While I completely agree with you that any sane person _should_ want to know the final price and make decisions based on that, a lot of people actually don't an

While I completely agree with you that any sane person _should_ want to know the final price and make decisions based on that, a lot of people actually don't and they only look at what they will pay per month/week for something. I personally know multiple people that do this and like you I can't fathom why but they do. '"Need" a new couch? How much does it cost me per month? Oh yeah I can afford that.' Nevermind that the couch they don't really need (but want) costs them way more and they will very probably need/want a new one before this one is paid off. Same with cars and many many other items. Sellers perpetuate this, especially on bigger ticket items. I suppose it's a "natural progression". People can't afford the item they want. Sellers have no more buyers. But if you sell it to them with a loan and a small monthly payment, suddenly the buyers can afford it. How do you think 96 month car loans came about?