Oops, I forgot to mention one more thing, I’m surprised others didn’t mention this already.
Make sure you get your OWN financing lined up before you visit the dealer to purchase the car. Of course, they will scream and beg and kick you to take their financing, but only do it if the terms are better then what you got for yourself.
Many credit unions have great “Sales” on their auto loan rates throughout the year, find a good rate, and buy your car when you get that rate. Get pre-approved, and a check in hand from your credit union, and then go to the dealer with the “Cash in hand”, and that way you won’t have to stress out about getting approved, and dealing with their financing department. Some dealers mark up the APR on financing to make up for the lower sales price, same as they do by reducing your trade in $ to make up for the price. Other tricks of course include the “torture chamber” room where you are supposed to sign all the paperwork. In this room, it’s the guy’s job to get as much money as he can out of you by asking you to buy the Permaplate paint protection package, the $1000+ KARR alarm system (which by the way they will tell you is “Already installed” and you’ll have to wait 2 hours for them to remove the alarm if you want the car without the alarm), extended warranty, and GAP protection. The gap protection can be purchased online for really cheap, as can an extended warranty. You can shop around online for the GAP and extended warranty if you really feel you need them, but just say no to all the extras, and if they get pushy and try to pull those little “you’ll have to wait 2 hours” tactics, then walk. With the alarm, I would ask the salesperson you’re dealing with if the car has an aftermarket alarm, and tell him that you don’t want to wait for them to remove it when you buy the car, so ask him to remove it before you arrive…. I doubt they will do it, but it’s worth asking, maybe if you put a deposit down on the car before you drive to the dealership they will do it.
