At the dealership
"What payment are you looking for?"
Steering the deal to monthly payment so markup hides in the term and rate.
What to say
“I'm not shopping by monthly payment. Let's agree the out-the-door price, then talk term.”
What it is
Leading with 'what monthly payment do you want?' shifts attention from the total to the payment, where a longer term or a higher rate can absorb price and add-ons invisibly. Anchoring on the out-the-door total instead keeps every dollar visible.