The FTC Is Finally Cracking Down on Dealer Pricing Bullshittery

Think hidden fees, fake discounts, rebate games, mandatory add-ons, and vehicles advertised at prices you can't actually get are just part of buying a car? The FTC doesn't think so. In this episode, The Car Chick® breaks down the six dealership advertising and pricing practices the FTC says may violate federal consumer protection laws. But before we get into the legal stuff, I share a real-life dealership fiasco that happened while shopping for a military family's Ford Transit van — a deal that took three days to put together before it completely blew up over a discount that apparently didn't apply. **We'll cover:** - The six pricing and advertising practices the FTC is targeting - Hidden fees, fake discounts, rebate stacking, and financing games - Why dealer add-on packages may be the next battleground - What the FTC Act actually says - Why the CARS Rule was overturned - Why the FTC isn't handing out $53,088 fines left and right - How dealership pricing transparency is improving — and where the bullshittery has migrated - What consumers should look for before signing on the dotted line **5 Things to Watch for When Car Shopping Right Now** - Get an out-the-door quote in writing. - Do your homework on rebates, financing requirements, and add-ons. - Verify the vehicle is actually available. - Don't assume "transparent pricing" means "best price." - If a deal looks dramatically better than every other similar vehicle, get suspicious before you get excited. **Resources** FTC Consumer Complaint Center: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ **Stay Connected** Sign up for The Straight Shift newsletter and get consumer-focused automotive news, car buying tips, and industry updates delivered straight to your inbox: www.TheCarChick.com You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here.  Connect with LeeAnn: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - YouTube Work with LeeAnn: - Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car - Car Buying Service Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick.  All rights reserved.