New
Used

The 10 Best Cash Discounts For New Cars in March 2025 – Up to $10,000 Off MSRP

The 10 Best Cash Discounts For New Cars in March 2025 – Up to $10,000 Off MSRP

Some of the best SUVs, electric vehicles, and full-size trucks are available with steep discounts in March. Automakers are ramping up discounts to combat sluggish sales, with cash incentives reaching as high as $10,000 off MSRP. We’ve rounded up the 10 best cash discounts available this month, with savings that could make a serious dent in your out-the-door price. Keep in mind that most of these offers expire at the end of March, so if you see something you like, act fast.

Don’t shop without your personal buyer’s guide (100% Free)

2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 4×4 – 20% Off MSRP

2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 4x4 – 20% Off MSRP in March 2025

March Savings: Up to 20% off MSRP

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Jeep Gladiator Base MSRP: $53,590

Estimated Price with Savings: $43,000

If you’ve been eyeing a Jeep Gladiator, now is the time to buy. Jeep is slashing 20% off MSRP for the 2024 Gladiator Rubicon 4×4. The reason is simple: 2024 inventory is lasting deep into 2025, and it’s time to clear out last year’s Jeeps before summer arrives. 

Compare Jeep Gladiator depreciation, cost of ownership, and more

2024 Kia EV6 – $10,000 Customer Cash

2024 Kia EV6 – $10,000 Customer Cash in March 2025

March Savings: $10,000 Customer Cash

Offer valid through: 4/30/2025

Kia EV6 Base MSRP: $42,600

Estimated Price with Savings: $32,600

Kia is offering a massive $10,000 cash discount on its much-loved EV6 crossover. The 2025 EV6 is almost here, and will arrive with a minor facelift. However, this model refresh presents a big opportunity for savings. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle with 300 miles of range, fast-charging (10-80% in as little as 20 minutes), and a futuristic interior, the 2024 Kia EV6 is one of the best deals available.

See Kia EV6 listings in your city

2025 Kia EV9 – $10,000 Customer Cash

2025 Kia EV9 – $10,000 Customer Cash offer in March 2025

March Savings: $10,000 off MSRP

Offer valid through: 4/30/2025

Kia EV9 Base MSRP: $54,900

Estimated Price with Savings: $44,900

Kia isn’t stopping at the EV6—its three-row EV9 is also getting a $10,000 customer cash discount. This all-electric SUV offers spacious seating, cutting-edge tech, and up to 304 miles of range. The only 3-row SUVs on the market today are the Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, and the Kia EV9. Among these, the EV9 charges the fastest AND has the lowest price tag.

See discounted Kia EV9 listings in your city

2024 Dodge Hornet – $10,000 Cash Allowance

2024 Dodge Hornet – $10,000 Cash Allowance off in March 2025

March Savings: Up to $10,000 on the 2024 Hornet R/T eAWD

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Dodge Hornet Base MSRP: $41,400

Estimated Price with Savings: $31,400

The Dodge Hornet has been struggling to sell, and Stellantis is now offering a variety of stacked incentives to move inventory. With up to $10,000 in potential savings, including lease loyalty bonuses, it’s a great time to grab this performance-focused compact SUV. A plug-in hybrid powertrain comes standard with the Hornet R/T.

Compare Dodge Hornet listings in your city

2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe – $7,000 Cash Allowance & Lease Discounts

2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe – $7,000 Cash Allowance & Lease Discounts in March 2025

March Savings: Up to $7,000 off MSRP, or $10,500 in lease incentives

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Base MSRP: $50,695

Estimated Price with Savings: $43,695

Wrangler fans take note: Jeep is offering $7,000 in cash savings on the 2025 Wrangler Sahara 4xe. If leasing is your preference, you can qualify for up to $10,500 in lease bonus cash. The Wrangler 4xe is a rare blend of off-road ability and electrification, and these incentives make it more affordable than ever.

Compare Jeep Wrangler depreciation, cost of ownership, and more

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $9,000 Bonus Cash

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $9,000 Bonus Cash

March Savings: $9,000 off MSRP

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Jeep Grand Cherokee Base MSRP: $36,495

Estimated Price with Savings: $27,495

Jeep is pushing hard to sell its remaining 2024 Grand Cherokees with a $9,000 cash bonus for current FCA lessees. This is a great opportunity to drive home a legendary midsize SUV with a refined interior and modern tech, now with a huge discount.

Compare Jeep Grand Cherokee depreciation, cost of ownership, and more

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 – $7,850 Cash Value

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 offers this month

March Savings: Up to $7,850

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

GMC Sierra 1500 w/ TurboMax Base MSRP: $44,895

Estimated Price with Savings: $37,045

GMC is offering up to $7,850 in total savings on the 2025 Sierra 1500, including a $6,500 purchase allowance and an engine credit. With truck prices remaining high, this March discount helps offset the cost of a well-equipped full-size pickup.

Compare GMC Sierra 1500 depreciation, cost of ownership, and more

2024-2025 Nissan Ariya – $7,500 Customer Cash

2025 Nissan Ariya offers – $7,500 Customer Cash

March Savings: $7,500 off MSRP

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Nissan Ariya Base MSRP: $39,590

Estimated Price with Savings: $32,090

Nissan is compensating for the Ariya’s lack of a federal EV tax credit with a $7,500 customer cash incentive. It may not be the fastest-charging electric crossover in 2025, but with this cash discount, it’s an attractive bargain, especially for city driving. 

See Nissan Ariya listings in your city

2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid – $7,500 Customer Cash

2025 Chrysler Pacifica Deals

March Savings: $7,500 off MSRP

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Base Price: $51,055

Estimated Price with Savings: $43,555

Minivan buyers can take advantage of a $7,500 customer cash offer on the plug-in hybrid Pacifica, with additional tax incentives available. This is a great chance to drive home a fuel-efficient, family-friendly hybrid minivan at a major discount.

Compare Chrysler Pacifica depreciation, cost of ownership, and more

2025 Ram 1500 – $6,500 Total Cash Allowance

2025 Ram 1500 offers this month

March Savings: $6,500 off MSRP

Offer valid through: 3/31/2025

Ram 1500 Lone Star Crew Cab Base Price: $45,230

Estimated Price with Savings: $38,730

Ram’s $6,500 cash allowance on the 2025 1500 Lone Star Crew Cab 4×2 includes multiple stackable incentives. In March 2025, Ram buyers can take advantage of National Retail Consumer Cash ($4,000), National Bonus Cash ($1,500), National Truck Month Bonus Cash ($1,000). This is the best deal on a 2025 model year truck right now.

Compare Ram 1500 depreciation, cost of ownership, and more

What’s Behind March Deals?

March is turning out to be a great time to save big on a new car or truck. The hefty cash discounts this month aren’t just random generosity from automakers. A few key factors are driving these deep price cuts:

  • Leftover Inventory: Many 2024 models are still sitting on dealer lots, and automakers need to clear them out before the 2025s arrive in full force.
  • Sluggish New Car Sales: With high interest rates and consumer demand cooling, dealers are under pressure to move metal and hit sales targets.
  • A Challenging EV Market: Automakers like Kia and Nissan are making up for stagnant electric vehicle sales and lost federal tax credits by offering big discounts on EVs.
  • Truck and SUV Competition: Brands like Jeep, GMC, and Ram are offering aggressive incentives to stay competitive in the hotly contested truck and SUV segments.

At CarEdge, we help you make the most of these discounts. Before you buy, check out our real-time market insights, depreciation forecasts, and cost-of-ownership analysis to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Plus, we can connect you with local inventory and expert guidance to help you negotiate even more savings.

These March deals won’t last forever, so if you see a car you like, act fast and let CarEdge help you buy smart!

👉 Don’t shop without your FREE personal buyer’s guide, packed with local market data and money-saving insights

Used Car Loan Rates Reach 40-Year Highs

Used Car Loan Rates Reach 40-Year Highs

Spring car buying season is here, and many shoppers are heading to dealerships with their tax refunds in hand, ready to make a down payment on a used car. According to a recent survey by Talker Research, Americans expect to receive an average refund of $1,700 this year. With the average price of a used car sitting at $25,128 in March 2025, a solid down payment can help offset high borrowing costs.

However, used car shoppers are facing an unpleasant reality: the highest used car loan rates in over 40 years. Rising interest rates are making monthly payments significantly more expensive in 2025, tightening budgets for many buyers. Before financing a used car this spring, it’s crucial to understand how today’s high APRs will impact your loan – and what steps you can take to minimize costs. Here’s what to expect and how to protect your wallet.

Used Car Loan Rates Haven’t Been This High Since the 1980s

March 2025 auto loan rates are at 40-year highs

Over the past year, used car prices have fluctuated but have generally trended lower. While this is good news for buyers, the cost of financing remains a major hurdle. Used car loan rates have surged to levels not seen since the early 1980s.

After a brief dip in December, interest rates jumped sharply in January and February. According to Cox Automotive, the average used car loan rate in March 2025 is now 14.73% APR. For comparison, new car rates sit at 9.69% APR on average.

For buyers with lower credit scores, the situation is even worse. Many subprime borrowers are being offered rates close to 20% APR – adding thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a loan.

It’s hard to fathom just how much high interest rates can quickly add up, adding thousands of dollars to the total cost of owning a car. Consider the following real-world example: A $25,000 used car loan financed for 72 months at a 15% APR interest rate will accumulate $13,000 in total loan interest over 72 months. For buyers with bad credit, a 20% APR loan rate would push the interest paid above $18,000 for the same loan amount. Buying a car at all starts to lose its appeal with rates at these levels. 

What’s Driving Used Car Loan Rates Higher?

What’s Driving Used Car Loan Rates Higher? The Federal Reserve.

Several factors are keeping borrowing costs elevated in 2025:

  • Federal Reserve Policy: Although the Fed paused rate hikes, persistent inflation has delayed any meaningful rate cuts. This means auto loan rates remain high.
  • Lender Risk: Banks and credit unions are tightening lending standards, particularly for borrowers with lower credit scores. As a result, lenders charge higher interest rates to offset perceived risk.
  • Vehicle Depreciation Concerns: With used car values still above pre-pandemic levels, lenders are wary of financing older cars that could lose value faster than expected.

How to Qualify for the Best Used Car Loan Rates

While the overall rate environment isn’t favorable, car buyers can take steps to secure the best financing possible. Here’s how:

Check Your Credit Score Before Shopping: Your credit score plays a major role in determining your interest rate. Scores above 700 typically secure the best rates, while subprime borrowers (below 600) face the steepest costs. Your debt-to-income ratio is also a key consideration.

Get Pre-Approved by a Credit Union or Local Bank: Credit unions often offer lower rates than dealership financing. Getting pre-approved also gives you negotiating power when discussing financing options with dealers.

Make a Larger Down Payment: The more cash you put down, the less you have to borrow – reducing your interest charges over time. With tax refunds arriving, consider using that money to increase your down payment.

Choose a Shorter Loan Term: A 36- or 48-month loan will come with a lower interest rate than a 72- or 84-month loan. While monthly payments will be higher, you’ll save money on interest in the long run.

Avoid Add-Ons That Increase Loan Costs: Extended warranties, service contracts, and dealer add-ons can be financed into your loan, but this increases the total amount borrowed – and the interest you’ll pay.

👉 Before you commit to a used car with a high APR, drivers with good credit should check out the Best New Car Financing Incentives This Month. For well-qualified buyers, there are plenty of low-APR and even zero percent APR deals out there!

Take our free car buyer’s guide with you to save more and buy with confidence.

For Some Drivers, Repairs Make More Sense Than Financing

With used car loan rates at historic highs, some drivers may be better off repairing their current vehicle rather than financing a new one.

If your car is paid off or close to being paid off, investing in repairs can be far cheaper than taking on a high-interest loan. Consider getting a repair estimate before deciding whether to trade in or keep your car.

Always consider the total cost of ownership before buying any car. Use these free cost of ownership tools to see the numbers – you might be shocked at what you find!

👉 The Best Used Cars Under $10,000

Final Thoughts

Used car prices are coming down slowly, but financing costs remain a major challenge in 2025. With average used car loan rates nearing 15% APR for the first time in 40 years, shoppers need to be strategic about where they finance and how much they borrow.

If you’re planning to buy a used car this spring, use tools like CarEdge’s Free Car Buying Guide to compare financing options and find the most negotiable deals. Knowledge is your best tool to fight back against high borrowing costs. Don’t head to the dealership without a plan!

Every Vehicle Made in Canada, Mexico, and China For U.S. Buyers

Every Vehicle Made in Canada, Mexico, and China For U.S. Buyers

If you’re in the market for a new car or truck, possible price hikes should be on your radar. In 2025, 25% automotive tariffs are officially here. In a shift from previous tariffs, the new auto tariffs apply to all vehicles imported into the United States. However, cars imported from Mexico, Canada, and China are likely to be most impacted due to the complexity of North American supply chains. Here’s what car buyers should know as spring car buying season gets underway.

Which Vehicles Are Affected By Tariffs in 2025?

Several of the most popular new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. are manufactured or partly assembled in Canada, Mexico, and China. However, the impacts of tariffs on the U.S. auto industry are much more wide reaching than it may seem on the surface. This is due to closely intertwined automotive supply chains spanning the three North American manufacturing hubs. 

A new report from S&P Global Mobility forecasts that lost production due to tariffs could reach 20,000 units per day that are not built. This would equate to one third of North American vehicle production being lost due to tariffs.  

It remains unclear how quickly consumers will begin to see higher sticker prices and lower incentives. What we do know is which new cars and trucks are most severely impacted. Here’s a look at some of the models now facing higher costs due to the tariffs, including average selling prices and market supply data as of spring 2025. 

Cars and Trucks Imported From Mexico

2025 Nissan Kicks prices will be impacted by tariffs

The following new cars, SUVs, and trucks are manufactured in Mexico, and sold in the United States. Note that many other models contain parts that are manufactured in Mexico and imported into the U.S. for final assembly. 

MakeModelCountry of OriginAverage Selling PriceDays of SupplyTotal For Sale45-Day Sales Total
AudiQ5Mexico$58,462747,7654,697
BMW3 SeriesMexico$55,5981215,0671,890
BMW2 Series CoupeMexico$49,6631864,106996
ChevroletSilverado 1500U.S. and Mexico$54,50812984,46329,359
ChevroletEquinox EVMexico$42,9441018,3273,699
ChevroletBlazer EVMexico$49,63519511,2152,584
FordBronco SportMexico$33,68917543,62511,198
FordMaverickMexico$34,54114234,97711,097
FordMustang Mach-EMexico$48,1378910,1615,109
GMCSierra 1500U.S. and Mexico$62,38110848,09520,013
HondaPrologueMexico$54,31017911,7752,953
KiaK4U.S. and Mexico$25,2677519,27411,507
NissanSentraMexico$23,81315531,3969,099
NissanKicksMexico$25,75612025,5199,535
RamRam 1500U.S. and Mexico$58,43113351,50817,400
RamRam 2500Mexico$65,05810620,0858,526
RamRam 3500Mexico$71,66412411,3884,145
ToyotaTacomaMexico$46,7965455,02145,724
VolkswagenJettaMexico$26,157909,2164,616
VolkswagenTiguanMexico$32,9956811,4917,615

All prices and market data are as of March 3, 2025, reflecting the state of the car market before tariffs officially began.

In 2025, 20 models of new cars, SUVs and trucks are manufactured in Mexico for export to the United States. The automakers likely to be hardest hit by President Trump’s tariffs are Nissan, Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors. Due to Volkswagen’s smaller model lineup, the German automaker will feel an outsized impact with three popular models being produced in Mexico.

Buyer’s looking for one of the more affordable new cars on sale today will be impacted by tariffs. Three popular models among budget buyers are all produced in Mexico: the Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra, and the new Kia K4. Finding a new car under $25,000 will become even more difficult in 2025 due to tariffs.

Cars and Trucks Imported From Canada

Will tariffs raise Honda CR-V prices in 2025?

In 2023, the United States imported 141,847 motor vehicles and parts from Canada, a record high. These new cars are manufactured at facilities located in Ontario, with a large portion exported to the United States. As of the most recent data, the U.S. was the largest market for Canadian automotive exports, making up 62% of total auto exports. Here are all of the cars and trucks manufactured in Canada for export to the U.S. in 2025:

MakeModelCountry of OriginAverage Selling PriceDays of SupplyTotal For Sale45-Day Sales Total
ChryslerPacificaCanada$47,4831257,7172,783
ChryslerVoyagerCanada$41,8151781,218308
DodgeChargerCanada$54,1892397,2981,372
HondaCR-VU.S. and Canada$37,9676656,30038,135
HondaCivicU.S. and Canada$28,7835921,55016,553
LincolnNautilusChina and Canada$61,04721916,4573,375

Stellantis and Honda will be hardest hit by tariffs on Canada in 2025. The Civic and CR-V are top-sellers for Honda. As models known for their affordability and overall value, it will be interesting to see if Honda Motor American Honda Motor, the North American branch of Honda Motor Company, decides to pass import tariffs on to car buyers in the form of MSRP hikes or severe reductions in incentives. 

Continue to check back each week as we monitor the real-time impact of tariffs on car prices for these affected models.

Ford and General Motors Most Impacted By Tariff On China

Polestar 2025 China tariffs

Just a handful of new cars are produced in China for export to the United States. The following models will be subject to the 10% tariff on imports from China:

  • 2025 Buick Envision
  • 2025 Lincoln Nautilus
  • 2025 Polestar 2
  • 2025 Polestar 3

Polestar, no longer under Volvo’s umbrella, is going to be hit the hardest from the tariffs on Chinese imports. Sales of Polestar’s electric vehicles have already been falling in North America due to competitors with faster charging, more driving range, and lower price tags. If tariffs continue for months on end, it’s not clear if Polestar will see 2025’s challenges as reason enough to exist the North American market entirely to focus on more favorable tides in Europe and Asia.

What Should Car Buyers Do?

If you’re shopping for a new car, here’s what you need to know:

  • Expect price increases – If you’re considering a vehicle made in Canada, Mexico, or China, it may be wise to buy sooner rather than later before dealers fully adjust their pricing.
  • Consider domestic alternatives – U.S.- built models won’t be directly impacted by these tariffs, which could make them a better deal. However, in this day and age, automotive supply chains are global, so no car is completely immune. We’ve crunched the numbers, and these are the best American-made cars today.
  • Look at the used car market – If new car prices rise too much, well-maintained used models may offer more value. Many drivers find the most value in three-year old models with low mileage and a clean history. Buying used means that you’re avoiding the steep depreciation that every new car buyer faces today. 
  • We recommend that all car buyers see if their next vehicle could be impacted using our free auto tariff calculator.

CarEdge’s Take

tariff car prices checker 2025

These tariffs are already reshaping the auto market, and will cost both consumers and automakers money. Whether automakers shift production to the U.S. in response remains to be seen, but for now, buyers should be prepared for rising costs in the form of rising MSRPs and a reduction in incentives, like zero percent financing.

If you have been considering shopping around for a better insurance rate, now is the time. Tariffs are likely to drive premiums even higher in 2025 as car parts are subjected to the levy. Compare quotes today to lock in your rate before the coming hikes.

CarEdge will continue tracking these developments and providing insights on how they affect car prices, financing, and buying strategies. Stay informed, and check out our free car buying tools to help you navigate the challenges ahead for car buyers in 2025.

Reviewed: 5 Best Instant Cash Offer Sites to Sell Your Car [2025]

Reviewed: 5 Best Instant Cash Offer Sites to Sell Your Car [2025]

If you’re looking to sell your car quickly and hassle-free, getting an instant cash offer for a car can be one of the easiest ways to do it. Instead of haggling with private buyers or trading in for a low-ball offer, these online platforms provide an upfront price based on your vehicle’s details. But which services are worth considering? We’ve reviewed five of the best options to help you get the most for your car in 2025. 

CarEdge – Compare Offers and Skip the Dealership

Sell to CarEdge

Summary: CarEdge provides a transparent process for selling your car by offering market-based pricing insights and connecting you with vetted buyers. With a data-driven approach, CarEdge ensures you get a competitive instant cash offer while giving you the tools to make an informed decision.

CarEdge’s instant cash offer is sourced from three trusted partners: Peddle, givemethevin.com, and webuyanycar.com. 

Pros:

  • Easiest way to compare cash offers from multiple online car buyers.
  • Track your car’s value with CarEdge to know exactly when to sell for the best instant cash offer.
  • Home pickup and drop-off are available.
  • Black Book vehicle values are available through CarEdge, helping you know if you’re getting a fair instant cash offer.

Cons:

  • New in the game, but growing quickly. 
  • Offers from others, like Carvana and EchoPark, will have to be requested separately.

The Verdict: CarEdge is a great choice for sellers who want a transparent, data-driven approach to getting the best instant cash offer for their car.

CarMax – A More Traditional Experience

Summary: CarMax is a well-known brand that offers a straightforward process for selling your vehicle. By entering your car’s details online, you’ll receive an instant cash offer that you can redeem at any of the 253 CarMax locations nationwide. The offer is valid for seven days, giving you time to compare deals.

Pros:

  • Convenient nationwide locations make it easy to complete the sale in person.
  • No obligation to sell, so you can shop around for a better offer.
  • Your offer is good for seven days.

Cons:

  • In-person visit required to finalize the deal.

The Verdict: CarMax is a great option for those who prefer an established company and don’t mind visiting a physical location to complete the sale. However, it can come with the unpleasant dealership experience that most drivers prefer to avoid.

Carvana – A Well-Known Name with Fluctuating Offers

carvana secrets

Summary: Carvana provides a completely online selling experience. You enter your car’s details, receive an offer, and if you accept, Carvana will pick up your vehicle and issue payment, with no need to visit a dealership. Note that Carvana’s instant cash offers are known to fluctuate from day to day.

Pros:

  • Fully online process, making it convenient and hassle-free.
  • Fast payment, with most sellers getting paid right after pickup.

Cons:

  • Limited physical locations, so support is primarily online.
  • Offers fluctuate widely based on market demand and inventory needs.

The Verdict: Carvana is a good option for sellers who want a fully digital, contact-free process. However, sellers should be aware that offers can fluctuate wildly day to day, depending on market conditions. Compare quotes from other instant cash buyers before you commit.

Kelley Blue Book – Dealership Visit Required

instant cash offer car inspection

Summary: Kelley Blue Book (KBB) provides a tool that generates an instant cash offer based on your car’s details and market value. This offer can be redeemed at participating dealerships after an inspection.

Pros:

  • KBB is a widely respected name in the automotive industry.
  • Multiple participating dealerships, allowing you to compare offers.

Cons:

  • You still have to go to the dealership.
  • Offer may change after an in-person inspection.
  • Not all dealerships participate, which limits availability in some areas.

The Verdict: KBB Instant Cash Offer is a great option for those who prefer to sell their car through a well-known website with multiple dealership options. It’s not recommended for sellers who prefer to stay away from the dealership experience.

EchoPark – $250 Bonus, But Limited Locations

EchoPark instant cash offer review

Summary: EchoPark provides an instant cash offer online, valid for seven days or 500 miles. If you sell your car to EchoPark within 48 hours of receiving the offer, they’ll add an extra $250 to your payment. However, you must bring your car to an EchoPark location to finalize the deal.

Pros:

  • Bonus incentive of $250 if you sell within 48 hours.
  • No obligation to buy, meaning you can sell your car outright without trading it in.

Cons:

  • Limited locations, so availability varies by region.
  • In-person visit required to complete the transaction.

The Verdict: EchoPark is a strong option for sellers who live near one of its locations and want to maximize their offer with the $250 bonus incentive.

Which Instant Cash Offer is Best in 2025?

The best option depends on your priorities. If you want the best offer without dealership hassles, CarEdge is a great option. With CarEdge’s car value tracking tool, you can see your car’s value change in real time. This makes it easier to decide when to sell. If you prefer a traditional dealership experience, CarMax or KBB Instant Cash Offer could work better. For those near an EchoPark location, the extra $250 incentive makes it a great pick.

Ultimately, all sellers should compare offers from each of these online car buyers to see where the best deal is. Instant cash offers for cars can vary widely from one buyer to the next.

5 Car Salesperson Lies You Need to Know (Before You Buy!)

5 Car Salesperson Lies You Need to Know (Before You Buy!)

Walking into a dealership can feel like stepping onto a high-pressure battlefield of negotiations. Salespeople are trained to close the deal quickly, and some will say almost anything to get you to sign on the dotted line. While many sales professionals are honest, there are common tactics designed to rush your decision or make a deal seem better than it really is.

If you’re buying a car in 2025, knowing these five common car salesperson lies can help you negotiate smarter and avoid getting taken for a ride. Don’t forget your custom Car Buying Guide to get the best deal, no matter what you’re in the market for!

“This price is only good today.”

This classic tactic creates a false sense of urgency, making you feel like you’ll lose out on a great deal if you don’t act fast. It’s meant to pressure you into making an impulsive decision before you have time to shop around or think things through.

Reality Check: While manufacturer promotions and incentives do expire, dealerships set their own pricing. If a dealer is truly motivated to sell, they’ll likely offer the same deal—or something very close to it—tomorrow, next week, or even next month. If you feel rushed, walk away and take your time.

“We’re losing money on this deal.”

Salespeople use this line to make you feel like you’re getting an unbelievable bargain. The idea is to make you hesitate to negotiate further, thinking that they’ve already cut the price as low as possible.

Reality Check: Dealerships rarely lose money on a car sale. Between manufacturer rebates, holdbacks, incentives, and extended warranties, dealers have plenty of ways to make up for any so-called ‘loss.’ They wouldn’t stay in business if they were truly selling at a loss, so don’t let this claim stop you from pushing for a better deal.

👉 Use these Car Buying Cheat Sheets to beat the dealer, EVERY time

“We’ve had a lot of interest in this vehicle, and it might be gone tomorrow.”

This tactic plays on ‘fear of missing out’ and is meant to make you feel pressured to buy before someone else does.

Reality Check: Sure, popular models do sell quickly, but unless you’re after an extremely limited or in-demand car, there’s usually another one available. A salesperson may or may not have other interested buyers, but it’s almost always an attempt to rush your decision. If you’re unsure, leave the lot and check the dealership’s online inventory later—chances are, the car will still be there.

“We paid a lot more for your trade-in than it’s really worth.”

Car buying checklist - everything you need to buy a car

This is a classic numbers game. By making you believe you’re getting an above-market offer on your trade-in, the dealer can justify charging more for the new car—or distract you from negotiating on financing terms.

Reality Check: Trade-in values are based on wholesale market prices, not what the dealer “paid.” Often, if a dealer offers a high trade-in value, they make up for it by adding hidden fees, increasing the price of the new car, or adjusting loan terms. Before heading to the dealership, research your trade-in’s true market value using tools like CarEdge Insights so you know what your car is really worth.

👉 Trade-In Tactics For Success (Free Guide)

“It’s got a ‘clean’ history and no known issues.”

Salespeople want to minimize concerns about a used car’s reliability. Saying a vehicle has no issues or a clean history can ease doubts and make you more likely to buy without further investigation. 

Reality Check: Even if a car has no reported accidents on a Carfax or AutoCheck report, that doesn’t mean it’s problem-free. Hidden damage, flood history, or undisclosed mechanical issues could still exist. 

Always get a third-party mechanical inspection (also known as a Pre-Purchase Inspection) before purchasing any used car. It’s a small price to pay to avoid thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs down the road.

👉 Stay on top of your car buying to-do list with this complete checklist!

How to Protect Yourself From Car Salesperson Lies

CarEdge guides

Car dealerships use pressure tactics to speed up the sale, but with the right preparation, you stay in control. Here’s how to safeguard your purchase and maximize your savings:

Do Your Research – Know the fair market price of the car you’re considering. Use tools like CarEdge behind-the-scenes Insights to check real-time pricing and historical trends.

Take Your Time – If it’s meant to be, it’ll still be there tomorrow. Never feel pressured to buy on the spot. This is especially true of used car purchases.

Negotiate Based on the “Out-the-Door” Price – Dealers add fees, taxes, and extra costs. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of all charges. Use this free Out-the-Door Price Calculator to know what to expect. 

Verify Everything – Don’t take a salesperson’s word for it. Get a vehicle history report, read the fine print, and get a pre-purchase inspection for any used car.

Be Ready to Walk Away – The best negotiating tool? Your willingness to leave. If a deal doesn’t feel right, walk away and find a dealership that respects your time and budget.

CarEdge car buying experts are ready to help you save time, a LOT of stress, AND money. Get started today with your FREE Car Buyer’s Guide!