Buying a car should be exciting—not stressful, confusing, or full of “gotchas.” But too often, customers walk into a dealership with good intentions and drive away feeling unsure or overwhelmed. At Cars from Kyle, we believe in honesty, transparency, and no games. So here’s a breakdown of the most common car buying traps—and how you can avoid them like a pro.
1. Falling in Love Too Fast
The Trap: You see a shiny new ride, fall in love, and suddenly your budget is an afterthought.
Avoid It: Go in with a plan. Know your monthly budget, your must-haves, and your limits. Emotion shouldn’t be making financial decisions—you should.
2. The "Low Monthly Payment" Bait
The Trap: The payment looks perfect... until you realize it’s a 7-year loan with a mountain of interest.
Avoid It: Focus on the total cost of the vehicle, not just the monthly payment. Longer terms = more interest = more money out of your pocket in the long run.
3. Overpaying for Add-Ons You Don’t Need
The Trap: Paint protection, rust-proofing, VIN etching, nitrogen tires—sometimes they’re useful, but often they’re overpriced or unnecessary.
Avoid It: Ask questions and take your time. If you’re unsure about an add-on, sleep on it—or bring it up with someone you trust before saying yes.
4. Skipping the Trade-In Research
The Trap: You take the dealership’s word on your trade-in value without knowing what it's really worth.
Avoid It: Check your trade value online (KBB, Edmunds, etc.) before you show up. A smart customer is a powerful negotiator.
5. Not Knowing Your Credit Score
The Trap: You're surprised by high interest rates because you didn’t know your credit score—or didn’t shop around for financing.
Avoid It: Get pre-approved before stepping on the lot. Know your credit score, and compare rates from banks or credit unions. Dealership financing can be convenient, but it’s always good to have options.
6. Getting “Worn Down” in the Waiting Game
The Trap: You’re left waiting for hours while “the manager runs numbers.” Fatigue makes people settle.
Avoid It: Work with someone who values your time. If you're feeling pressured or ignored, walk away. There are dealerships (and salespeople) who respect your schedule.
7. Believing “This Deal Is Only Good Today”
The Trap: Pressure tactics make you feel like you’ll miss out if you don’t sign now.
Avoid It: Great deals don’t vanish overnight. If it feels like a rush job, take a step back. The best deals come from informed decisions—not panic moves.
8. Not Test Driving Enough
The Trap: You buy it based on looks and features—only to realize the ride’s not for you after the fact.
Avoid It: Test drive it the way you plan to use it. Highway, side streets, tight turns, bumps—get the real feel. And don’t be afraid to try a few different models.
9. Not Understanding the Out-the-Door Price
The Trap: You’re quoted a price that doesn’t include taxes, fees, or other surprise charges.
Avoid It: Ask for the out-the-door price—everything included. It’s the only number that really matters.
10. Not Choosing the Right Person to Work With
The Trap: A slick-talking salesperson might push you toward what’s best for them—not for you.
Avoid It: Work with someone who listens, gives clear answers, and handles the process from start to finish. That’s what I do. No back-and-forth, no pressure—just honest, easy car buying.
Final Thoughts:
You work hard for your money. When you buy a car, you deserve to feel confident, respected, and excited—not tricked or taken advantage of.
If you want someone who puts your needs first, handles everything start to finish, and skips the middlemen—I got you. Let’s make car buying simple, fun, and unforgettable.
– Kyle Masney
Your Go-To Car Guy | Cars from Kyle
📲 419-494-6194 | carsfromkyle419@gmail.com
