The Hidden Truth Behind Car Buying: Fighting For Transparency Over Deception | Ray & Zach Shefska | 238
Catching Up to FI
Negotiation Bias And The Monthly Payment Trap
Zach Shefska discusses demographic bias in negotiations while Ray Shefska exposes how dealers use monthly payments to obscure total borrowing costs.
Exposed! We go behind the scenes with industry experts and disrupters in the retail car-buying market, Ray and Zach Shefska. They are the powerful father-son team behind CarEdge, a car-buying platform that's fighting fiercely for transparency. Ray brings 43 years of dealership experience and Zach brings the modern tech (like AI agents) and viral moments when he exposes dealers misbehaving. Together, they reveal how dealerships really make money, including things like dealer fees, financing, and often unnecessary ad-ons. Don't miss this breakdown of smart ways for you to research, shop, avoid games some dealers play, and get the fairest price on your next car.
This episode covers
- How dealerships use monthly payments to distract buyers from the total cost of a car
- Why negotiating a vehicle can be especially difficult for women and minority buyers
- Using AI agents to obtain and negotiate real dealer pricinng
- The fees, add-ons, and protection packages buyers should question
- Why "if it's taxable, it's negotiable" is one of Ray's favorite rules
- How to get and compare a true out-the-door price
- Why a pre-purchase inspection is critical when buying a used vehicle
- The pros and cons of CarMax and Carvana
- How pre-approved financing can protect you from dealer interest-rate markups
- Cash versus financing, leasing and total cost of ownership
- Ray's ultimate rule: buy what you need, not just what you want
.
=== SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website
☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"
🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question
.
===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS===
F.I.R.E. For Dummies
Did you know that co-host Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP®, AFC® is also author of "F.I.R.E. For Dummies"? This is the perfect guide for anyone looking to move from the basics of their finances to reaching F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and enjoying the time freedom it creates. Even if you feel behind on your finances, the steps in this book will help you catch up sooner than you ever imagined.
- Learn from someone who actually achieved F.I.R.E. in her 40s even after getting a late start
- Covers everything from basics to advanced strategies in one guide
- Practical solutions for early retirement obstacles like health insurance and early withdrawal penalties
📕 Get Your Copy (currently 40% off on Amazon)
For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners
.
RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW
CarEdge (Research, Dealer Ratings, Car-buying Service)
Shady Car Dealers are Done! Fair Pricing Summit DC
Ray's letters to his late wife Suzanne
.
📌Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
