Make 10+ dealers compete on the exact car, trim and options
Lock the exact year/model/trim/color/packages, then email every dealer in a 100-250 mile radius asking for an itemized written out-the-door price. Share the best quote and let them beat it.
Real-world reports
- r/carbuying: ChatGPT-drafted OTD email to 14 dealers, ~6 replied with offers
- r/FuckDealerships: GPT-guided text negotiation, ~$6,300 off a Bronco
- aiangels blog: 5-dealer email prompt, $4,200 off MSRP
Self-reported results; not independently verified by us. Your outcome will differ.
Tools
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Grok (free tiers work; paid ~$20/mo helps with long files)
- Manufacturer build & price page
- Edmunds/KBB pricing
- Separate email address
Steps
- Build the exact car on the manufacturer site; save the configuration and MSRP.
- Get pre-approved financing from a credit union so the dealer can't hide margin in the rate.
- Ask AI to list every dealer for that brand within your radius with internet sales emails (verify on dealer sites).
- Send the OTD email (below) from a dedicated inbox; BCC nothing, send individually.
- Log replies in a sheet: price, doc fee, add-ons, VIN, expiry. Paste each quote into AI to flag junk fees.
- Reply to the top 3 with the best written number and ask if they can beat it. Stop after 2 rounds.
- Go in only to sign. Decline F&I add-ons; extended warranties can be bought later from other dealers.
Copy-paste prompt
Write a short, polite email to a dealer's internet sales manager. I want a [YEAR MAKE MODEL TRIM, COLOR, PACKAGES]. Ask for a written, itemized out-the-door price including vehicle price, all dealer fees, add-ons (I decline optional add-ons), tax, title and registration for ZIP [ZIP], plus the VIN of an in-stock or in-transit unit and quote expiry date. Say I am contacting several dealers and will buy this week from the best complete quote. No phone calls please.
What to verify
Check the VIN matches your exact trim/packages. Compare tax and registration to your state DMV calculator. Confirm the OTD in writing before driving there.
Legal & ethical notes
Some states cap or require doc fees; those may not be removable. Don't misrepresent quotes from other dealers. If you use an AI voice agent to place calls: disclose it is an AI, follow your state's recording-consent law (some states require all-party consent), and know the FCC treats AI-generated voices in robocalls as 'artificial' under the TCPA. Safest: AI writes the script, you make the call.
Official sources
Educational only; not legal, tax, medical or financial advice. Laws and prices change; check official sources.
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