Originally Posted by GomerPyle

Why exactly have we (consumers, in general) allowed purchasing a vehicle to become such a convoluted headache (specifically all the fine print, hidden fees, and the general dealership-related headaches)? For the folks quite a bit older than me (I'm 40 next month), has it always been such a headache?

Buying a vehicle from a dealership shouldn't be any more difficult or complicated than it is buying from an individual..........here's your money, sign the title over, here's your bill of sale, have a great day. But somehow it's become a complete and total headache to buy from a dealer and we, the general public, are apparently A-OK with that....

I don't get it. And I refuse to buy from a dealership for that very reason


I haven't bought many vehicles in my life, but they've recently all been via email and "what is the out the door price?" and only show up to deliver money and sign. It has been very painless every time.