Are You Paying More Than You Should for Your New Car?

A recent TikTok video has shed light on a sneaky practice some car dealerships employ to inflate final sales prices, leaving customers both skeptical and grateful.

In the viral video, salesman @geebo4 from Long-Lewis Auto Group in Alabama exposes the hidden fees often attached to car sales. He takes viewers through a side-by-side comparison of two seemingly identical 2025 Ford Explorers—one from a rival dealership and one from his own.

The Shocking Breakdown: Are You Aware of What You’re Paying?

According to @geebo4, the competitor’s vehicle, with a market value of $47,500 and a discount reducing that to $44,500, soon shows a devious twist at the end: hidden fees. A $699 'doc fee' and a $190.98 electronic filing fee pushed the final cost up to a staggering $48,166.82.

Contrastingly, the Long-Lewis Explorer, which has a higher market value of $48,475 with a smaller discount, ended up costing only $47,062.46—with no hidden fees in sight! 'No doc fee or electronic filing fee,' @geebo4 emphasizes, ensuring viewers know his dealership avoids these extra charges.

What Are These Sneaky Fees?

So, what exactly are these mysterious fees? The 'doc fee' typically covers administrative costs related to preparing sales paperwork and varies significantly from state to state. It can range from $75 to a shocking $899! And while negotiating this fee is often a challenge, customers can offset it by bargaining down the car's sticker price.

The electronic filing fee is another unwelcome addition, designed to cover the dealer’s costs for submitting paperwork online. Similar to the doc fee, it can add hundreds to your bill without being a required government charge.

Navigating Car Purchases: Protect Yourself!

Always ask for a detailed breakdown of fees before signing anything, and be ready to walk away if the dealer isn’t willing to negotiate. Knowledge is power when it comes to avoiding these surprise costs!

Mixed Reactions: Is This Dealership Truly Different?

While many viewers thanked @geebo4 for his honesty, some skeptics questioned whether his dealership was any better, suggesting hidden fees might just be included in the vehicle price instead.

In response, @geebo4 insisted, 'We are non-commissioned sales. We make our money selling volume... This is the best way to sell cars with no run-around.' However, critics remain unconvinced, alleging that dealerships play games with pricing.

Nevertheless, for some viewers, this dealership represents a refreshing alternative in a competitive car market. One viewer shared their relief after walking away from a local dealership that tried to tag on $4,500 in fees!

In Conclusion: Awareness is Key!

As car buying continues to evolve, awareness of these hidden charges is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re skeptical of @geebo4's claims or appreciative of his transparency, one thing is clear: knowledge could save you a lot on your next vehicle purchase!