Here's an alternative, at least for now: 1. Figure out which model/make car you want. 2. Make a list of, say, 20-30 dealerships which have that car listed at

Here's an alternative, at least for now: 1. Figure out which model/make car you want. 2. Make a list of, say, 20-30 dealerships which have that car listed at a reasonable price. (Well, relatively reasonable for 2024, let's say.) 3. For each dealership, inquire through text/email about the "out-the-door" price of the vehicle. 4. Only consider dealerships that text you back with a price sheet that shows your actual out-the-door price. Ignore any that have charges for nitrogen in tires, paint protection charge, door guard charge, market adjustment, etc. Ignore any that string you along without giving an out-the-door price. Ignore any that require you to talk fine details about financing before giving you an out-the-door price. (You can let them know you're open to financing, but leave it at that.) 5. Ask the one or two dealer(s) that passed through the filter above to let you take the car to an auto shop that is nearby to the dealer (within, say, 10 or 20 miles), so that you can get an expert opinion. Any dealer that made it past step 4 is likely to also honor this request. 6. If the feedback from the auto-mechanic you chose is satisfactory, buy the car. In all likelihood, only a single dealership will pass through the filter. You'll be able to negotiate the price (within reason) over email/text. When you show up to the dealership, they'll honor said price and give you a no-hassle car-buying experience. In my few experiences with this, nearly all dealers fail very early and very obviously in step 4. So it's an optimal filter. (Edit: well, at least in 2024 when there's still a car shortage, at least for used vehicles.)