Picture this: You’ve found your dream car—a sleek Ford F-150 or maybe a fuel-sipping Escape. The price looks perfect, and you’re ready to drive off the lot. But then, a week later, you’re hit with a bill that’s hundreds more than you expected. What happened? If you’ve ever felt blindsided by the car-buying process, you’re not alone. The truth is, the sticker price is just the beginning—and at Crescent Ford, we’re here to make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for, with no surprises.
The real cost of buying a car goes way beyond what’s on the window. Financing, taxes, fees, insurance, and maintenance all add up, and most people miss at least one piece of the puzzle. Let’s break it down so you can roll off our lot with confidence—and a clear picture of what you’re really paying.
The Real Costs: What You’re Actually Paying For
Here’s the scoop on what goes into owning that shiny new (or new-to-you) Ford:
- The Price You See: Let’s say it’s a $30,000 Ford Explorer. At Crescent Ford, that’s the starting point—no games, no gimmicks. Unlike some dealerships, we don’t require you to finance with us or trade in your old car to unlock our dealer discounts. What you see is what you get, plain and simple.
- Financing (If You Choose It): If you finance that $30,000 over 5 years at 6% interest, you’ll pay about $3,800 extra in interest. Your credit score plays a big role here, and we’re happy to walk you through your options—whether you finance with us or bring your own loan.
- Taxes and Fees: In North Carolina, there’s a 3% highway use tax ($900 on that $30,000 Explorer), plus title and registration costs. At Crescent Ford, our out-the-door price includes only what’s required: a documentation fee, filing fee, and state tax/tags. That’s it—no sneaky add-ons like Nitro Fill for tires, window tint, or paint protection you didn’t ask for.
- Insurance: Your rate depends on the car. A Mustang might cost $300 more per year to insure than a Fusion. We recommend calling your agent with the VIN before you buy—something we’re happy to help you coordinate.
- Maintenance: New Fords come with a warranty, but plan for oil changes ($50–$75) and eventually tires ($500–$1,000). Used cars might need a little more love upfront. Either way, our service team’s got your back.
Why This Matters
Focusing only on the sticker price or monthly payment can lead to sticker shock later. A $400 monthly payment sounds doable, but stretch it over 6 years with high interest, tack on insurance hikes, and suddenly you’ve spent thousands more than you planned. At Crescent Ford, we believe you deserve to know the full picture upfront—because buying a car should feel good, not stressful.
How Crescent Ford Keeps It Simple
We’re proud to do things differently:
- Transparent Pricing: Our price is the price—no forced financing or trade-ins to “qualify” for discounts. You decide how to pay, and we respect that.
- No Fluff in the Out-the-Door Cost: When we give you the final number, it’s just the essentials—documentation fee, filing fee, and state tax/tags. No upselling you on extras you don’t want.
- Help When You Need It: Got questions about insurance or financing? We’ll sit down with you, explain it all, and even help you get quotes if you’d like.
Tips to Take Control of Your Purchase
Here’s how to walk into Crescent Ford—or any dealership—ready to roll:
- Get Pre-Approved: Know your loan rate before you shop. It’s your power move.
- Ask for the Out-the-Door Price: At Crescent Ford, we’ll give it to you straight—no hidden extras.
- Check Insurance Early: Call your agent with the VIN for a real quote. We can hand you the keys to test drive while you’re on the phone!
- Think Long-Term: A car’s a commitment—factor in gas, upkeep, and how long you’ll keep it.
Drive Away With Confidence
Buying a car doesn’t have to be a mystery—or a math problem you solve after the fact. At Crescent Ford, we’re all about keeping it real: fair prices, no forced add-ons, and a team that’s here to help, not hustle. Ready to find your next ride without the guesswork? Swing by our lot in High Point, NC, or drop us a question below. Let’s get you behind the wheel with a smile—and a budget that makes sense.
Connect with us
