5 Misleading Car Ads that Teach You What NOT to Fall for

Posted by Auto Loan Solutions

We all love car ads. Even though their images are exaggerated, confusing and occasionally offensive, we all have to admit that we’ve bought or at least considered buying a car due to advertising. The problem, however, with many car ads, like much of the world’s adverts, is how misleading they are. Although it is true that it takes a gullible person to believe everything an ad says, some of them are mightily convincing. In fact, some of the ads we’re about to show you often present information in such a way that anyone could fall for their trickery. So don’t underestimate their power. Even the seemingly normal ads, ones without talking animals, scantily-clad models or celebrity endorsements, can mislead buyers.

NOTE: Most of these ads are American, but they still hold valuable lessons for Canadian car owners.

Rip-Off in Plain Sight

This ad for a 2014 Kia Sorento uses ambiguity to trick buyers.

Like many car ads, the fine print hides details that makes the deal unrealistic.

This 2014 Kia Sorento ad looks like a clipping from a newspaper, perhaps what you’d see in a classified section. It presents buyers with an irresistible payment of just $89 a month. But a closer look at the ad’s phrasing reveals how deceptive this deal is, and how it is nothing more than a worm fixed to a fish hook for unaware drivers.

Illusion in print

The ad counts the downpayment and trade-in to lower the price
The use of language confuses; “cash or trade” in this context means they’ll only match one, not both
The phrase “Dealer rebates incentives to the dealer with finance through KMF”, indicates the dealer will take rebates that should go to the buyer
The fine print reveals the ad would expire the next day (taken on April 20th, expires April 21st), and the fact you’d need a credit approval would make it almost impossible to buy it in time

Fees that Slip by With Ease

The ultra low-mileage lease is unrealistic for drivers since most drive beyond the contract’s limit.

“Qualified lessees”, can be used against drivers by taking advantage of the credit approval process.

The hidden $500 signing fee contradicts the “$0 down payment” listed beneath it.

You’re not looking at three car ads here, but rather, just one. This 2016 Chevrolet Cruze ad would look like any ad without the red underlining. With that said, there are plenty of hidden clauses that most people wouldn’t notice, and they add extra costs right under your nose.

On bad terms

The ultra low-mileage lease clause in the first image shows the deal only gives drivers 20,000 miles over the two-year term (10,000 annually); the average driver in the U.S. logs 13, 476 miles, meaning a violation of this term the extra 3,476 miles and $0.25/mile charge will add a $72.46/month penalty
The qualified lessees (in the second image) takes advantage of credit scores – “qualified” in this context can be highly subjective, and the seller may lie about your score to charge you more
Image three reveals a $500 signing fee in such tiny font (in contrast to larger font), that your eye would easily miss it; it says “$0 down payment” right below it

Tesla Shocks Us by Telling a “Fib”

Tesla surprises us with its deceiving claims of owning a Model S for only $500.

Test driving a Tesla felt quite exclusive at one point; you had to join a waiting list to give one a trial. Yet still, their online ads make their cars rather accessible, claiming to offer financing options at just $500 a month. But those claims have led to much controversy and investigation.

Why these claims are exaggerated

The $500 monthly cost is based off of numerous assumptions, including a buyer’s salary, distance travelled and electric vehicle tax incentives – none of which may actually reflect the cost
One of those factors, an available federal tax credit of $7,500 – $15,000 is only available for about a 20% fraction of buyers
There’s not even an asterisk (or “front” or “starting at”) to denote the plausibility of the cost being subjective
Buried in the fine print, is how the calculator is intended to give buyers a sense of how much they can save by driving a Model S compared to a regular gasoline sedan (which is a poor comparison to say the least)

Scandalous Claims

Volkswagen car ads have been heavily scrutinized following the clean diesel scandal.

The Volkswagen diesel scandal is pretty much irrelevant these days, but we can’t forget the history of their ads. Throughout the years, the German auto giant has emphasized the purity of their diesel emissions in much of their advertising. Of course, recent events have brought the truth to the surface, turning the brand into a target for those who are more than happy to file lawsuits.

The truth behind VW’s advertising

Researchers have proven VW emissions to have 10 - 40 times more Nitric Oxide (NO₂) than the legal limit
The basis of their advertising, environmentally-friendly fuel, is the one of the most flawed aspects of their vehicles
Although ads have some leeway with exaggeration (hyperbole), Volkswagen’s ads have turned to blatant examples of why people distrust advertising in the first place
To clean up their act (pun unintended), they have released new ads in newspapers that serve as an apology to their customers

Inflated Mileage

Hyundai’s car ads have received criticism for their exaggerated mileage claims.

With the steadily rising costs of gas, drivers are more concerned about fuel economy than ever. So naturally, automakers will build and advertise cars that deliver more miles per gallon. Unfortunately, many owners of these cars are disappointed. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is a good example of this, and many buyers were outraged when they realized they weren’t saving much money at the pump at all.

Fuel for a fire

The reality that a driver’s mileage may vary is buried in the fine print
Mileage numbers aren’t government-mandated
The numbers are based on optimal driving conditions (ie. good weather, low traffic), but the roads are rarely 100% favourable
Flocks of Elantra drivers have complained that they don’t see any savings in their fuel costs

Not to be Taken at Face Value

Advertising tends to stretch reality to some degree, and though it is accepted, there are limits. But many of today’s car ads trick buyers altogether. They do so by means of deceptive wording, omission of details and even blatant lies, playing on the emotions of buyers. You obviously don’t want to be a victim of such ads. If you see an ad that seems to fall into the “too good to be true” category, then follow your instincts and look elsewhere. Or if you’re just unsure of an ad, do your research and get additional opinions on their claims. Ultimately, you’re better off buying a vehicle from a brand or dealer that has a history of positive testimonials and reviews.