.
Choose a Dealership That Values Integrity
At Longo Toyota of Prosper, we’re committed to clear communication, transparent pricing, and a pressure-free environment. Our goal is to make your car-buying experience simple, straightforward, and enjoyable — so you can drive away with confidence.
Pre-Visit Preparation to Spot Red Flags Early
The best way to avoid red flags at a dealership is to do your due diligence. Check dealership ratings and reviews.
Know what you want before you arrive. Do your research and find vehicles that fit your lifestyle and are within your budget. Evaluate your budget before you start shopping using online tools such as a payment calculator.
TSRP vs. Out-the-Door Pricing Changes
Steep discounts that seem too good to be true often are. When looking at these vehicles online, make sure to look through the full breakdown of the dealer’s pricing. If there are no fees listed online, then you can expect to encounter them when you sign for the vehicle. You can also call the dealership to get the expected cost of fees before you even show up for a test drive.
Additionally, many Toyota dealerships have changed their online listed prices from MSRP(Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) to TSRP(Total Suggested Retail Price). TSRP will automatically list the expected dealership fees, while MSRP will not. This is Toyota’s attempt to increase its transparency in pricing to avoid these sticker shock moments.
Avoid Unnecessary Additional Fees
You can expect typical fees like sales tax, registration fees, car title fees, and inspection fees. However, you shouldn’t have to pay for expenses like market adjustment fees or used car reconditioning fees. Watch out for add-ons that were not included in the advertised price and that you didn’t ask for, like paint protection and electronics warranties.
Some states limit what dealerships can charge in document processing fees. In Texas, dealers can’t charge more than $225 for documentation fees. If you’re asked to pay a higher amount, this is a red flag.
Vehicle Condition and Inspection Red Flags
You can and should have the opportunity to inspect and test drive your vehicle before you finalize your purchase. If the dealership refuses, it’s a red flag. You should also request a vehicle history report. Most reliable dealerships offer these upfront. Most dealers charge a reconditioning fee, but Longo Toyota of Prosper does not.
How to Respond When You Spot Red Flags
Request documentation through every part of the car-buying process. Any time the salesperson mentions a special offer, ask to get it in writing. Ask questions if you encounter inconsistencies.
Choose a Reliable Dealership for Your Next Purchase
Our team at Longo Toyota of Prosper is committed to providing honest communication and transparent pricing. We practice integrity in all our negotiations, so you can rely on a comfortable car-shopping experience.
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