[andoman]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Here's page 1 of a 7 page set of articles on how to buy a new car and avoid getting ripped off. It's funny and informative, but it is a long read.

I **STRONGLY** recommend you read it so you understand all the ways dealers can screw you.

A few general tips for you:

1. buy towards the end of the month (whatever month you're talking about) if you can. Not that you'll get a steal, but the dealers are always looking to close out a month strong.

2. If you're financing, try to get financing from your bank or a credit union lined up in advance. Dealer loans are usually at worse rates.

3. If you're doing a trade in, be sure to negotiate it separately. Negotiate the price of the car you're buying, and THEN deal with the trade in.

4. Often, the salesperson will be asking you questions that are irrelevant. "How much a month are you looking to spend". That's not the question. The question is how much is the car. THEN you figure out your monthly from there.

RESEARCH what you are doing and how you will do it before you walk into the dealership. Don't be a "lay down" for them. Cars are usually the second most valuable thing people buy, and yet they nearly always go to the dealership, clueless, hat in hand, hoping the dealer will treat them fairly. And often, that ain't how it works out.

Sometimes you can get a rebate or cash back if you finance with the dealer. Then you can turn around a pay it off with another loan!