Dealership Desk Contract Auditor
Interactive F&I desk checklist & negotiation tool. Spot hidden dealer markups, illegal add-ons, interest rate padding, and FTC violations before you sign.
State Documentation Fee Audit
Dealer documentation ("doc") fees cover administrative costs. Many states enforce legal caps (e.g., CA $85, NY $175), while uncapped states frequently feature dealer quotes exceeding $800–$1,000.
"I've reviewed the state regulations and benchmarks for documentation fees. Your quoted fee of $695 exceeds the fair state threshold of $300. Please adjust this line item to the legal cap / fair benchmark of $300 before we sign."
Pre-Installed Accessories & Dealer Add-ons
Unrequested add-ons (VIN etching, window tint, nitrogen tires, paint sealant) are high-margin dealer profit items often pre-printed on buyer orders.
"I did not request VIN etching, nitrogen tire fills, or dealer protection packages on this vehicle. FTC guidelines stipulate that optional dealer add-ons cannot be mandated as a condition of sale or financing. Please remove the $997 in accessory charges from the buyer's order."
Interest Rate Padding (Dealer APR Markup)
Lenders assign a "Buy Rate" based on credit. Dealers often pad this APR by 1% to 2.5% (dealer reserve profit), costing buyers thousands over the loan term.
"I am aware of my qualifying lender buy rate of 5.5%. Your offered quote of 7.5% includes a 2.0% dealer APR markup, which adds $1,634 in extra interest. I will complete financing today if you eliminate the padding and contract at the direct buy rate."
GAP Insurance Price Comparison
Dealerships charge $800–$1,200 for GAP policies (financed with interest). Major auto insurers offer GAP or loan payoff coverage for roughly $30–$50 per year.
"My auto insurance carrier provides complete GAP endorsement for $40 per year, totaling under $200 for the loan term compared to your $950 charge. Please remove dealer GAP insurance from the contract."
Extended Warranty (VSC) Markup Audit
Vehicle Service Contracts (VSC) routinely feature 100%+ profit markups. Wholesale costs for exclusionary coverage are typically far below initial F&I quotes.
"I am only open to an official manufacturer exclusionary service contract. The wholesale value for this coverage tier is approximately $1,400. If you can match $1,400, I will consider it; otherwise, remove the warranty contract."
FTC CARS Rule Compliance Audit
The FTC Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule bans deceptive pricing, hidden add-ons without express written consent, and bogus fees offering zero benefit.
"Under FTC CARS Rule guidelines, dealerships must provide a clear itemized breakdown of the Offering Price without undisclosed mandatory add-ons or fee inflations. Please provide an updated out-of-the-door quote reflecting all verified disclosures."