You're not imagining it — and you're not alone. Document the gap between what was listed and what you paid. Your report helps other buyers in DFW know before they go.
Federal enforcement update: In March 2026, the FTC sent warning letters to 97 auto dealer groups, stating that advertised prices must include all mandatory fees and that dealers cannot charge more than the advertised price — excluding only government taxes. Active cases are underway against multiple dealer groups. Read the FTC press release →
A discrepancy is when the pre-tax price you were quoted or charged for a vehicle was higher than the price listed on the dealer's website or advertisement — for reasons beyond standard doc fees and government taxes.
The process takes about 3 minutes. You can attach documentation — a screenshot of the listing, your purchase agreement, or a photo of the window sticker. Everything is anonymous.
No. The FTC considers it an unfair or deceptive act under Section 5 of the FTC Act when a dealer advertises a price but charges more at the point of sale. In March 2026, the FTC sent warning letters to 97 dealer groups specifically citing this as illegal. The advertised price must be the price consumers pay, excluding only required government charges like sales tax and registration fees.
The FTC's current position is that mandatory dealer fees — including doc fees — should be included in the advertised price. Standard, disclosed doc fees are not typically the focus of enforcement, but undisclosed fees and add-ons absolutely are. DealerSurface focuses on the gap between the listed vehicle price and what buyers are actually charged for the vehicle itself, before tax.
No. DealerSurface never contacts dealerships, never notifies them of reports, and never shares the identity of who submitted. Your name does not appear anywhere on the platform. Reports are anonymized before publication.
Yes — if you believe a dealer violated consumer protection law, you should file a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also contact the Texas Attorney General's consumer protection division. DealerSurface reports help other consumers — official complaints contribute to enforcement action.
Yes. Most reports come from buyers who have already completed the transaction. Your experience is exactly what other buyers need to hear before they visit the same dealership.
Price discrepancy reports are evaluated as part of the Price Integrity pillar, which carries 35% of a dealer's overall grade. Verified reports with documentation are weighted more heavily than unverified ones.
Takes 3 minutes. Completely anonymous. Reviewed before publishing. The dealer is never told who submitted it.
🔒 Your identity is never shared with the dealership.