Interesting, wonder how the economics work for the different players. Also, tangentially:

A decade or two ago, a lady working in dealer finance lamented how internet bank rate comparisons had really rained on their parade

“I want this rate”, she explained customers would say, pointing at a printout or their phone and expecting a match.

Imagine how fat those margins would’ve been when they knew a customer hadn’t yet called around researching rates!

Good point, this is fairly common as well. I’d recommend avoiding financing entirely if at all possible because of this, simply not worth it for a car unless it’s the only way you can get one that’s in decent shape.

If you have to finance, often times you can get a much better rate from your local credit union instead. Use that to make the purchase, instead of the dealer’s financier.