Dealership Red Flags Are Flying!

In episode two of Keys to the Deal, Kathie the Car Mama blends humor and decades of automotive expertise to reveal the hidden truths behind car dealership practices. She draws insightful comparisons between the world of dating and car buying, stressing how the wrong match—whether it’s a pushy salesperson or a bad relationship—can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The episode spotlights crucial red flags, like dealerships claiming a “soft pull” on your credit or insisting you fill out a credit app before even discussing numbers. 

Kathie clarifies that auto loans are simple interest loans and demystifies the pressure to put money down, highlighting how it often benefits the dealership more than the buyer. She emphasizes the importance of securing a pre-approval, understanding your FICO Auto Score, and leveraging resources like local credit unions or Capital One Auto Navigator to avoid unnecessary rate hikes. The episode wraps with Kathy's signature “Speed Dating for Cars” segment, this week likening the Ford Bronco Sport’s vibe to a grown-up VSCO girl. Listeners walk away with sharpened instincts, empowered to assert themselves at the dealership and bypass common traps. The key takeaway: informed buyers save money, avoid hassle, and choose cars—and deals—that are truly the right fit.

Key Segments:

• [01:20] - Car Buying: Spotting Red Flags
• [05:01] - No Money Down Saves Interest
• [08:55] - Dealer Price Inflation Tactics
• [11:29] - Negotiate Car Price Before Credit
• [13:53] - First Date Red Flags
• [15:21] - Dealership Hassle and Credit Reality
• [19:25] - Understanding FICO Auto Scores
• [23:07] - Speed Dating
• [24:30] - Subscribe and Connect for Insights

Resources:

• Keys to the Deal Website: https://keystothedeal.com/ 
• Ways to Hire The Car Mama: https://stan.store/kathiethecarmama 
• The Car Mama Website: https://www.kathiethecarmama.com/