Shopping for a new vehicle should be an exciting milestone, not a stressful guessing game. Unfortunately, some dealerships use bait-and-switch tactics to get customers in the door, only to surprise them with hidden fees at the signing desk.

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took a strong stance against this, sending warning letters to 97 auto groups nationwide. Their message was simple: the price dealerships advertise must be the total price consumers actually pay.

At Mazda of Clearwater, we couldn’t agree more.

What the FTC is Cracking Down On

The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is actively monitoring the auto industry to stop dealerships from misleading buyers. Specifically, they are targeting several illegal pricing practices, including:

• Hidden Mandatory Fees: Advertising a low price but tacking on mandatory fees at the end of the purchase process.
• Fake Discounts: Showing an advertised price that includes rebates or discounts that most buyers won’t actually qualify for.
• Hidden Down Payments: Failing to clearly disclose when an advertised price requires an additional, hefty down payment.
• Forced Financing: Forcing buyers to use the dealer’s financing to get the advertised price.
• Mandatory Add-ons: Requiring customers to buy extra accessories or warranties that aren’t reflected in the initial price.
• “Ghost” Vehicles: Advertising vehicles that don’t actually exist on the lot just to generate foot traffic.

Our Promise to You

We believe that trust is the foundation of any good business, which is why we completely support the FTC’s efforts to clean up the marketplace. We want to assure our community that Mazda of Clearwater does business differently.

When you shop with us—whether online or on our lot—the price you see is the price you get. We don’t believe in burying fees in the fine print or surprising you when it’s time to sign the paperwork. Our goal is to make sure the market functions efficiently and that you can make an informed decision based on honest, transparent pricing.

If you’re ready for a stress-free, transparent car-buying experience, we’re here to help.