Originally Posted by Augustus

No need to really be "scared" of an OTD price. Yes, some sleazy dealerships can play games with fees & surcharges, especially if you're letting them arrange the financing. But IMHO, most won't if you present yourself as a mature & reasonably savvy buyer. They prey on the people who don't understand how financing & taxes work. Don't be one of those people.

If you're really worried about the OTD price, just insist on negotiating the OTD price. They can easily roll in the required fees & taxes as part of the "4-square" game. Even if you're financing and negotiating by payment (be careful...), just be very clear about the interest rate & term, but still, "OTD".

This way, there are no surprises in the title/warranty/finance office when you sign the paperwork. Whatever terms you've agreed upon should be clearly documented in the paperwork. If not, or they try to sneak in other fees, just walk out. Oh sure, they'll try to sell you extra stuff; etching, rust-proofing, service plans, extended warranty, pin-striping, blah, blah, blah, but you just have to say "no thanks" to all of it and you'll walk out paying exactly what you negotiated.

Good luck!