When do-it-yourself car buyers SHOULD HAVE gotten help

Who Should Never Buy a Car Alone – And Why

Hey folks! Kevin Hunter here — welcome back to The Homework Guy Show, where we help smart car buyers like YOU beat the dealerships at their own game. Today’s topic might sting a little, because we’re calling out the folks who are their own worst enemy at the dealership. If you recognize yourself in any of these types, it’s time to get some help before you walk into another showroom!

Elizabeth joins me as we break down the buyer types who should never go it alone when buying a car.

1. The “Just Tell Me Where to Sign” Buyer

Traits:

• Doesn’t read contracts
• Blindly trusts the finance manager
• Ignores added costs like warranties or fees

What Happens:

• Gets stuck with $3,000–$10,000 in junk add-ons
• Signs up for inflated interest rates
• Calls us later saying, “I got ripped off!” — too late!

What To Do Instead:

• Bring a savvy friend or use The Homework Guy’s Checklist
• Read everything before signing

2. The “Monthly Payment Shopper”

Traits:

• Only focused on monthly payment
• Ignores total cost of the vehicle

What Happens:

• Dealers stretch loans to 84+ months
• Pays $10,000+ more than the car is worth
• Ends up in a deep negative equity trap

What To Do Instead:

• Focus on total cost, not just the payment
• Get pre-approved before you visit a dealer
• Use The Homework Guy’s Loan Calculator to run the real numbers

3. The “Trade-In Victim”

Traits:

• Has no idea what their current car is worth
• Accepts whatever trade-in number the dealer gives

What Happens:

• Gets lowballed by thousands
• Dealer bumps the new car price under the radar

What To Do Instead:

• Check KBB, Edmunds, and local comps
• Buy a $69 consult with us for Black Book values
• Sell privately if you can
• Never mix your trade-in with the new car deal

4. The “Dealer’s Best Friend”

Traits:

• Believes every word the salesperson says
• Easily influenced by “limited-time” pressure tactics

What Happens:

• Buys overpriced warranties, add-ons, and packages
• Believes “this is the best deal we can do” without pushing back

What To Do Instead:

• Question everything the dealer says
• Remember: if it sounds urgent, it’s likely a tactic

5. The “Let’s See What I Can Get Approved For” Buyer

Traits:

• Walks in with no financing plan
• Lets the dealer “shop” their credit

What Happens:

• Dealer inflates interest rates and back-end profit
• Pays thousands more than necessary

What To Do Instead:

• Get pre-approved from your bank or credit union
• Know your own credit score and loan options first

6. The “Test Drive = I’m Buying” Buyer

Traits:

• “Just looking” turns into buying within minutes
• Becomes emotionally attached on the test drive

What Happens:

• Overpays because of emotional decisions
• Doesn’t compare other options
• Gets upsold on everything

What To Do Instead:

• Treat test drives like research, not commitment
• Leave, think, and compare — never buy on the spot

7. The “Sticker Price Is the Final Price” Rookie

Traits:

• Takes MSRP at face value
• Doesn’t know how to negotiate

What Happens:

• Pays more than necessary
• Misses hidden incentives and dealer discounts

What To Do Instead:

• Always negotiate
• Ask for the best out-the-door price
• Shop multiple dealerships and compare offers

Remember folks, we can save you the hassle of dealing with bad dealers. Learn more about our Hassle-Free Car Buying Service at thehomeworkguy.com — and come join us on Facebook where we interact with buyers every day.

To all our fans: you’re not just subscribers — you’re our friends. Thank you for trusting us, and God bless you all!

— Kevin Hunter, The Amazing Elizabeth, Alex Stephens, and the entire Homework Guy Team