Avoid saying you "love" the car or that your current vehicle is "on its last legs".
Do mention you have financing already lined up until the very end. clark howard buying a new car
: Perform major maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles to extend the car's lifespan and prevent expensive breakdowns. Avoid saying you "love" the car or that
: Always line up your financing through a credit union or bank before you ever step onto a dealer's lot. This prevents the dealer from using "monthly payment talk" to hide the true cost of the loan. : Always line up your financing through a
: Do not negotiate based on monthly payments. Instead, focus strictly on the total "out-the-door" price, which includes all taxes and fees, to ensure you aren't overpaying.
: To keep your finances healthy, aim to put 20% down, limit the loan term to 48 months (4 years), and ensure total vehicle expenses stay under 10% of your monthly income. What to Keep to Yourself
When talking to a salesperson, avoid revealing information that could weaken your leverage: