OffLot › Questions
Car-buying questions, answered
549 plain-English answers about shopping, prices and fees, financing, leasing, trade-ins, the dealership, EVs and how OffLot works.
About OffLot45 questions · What OffLot is, how it works, what's live in the preview and how to use it.Choosing the right vehicle50 questions · Body styles, seats and cargo, towing, AWD, safety, reliability and what you can afford.New, used and certified39 questions · New vs used vs certified pre-owned, mileage, history reports, titles and as-is sales.Prices, fees and taxes49 questions · MSRP, out-the-door price, sales tax, doc fees, add-ons, rebates and itemized quotes.Offers and negotiating35 questions · How to negotiate, timing, making an offer online and how Buy now and Make an offer work on OffLot.Financing and credit60 questions · APR, loan terms, credit scores, pre-approval, dealer vs bank financing and refinancing.Leasing45 questions · How leases work, money factor, residual value, mileage limits, fees and lease-end options.Trade-ins and selling your car39 questions · Trade-in value, owing money on your car, negative equity, paperwork and selling privately.At the dealership44 questions · Test drives, inspections, questions to ask, the finance office and walking away.Warranties and protection products34 questions · Factory and certified warranties, service contracts, GAP, add-ons, recalls and lemon laws.EVs and hybrids39 questions · Range, charging, batteries, incentives, used EVs and choosing between EV, hybrid and plug-in.Paperwork, insurance and delivery35 questions · Documents, insurance, title and registration, temporary tags, out-of-state purchases and delivery.Sophie and AI shopping assistants35 questions · What Sophie, OffLot's AI buying guide, can do, and how AI assistants and shopping agents use OffLot.
About OffLot
- What is OffLot?
- Is OffLot a real car dealership?
- Can I actually buy a car on OffLot today?
- What does it mean that OffLot is in preview?
- Are the cars listed on OffLot real?
- Who is OffLot for?
- Does it cost anything to use OffLot?
- Is Sophie free to use?
- Who owns OffLot?
- How is OffLot different from going to a traditional car lot?
- Does OffLot tell me whether a car is a good deal?
- How do I search for a car on OffLot?
- Can I search by monthly payment instead of price?
- What kinds of vehicles are on OffLot?
- Does OffLot have used cars as well as new?
- What is the OffLot research center?
- Does OffLot have car reviews?
- Can I compare cars side by side on OffLot?
- How do I save cars I like on OffLot?
- What is My OffLot?
- Do I need an account to use OffLot?
- How do I create an OffLot account?
- What does "What this vehicle really costs" mean on OffLot?
- How does OffLot estimate the out-the-door price?
- Can I see lease estimates on OffLot?
- What is the "What can I afford?" tool on OffLot?
- What are listing facts on OffLot?
- What is Open lot mode on OffLot?
- What does "Build your deal" mean on OffLot?
- How do offers work on OffLot?
- How long does an offer on OffLot stay open?
- Can I make an offer as a monthly payment on OffLot?
- Does getting pre-approved on OffLot affect my credit?
- Can I value my trade-in on OffLot?
- Does OffLot offer home delivery?
- Can I use OffLot on my phone?
- Is my information safe on OffLot?
- Where can I read OffLot's privacy and disclosure information?
- Does OffLot sell my information to dealers?
- Will a salesperson call me if I use OffLot?
- What is Adventure Axiom?
- Can OffLot help me decide between leasing and buying?
- Can I filter by towing capacity or EV range on OffLot?
- Why should I trust OffLot's information?
- Is OffLot available outside Texas?
Choosing the right vehicle
- How do I figure out what kind of car I actually need?
- Should I get an SUV or a sedan?
- Is a minivan better than a three-row SUV for a family?
- Do I really need a pickup truck?
- What is the difference between a crossover and an SUV?
- How many seats do I need in a car?
- Are third-row seats in midsize SUVs usable for adults?
- How do I fit three car seats across one row?
- How much cargo space do I need?
- What does cubic feet of cargo space really mean?
- How much towing capacity do I need?
- What is the difference between towing capacity and payload?
- What do GVWR and GCWR mean when towing?
- Can an SUV or crossover tow a camper?
- What is the difference between AWD and 4WD?
- Do I need all-wheel drive in the snow?
- Is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive better?
- How do I check a car's safety rating?
- What is the difference between NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings?
- What does IIHS Top Safety Pick mean?
- Which safety features should I look for in a new car?
- How can I research a car's reliability?
- Is it bad to buy the first model year of a redesigned car?
- How do I compare fuel economy between cars?
- Is a hybrid worth the extra cost?
- Should my next car be electric?
- When is the best time of year to buy a car?
- How much car can I afford?
- What is the 20/4/10 rule for buying a car?
- Should I shop by monthly payment or total price?
- What is total cost of ownership for a car?
- Why does insurance cost more for some cars than others?
- Should I get an insurance quote before buying a car?
- How do I compare different trims of the same model?
- What is the best way to compare two or three car models?
- What are the best cars for a family?
- What should I look for in a first car?
- What is a good car for a teen driver?
- Should a teenager get a new or used car?
- Are smaller cars less safe than bigger cars?
- Is it better to buy a car with a bigger engine?
- How long should I test-drive a car?
- What features are worth paying extra for?
- Does the color of a car matter?
- How much does maintenance cost differ between car brands?
- Is a luxury car worth it?
- Should I wait for a new model year before buying?
- Can AI help me choose a car?
- What questions should I ask myself before buying a car?
- How do I narrow down my list of cars to choose from?
New, used and certified
- Is it better to buy a new or used car?
- What is a certified pre-owned car?
- Is certified pre-owned worth the extra money?
- What is the difference between manufacturer CPO and dealer certified?
- How many miles is too many for a used car?
- Is a high-mileage car worth buying?
- What is a good age for a used car?
- How fast do new cars depreciate?
- Which cars hold their value best?
- What is a vehicle history report?
- How can I check a used car's history for free?
- What is NMVTIS?
- What does a salvage title mean?
- Should I buy a car with a rebuilt title?
- What is a flood-damaged car and how can I spot one?
- What is a lemon title?
- What are the different types of title brands?
- What is title washing?
- How can I tell if a used car's odometer was rolled back?
- Is a one-owner car better?
- Should I buy a used car that was a rental?
- What does buying a car as is mean?
- Do used cars come with a warranty?
- Should I buy a used car from a private seller or a dealer?
- How do I safely buy a car from a private seller?
- What paperwork do I need when buying a used car from a private seller?
- Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used car?
- Do used cars have open recalls?
- How do I check for recalls on a used car?
- Can I return a used car after buying it?
- Is it smarter to buy a slightly used car instead of new?
- Why are interest rates higher on used cars?
- Is it worth buying an older car with low miles?
- What model year used car should I buy?
- Is a used car with an accident on its history report a deal breaker?
- Should I buy a used EV?
- Does the factory warranty transfer to a second owner?
- What should I look for when inspecting a used car myself?
- What does one-owner, clean-title, no-accidents really guarantee?
Prices, fees and taxes
- What is MSRP on a car?
- What is the difference between MSRP, invoice price, and sale price?
- What is dealer invoice price, and can I find it?
- What does out-the-door price mean?
- Why should I ask for the out-the-door price instead of the sticker price?
- Do you pay sales tax on a car?
- Is car sales tax based on where I live or where I buy the car?
- Do I pay sales tax on a used car from a private seller?
- How does a trade-in affect sales tax?
- Are rebates taxed when buying a car?
- Can I negotiate the doc fee?
- What is a destination charge on a new car?
- Is the destination fee negotiable?
- What are title and registration fees?
- Which car fees are government fees and which are dealer fees?
- What are dealer add-ons?
- Can I refuse dealer add-ons?
- What is a market adjustment or ADM on a car?
- Why is the advertised price different from the price at the dealership?
- What are hidden fees when buying a car?
- How do I get an itemized quote from a car dealer?
- What are manufacturer rebates and incentives?
- Can I get both a rebate and 0% financing?
- What is dealer holdback?
- Can a dealer sell a car below invoice?
- What does days on market mean for a car listing?
- Does a price drop on a listing mean it's a good deal?
- Is it better to pay cash for a car?
- Will a dealer give me a better price if I pay cash?
- Should I tell the dealer I'm paying cash?
- Do I need a deposit to hold a car?
- Is a car deposit refundable?
- How much should I expect to pay above the car's price in taxes and fees?
- How is OffLot's out-the-door estimate calculated?
- Are car prices on OffLot real?
- Does MSRP include destination and fees?
- What is a window sticker addendum?
- Do new car prices drop at the end of the year?
- How do I know what a fair price is for a car?
- Does the price of a used car include reconditioning?
- What is a dealer prep fee?
- Can the dealer change the price after we agree?
- How long is a car price quote good for?
- Should I negotiate the price or the monthly payment?
- What does 'plus tax, title, and license' mean in a car ad?
- Do I have to pay the full price upfront when buying a car?
- Is a lower price always better than a bigger rebate?
- Do electric vehicles still qualify for a federal tax credit?
- Why are there so many fees on a car purchase?
Offers and negotiating
- How do I negotiate the price of a car?
- Why should I negotiate the out-the-door price instead of the monthly payment?
- How much below asking price should I offer on a car?
- Can I make an offer on a car online?
- Is the end of the month a good time to buy a car?
- Are car dealers more flexible at the end of the quarter or year?
- How do dealers decide whether to accept an offer?
- What is a counteroffer when buying a car?
- How do I respond to a dealer's counteroffer?
- Should I make a lowball offer on a car?
- Should I negotiate my trade-in separately from the new car price?
- Does getting pre-approved help when negotiating a car price?
- How does Buy now work on OffLot?
- How does Make an offer work on OffLot?
- Do I need an account to make an offer on OffLot?
- Can I make an offer based on a monthly payment on OffLot?
- How long does an offer stay open on OffLot?
- Where can I see the status of my offer on OffLot?
- What happens after I make an offer on OffLot?
- Why does OffLot suggest getting pre-approved after I make an offer?
- Can I change my offer after submitting it on OffLot?
- Can I withdraw an offer on a car?
- Is an offer on a car legally binding?
- Is a car offer on OffLot binding right now?
- Should I make offers on multiple cars at the same time?
- What should I say when making an offer on a car?
- Can I negotiate on a no-haggle price?
- Do dealers negotiate on used cars more than new cars?
- What if the dealer won't negotiate at all?
- Is it rude to negotiate a car price?
- How do I negotiate a car deal by email or text?
- Should I tell the salesperson my budget?
- What happens if a dealer accepts my offer?
- Can I negotiate the interest rate at a dealership?
- Does Sophie negotiate for me on OffLot?
Financing and credit
- What is the difference between APR and interest rate on a car loan?
- Should I compare car loans by APR or by monthly payment?
- How long can you finance a car?
- Is a 72-month or 84-month car loan a bad idea?
- How much more interest do I pay on a longer car loan?
- How is a monthly car payment calculated?
- What's included in the amount financed on a car loan?
- How much should I put down on a car?
- Can I buy a car with no money down?
- What credit score do I need to buy a car?
- Which credit score do auto lenders use?
- Can I get a car loan with bad credit?
- Can I get a car loan with no credit history?
- What is a first-time car buyer program?
- What does a co-signer do on a car loan?
- What's the difference between a co-signer and a co-borrower?
- What is the difference between prequalification and pre-approval for a car loan?
- Is pre-approval the same as final loan approval?
- Does getting pre-approved for a car loan hurt my credit?
- What is the difference between a soft and hard credit inquiry?
- Will shopping around for a car loan hurt my credit score?
- How many lenders should I apply to for a car loan?
- Is dealer financing or bank financing better?
- Are credit union car loans better?
- Can a dealer mark up my interest rate?
- Is the interest rate on a car loan negotiable?
- What do lenders ask for when applying for a car loan?
- Why does a lender need my employment and residence history?
- Can I get a car loan if I'm self-employed?
- What is a 0% APR car deal?
- Should I take 0% financing or the cash rebate?
- What are the catches with 0% APR offers?
- Can I refinance my car loan?
- When is a good time to refinance a car loan?
- Can I pay off my car loan early?
- Is there a penalty for paying off a car loan early?
- What is a simple interest car loan?
- What is GAP insurance and do I need it?
- Where can I buy GAP insurance?
- What is negative equity on a car?
- Can I trade in a car I still owe money on?
- Should I roll negative equity into a new car loan?
- How do I find out my car loan payoff amount?
- Should I pay cash or finance a car?
- Does my income affect my car loan approval?
- What is debt-to-income ratio for a car loan?
- What is a loan-to-value ratio on a car loan?
- Do I need full coverage insurance on a financed car?
- What is a buy here pay here dealership?
- What is a spot delivery or yo-yo financing?
- Can I add a service contract or warranty to my car loan?
- Does financing a car help build credit?
- What happens if I miss a car payment?
- How do I compare car loan offers?
- Does OffLot offer real car loans?
- Does getting pre-approved on OffLot affect my credit score?
- How does OffLot show financing options for a car?
- Can I search for cars by monthly payment on OffLot?
- Can I make an offer based on a monthly payment?
- Can Sophie explain car financing to me?
Leasing
- How does leasing a car work?
- Is it better to lease or buy a car?
- Who should lease a car instead of buying?
- Why are lease payments lower than loan payments?
- What is a money factor on a car lease?
- How do I convert a money factor to an interest rate?
- What is residual value on a lease?
- Why does a high residual value make a lease cheaper?
- What is capitalized cost in a lease?
- What is a cap cost reduction?
- Should I put money down on a lease?
- What does due at signing mean on a lease?
- Why do lease ads say 'plus tax' and 'due at signing'?
- What is an acquisition fee on a lease?
- What is a disposition fee?
- How many miles do you get on a car lease?
- What happens if I go over my lease mileage?
- Can I buy extra miles on a lease?
- What counts as excess wear and tear on a lease?
- Is lease wear-and-tear protection worth it?
- Can I end a car lease early?
- What is a lease buyout?
- Should I buy my car at the end of the lease?
- Can I sell or trade in a leased car?
- Can I transfer my car lease to someone else?
- Can you lease a used car?
- Do I need GAP insurance on a lease?
- Can you negotiate a car lease?
- What should I ask for when leasing a car?
- How is a lease payment calculated?
- What is the rent charge on a lease?
- What is the depreciation charge on a lease?
- How does sales tax work on a car lease?
- What lease term is best: 24, 36 or 48 months?
- Does OffLot offer lease estimates?
- Can I lease a car through OffLot right now?
- Is leasing a good option for an electric vehicle?
- Do I need good credit to lease a car?
- What is a security deposit on a lease?
- What happens at the end of a car lease?
- Can I lease a car and then buy it later?
- Is it smart to lease a car for a business?
- What fees should I expect when leasing a car?
- Does a car lease include maintenance?
- Can I lease a car with a trade-in?
Trade-ins and selling your car
- What affects my car's trade-in value?
- Is it better to trade in my car or sell it privately?
- Are instant online car offers worth it?
- How do I figure out how much equity I have in my car?
- What is a payoff letter and how do I get one?
- Is my loan payoff amount the same as my remaining balance?
- Who keeps the title when I still have a car loan?
- What is a lien release?
- How long does it take to get my title after paying off my car?
- How do I get multiple offers on my trade-in?
- How should I prepare my car for a trade-in appraisal?
- Is it worth fixing my car before trading it in?
- Does a trade-in lower the sales tax on my new car?
- Do I pay sales tax when I sell my car privately?
- What is a lease buyout amount?
- What if my leased car is worth more than the buyout?
- What paperwork do I need to trade in my car?
- What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately?
- How do I sell a car privately if I still have a loan?
- How do I safely get paid when selling my car privately?
- How can I stay safe when someone test drives my car for sale?
- Does mileage really matter that much for trade-in value?
- Will an accident on my car's history report lower my trade-in value?
- When is the best time to trade in or sell my car?
- Do dealers really pay less for trade-ins than private buyers?
- Can I trade in a car that doesn't run?
- Can I trade in a car that isn't in my name?
- What happens to my old loan after I trade in my car?
- How does a trade-in work with a lease on a new car?
- Should I tell the dealer I have a trade-in right away?
- Do I need to remove my license plates when I sell or trade in my car?
- What should I do after selling my car?
- How do I erase my personal data before trading in my car?
- Should I trade in my car if it has a lot of equity?
- Can I trade in two cars at once?
- Can I use OffLot to estimate my trade-in or sell my car?
- Does a dirty car get a lower trade-in offer?
- Do aftermarket modifications increase trade-in value?
- Can a dealer change my trade-in offer after the appraisal?
At the dealership
- What should I bring when I go to buy a car at a dealership?
- How long does it take to buy a car at a dealership?
- Do I need an appointment to visit a car dealership?
- What should I check during a test drive?
- Should I test drive more than one car?
- What is a pre-purchase inspection?
- Will a dealer let me take a used car for an independent inspection?
- How do I check a car's VIN?
- How do I check if a car has open recalls?
- What should I look at during a walkaround of a used car?
- What should I look for when checking tires on a used car?
- Why should I do a cold start on a used car?
- What questions should I ask a car salesperson?
- What is an out-the-door price?
- What is the difference between government fees and dealer fees?
- Can I remove dealer add-ons from the price?
- What happens in the F&I office?
- Are extended warranties and GAP insurance required to get a car loan?
- How can I avoid feeling pressured at a car dealership?
- Is it okay to walk away from a car deal?
- Can I return a car after I buy it from a dealer?
- What is spot delivery or yo-yo financing?
- What should I do if the dealer calls saying my financing fell through?
- What should I read before signing car paperwork?
- Do I have to finance through the dealer?
- What is the FTC Buyers Guide on a used car?
- What does 'as is' mean on a used car?
- How do I check how much factory warranty is left on a used car?
- Should I ask for service records on a used car?
- How do I test a car's features at the dealership?
- Should I bring my car seats to the dealership?
- What is OffLot's lot mode?
- Can I get the out-the-door price before visiting the dealership?
- How long is a dealer's price quote good for?
- Should I make a deposit on a car at the dealership?
- What is a doc fee at a car dealership?
- Can I negotiate at the dealership if I'm paying cash?
- What if the car I came to see is no longer available?
- Should I buy a car on my first visit to the dealership?
- Can I bring someone with me when buying a car?
- Is the first price at the dealership negotiable?
- What should I check before driving my new car off the lot?
- What is a 'we owe' form at a dealership?
- Does OffLot let me buy a car at a dealership right now?
Warranties and protection products
- What is the difference between a bumper-to-bumper warranty and a powertrain warranty?
- What does a new car warranty actually cover?
- When does a car warranty start?
- What is an in-service date and why does it matter?
- Does the factory warranty transfer when I buy a used car?
- How can I check how much warranty is left on a used car?
- What is a certified pre-owned warranty?
- Is a manufacturer certified pre-owned car better than a dealer certified one?
- What is an extended car warranty?
- Is an extended warranty worth it?
- What is a vehicle service contract?
- Do I have to buy an extended warranty to get financing?
- Can I buy an extended warranty after I buy the car?
- Are those 'your car warranty is expiring' calls real?
- Is GAP insurance cheaper from my insurance company than from the dealer?
- Does a lease already include GAP coverage?
- What is tire and wheel protection?
- Is paint protection or ceramic coating from a dealer worth it?
- What is a prepaid maintenance plan?
- Are dealer add-ons required when buying a car?
- How do I tell if an add-on was snuck into my car contract?
- Can I cancel an extended warranty or GAP after buying the car?
- Do I get a refund for GAP or a service contract if I pay off my loan early or sell the car?
- What is a lemon law?
- Do lemon laws apply to used cars?
- What should I do if I think my car is a lemon?
- Do I have to pay to fix a safety recall?
- How do I check if a car has an open recall?
- Can a dealer sell a used car with an open recall?
- Does modifying my car or using an independent mechanic void the warranty?
- What does 'as is' mean on a used car Buyers Guide?
- What is a corrosion or rust warranty?
- Is roadside assistance included with a new car?
- How does OffLot show warranty and protection options?
EVs and hybrids
- What is the difference between an EV, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
- Should I get a hybrid or an electric car?
- Do you have to plug in a hybrid?
- What is a mild hybrid?
- How far can an electric car go on a charge?
- Why is my real-world EV range lower than the EPA estimate?
- How much range do EVs lose in cold weather?
- Do electric cars get worse range on the highway?
- How much EV range do I actually need?
- What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging?
- Can I charge an electric car with a regular outlet?
- How much does it cost to install a home EV charger?
- Do I need a Level 2 charger at home?
- Can I own an EV if I live in an apartment without home charging?
- How long does it take to charge an electric car?
- Why do EVs charge slower after 80 percent?
- What are NACS and CCS charging connectors?
- Can non-Tesla EVs use Tesla Superchargers?
- How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
- Is charging an EV cheaper than buying gas?
- What is the EV battery warranty?
- How long do EV batteries last?
- What is EV battery degradation?
- How can I check the battery health on a used EV?
- What should I check before buying a used EV?
- Is there still a federal tax credit for buying an EV?
- Are there still state or utility incentives for electric cars?
- Can I still get the used EV tax credit?
- Do electric cars need less maintenance?
- Do hybrids cost more to maintain than gas cars?
- Can an electric truck or SUV tow a trailer?
- Is insurance more expensive for an electric car?
- Are electric cars safe in a crash?
- Do EVs lose value faster than gas cars?
- How do I plan a road trip in an EV?
- Does a plug-in hybrid make sense if I cannot charge every day?
- What is regenerative braking?
- How do I search for EVs and hybrids on OffLot?
- Is an EV or hybrid cheaper to own overall?
Paperwork, insurance and delivery
- What documents do I need to buy a car?
- What should I bring to the dealership when I am ready to buy?
- Do I need insurance before I drive a new car off the lot?
- How do I get insurance on a car I have not bought yet?
- What insurance coverage does a lender require on a financed car?
- How long does it take to get the title after buying a car?
- Who holds the title when I finance a car?
- Who handles registration when I buy from a dealer?
- What are temporary tags and how long do they last?
- What happens if my temporary tag expires before my plates arrive?
- Can I buy a car from a dealer in another state?
- Do I pay sales tax in the state where I buy the car or where I live?
- What does a VIN inspection mean when registering an out-of-state car?
- Can I get a car delivered to my home?
- Does OffLot deliver cars?
- What should I check when a car is delivered to my home?
- Can I return a car after I buy it?
- Is there a 3-day cooling-off period for car purchases?
- When is my first car payment due?
- How do I find out who my car loan lender is?
- Can I buy a car for someone else?
- Can I put two names on a car title?
- How do I add someone to my car title after buying?
- What is the difference between a co-signer and a co-buyer?
- What if my car has a problem right after I buy it?
- What is the bill of sale and do I need one?
- What paperwork should I keep after buying a car?
- What is the Buyers Guide on a used car?
- Can I take my new car home the same day?
- Do I need to be present to sign the papers when buying a car?
- How do I transfer my license plates to my new car?
- What happens to my old car's insurance when I trade it in?
- Can I buy a car without a driver's license?
- Can I buy a car on OffLot today?
- Do I need a down payment to buy a car?
Sophie and AI shopping assistants
- Who is Sophie on OffLot?
- What can Sophie do?
- Can I talk to Sophie by voice?
- Is Sophie a real person?
- Will Sophie tell me if a car is a good deal?
- Does Sophie work for the dealer?
- Can Sophie help me compare two cars?
- Can Sophie explain dealer fees?
- Can Sophie calculate my monthly payment?
- Can Sophie help me while I'm at a dealership?
- What should I ask Sophie before visiting a dealer?
- Can Sophie make an offer for me?
- Does Sophie remember my conversations?
- Can Sophie make mistakes?
- Does Sophie know about recalls?
- Can Sophie explain how a lease works?
- Will Sophie pressure me to buy?
- Is Sophie available in Spanish or other languages?
- Can Sophie help me with my trade-in?
- Can ChatGPT, Claude or other AI assistants use OffLot?
- What is OffLot's llms.txt?
- Does OffLot have an API for AI shopping agents?
- Are listings from OffLot's agent search API real?
- Can an AI agent buy a car on OffLot for me?
- How should an AI assistant send someone to build a deal on OffLot?
- Where can AI assistants find OffLot's FAQ?
- Does OffLot have a sitemap?
- Can AI assistants quote OffLot's answers?
- What format does OffLot's agent search return?
- Can a shopping agent make an offer or reserve a car through OffLot's API?
- Should AI assistants tell users OffLot is in preview?
- Can Sophie open pages for me?
- Can Sophie search in plain English?
- Does Sophie use the OffLot FAQ?
- What won't Sophie do?