FTC CARS Rule Compliant Pricing
We believe in honest, transparent pricing for every vehicle. Learn how PleaseStart follows the principles of the FTC CARS Rule to protect car buyers.
What is the FTC CARS Rule?
The Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Trade Regulation Rule was designed by the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from deceptive practices in vehicle sales.
Clear Pricing Disclosures
Requires dealers to clearly display the full cash price of vehicles, including all fees (except government charges like taxes and registration).
Prohibited Misrepresentations
Bans misleading claims about vehicle costs, financing terms, availability of discounts, rebates, or the vehicles themselves.
Express Informed Consent
Requires written and oral disclosure of all charges, with clear consent from buyers before adding any fees or products.
No Worthless Add-Ons
Prohibits charging for add-ons that provide no benefit, like warranties that duplicate manufacturer coverage or services for features the vehicle doesn't have.
Rule Status Update
How PleaseStart Follows CARS Rule Principles
We've built our marketplace around the core values of transparency and honesty. Here's how we implement CARS Rule principles:
Transparent Pricing from the Start
Every listing on PleaseStart shows the full asking price upfront. There are no hidden dealer fees, documentation charges, or surprise add-ons. The price you see is the price the seller is asking.
- Clear display of asking price on every listing
- No mandatory dealer fees or add-ons
- Government fees (taxes, registration) shown separately when applicable
- Price history and changes tracked for transparency
Honest Advertising & Availability
We ensure that all vehicle listings are accurate and represent actually available vehicles. No bait-and-switch tactics.
- Real-time availability status for every vehicle
- Accurate vehicle descriptions and specifications
- Clear disclosure of any known issues or history
- Photos represent the actual vehicle for sale
No Worthless Add-Ons
PleaseStart doesn't force buyers to purchase unnecessary products or services. Any additional products or services are:
- Clearly disclosed as optional
- Explained with full details of what's covered
- Priced separately from the vehicle
- Only offered if they provide actual value
Clear Financing Disclosures
When you explore financing options through our platform, we provide complete transparency:
- Total amount financed clearly displayed
- APR and all financing terms disclosed upfront
- Total payment amount (monthly payment × number of months + down payment)
- Comparison of different financing options available
You're in Control
At PleaseStart, you make all the decisions. We never:
- Pressure you into unwanted purchases
- Add fees or products without your explicit consent
- Use confusing or deceptive sales tactics
- Hide information in fine print
PleaseStart vs. Traditional Dealerships
See how our approach compares to traditional dealer practices
| Practice | PleaseStart | Traditional Dealers |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Pricing | Always | ✗ Often Hidden |
| Mandatory Dealer Fees | None | ✗ Common |
| Forced Add-Ons | Never | ✗ Frequent |
| Bait-and-Switch Advertising | Prohibited | Sometimes |
| Clear Financing Terms | Always | Varies |
| No-Pressure Sales | Guaranteed | ✗ Rare |
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the FTC CARS Rule was vacated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in January 2025. However, the principles it established—transparency, honesty, and consumer protection—remain best practices in the auto industry. At PleaseStart, we continue to follow these principles because they align with our core values.
The price listed on each vehicle is the seller's asking price. The only additional fees you'll pay are government-mandated charges like sales tax, registration, and licensing fees—which vary by your location. We don't add any hidden dealer fees, documentation fees, or mandatory add-ons.
Yes! PleaseStart facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers. You can make offers and negotiate directly, ensuring a transparent process where both parties are in control.
No. We don't force buyers to purchase warranties, service contracts, or other add-on products. If a seller offers optional products (like an extended warranty), they're clearly marked as optional, fully explained, and priced separately.
Every vehicle listing shows the complete asking price. We track price changes, display vehicle history reports, and require sellers to accurately describe their vehicles. Our platform is designed to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
We take accuracy seriously. If you find incorrect or misleading information in any listing, please report it immediately using the "Report Listing" button. We review all reports and take appropriate action to maintain the integrity of our marketplace.
When you explore financing options through PleaseStart, we show you the complete picture: APR, monthly payment, loan term, total amount to be paid over the life of the loan, and any down payment required. You can compare multiple offers side-by-side to find the best option for you.
Our Commitment to You
Whether or not regulations require it, we believe in treating car buyers with honesty and respect. That means transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and putting you in control of your purchase decision.