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Questions to Ask a Car Dealer Before Signing
Ask these before you sign: the out-the-door price, financing terms, add-on fees, used-car history, and the F&I desk pitch. Sourced from FTC and CFPB guidance.
Questions to Ask a Car Dealer Before Signing
The dealership controls the conversation when you don't know what to ask. These are the exact questions — by category — that put you back in control, sourced from FTC and CFPB consumer-protection guidance.[1]
Why the Right Question Saves You Thousands
Most buyers don't get cheated — they get worn down. They answer questions instead of asking them, accept verbal numbers instead of written ones, and sign before reading. The FTC's CARS Rule was created because hidden add-ons and bait-and-switch financing cost American car buyers billions every year.[4]
Walk in with these questions printed. Don't leave one unanswered.
Questions by Category
Price & Out-the-Door:
Financing & APR:
Used Cars Only:
At the F&I Desk:
After the Sale:
Red Flags in the Answers
⚠ Refuses to put the out-the-door price in writing
⚠ Says the APR is 'only available' if you buy add-ons
⚠ Won't let you take a used car to an independent mechanic
⚠ Pressures you to sign today to 'lock in' a price
⚠ Mentions a 'spot delivery' that could be unwound later
Walk In Ready
Get the printable checklist, run pre-approval numbers, and walk into the dealership with the paperwork you need.
Keep going
Dealer Fees Explained:
Which line items are real, which are padding, and how to push back.
Invoice Price vs MSRP:
What the dealer actually paid, and what that means for you.
What to Bring to the Dealership:
Show up with the paperwork that keeps the deal on your terms.
Sources
FTC, "Buying a New Car" — ftc.gov/buying-new-car
FTC Used Car Rule — ftc.gov/used-car-rule
CFPB Auto Loans guidance — consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/auto-loans
FTC Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule — ftc.gov/cars-rule
NHTSA Recall Lookup — nhtsa.gov/recalls