It is that time of year again when dealers are clamoring to drum up business with a few choice advertisements and “special” offers.

“No money down!”
“This weekend only!”
“Up to $3,000 off.”
“Minimum $1,000 trade-in; just push, pull, or drag it in.”
“We will match your tax return as a down payment!”
“Low, low interest rate; so low, you won’t even know it’s there.”

…And in they reel you hook, line, and stinker!

But do not fall for these lines folks; there is hidden meaning between each one. And we are about to unveil their ugly truths before your very eyes:

“No money down!” Oh wow, what a terrific break here. Basically this can mean that you will have higher interest rates, and a higher overall monthly payment. Hand me the pen… I can’t wait to sign!

“This weekend only!” Not to mention the weekend after that; then the one after that… and if you are really, really lucky they just might extend it through the rest of the year!”

“Up to $3,000 off.” Be sure to read the fine print on this one, because more than likely there is a minimum value of the car you need to purchase before you can get it. Like $50,000 or above; can you say kid’s college fund?

“Minimum $1,000 trade-in.” This is a very common dealer play. They keep your mind focused on the great trade-in deal they are giving you and the bad deal you are getting on the new car passes right over your head.

“We will match your tax return as a down payment!” Read the fine print below on this one too. If there is no fine print that you can see, it is probably the same gimmick as the $1,000 minimum trade-in. To keep you focused on that money down, rather than the actual deal itself.

“Low, low interest rates.” Absolutely… All you need to do is put down between 50 and 80 percent of the cost of the car; then that 0 percent financing is all yours! Not to mention the credit score of 849 out of 850 possible points! It will probably also be the striped down version that only comes with two seats, a radio and half the engine…

*Photo curtesy of Pixkit at stock.xchng