A lower car payment does not mean a lower price. Make them reveal the actual list price of the vehicle.
Then, have them print an estimate sheet with the actual car price and have them include all sales tax, fees, registration costs, and any other amounts to give you the final price with everything included. With that card in hand, you are well prepared to negotiate a lower price.
However, you wouldn’t negotiate with car salesmen without the car’s average price; you shouldn’t negotiate an auto loan without information, either.
If you can, get your credit report before buying a car, apply for an auto loan online or from your local bank or credit union and take the approval with you to the dealership.
But in some cases, the opening number defines the entire negotiation. Once you name a dollar figure, you can’t go any lower than that. That’s why you should try to get the salesperson to name the first price.” For more info, check out Gigacars.com.
