17 Expert Tips for Outsmarting Your Car Dealer

The Four-Square Sheet Trick

The Four-Square sheet is a common tactic used by dealerships to confuse buyers by consolidating the car's price, monthly payment, trade-in value, and down payment into one complicated chart.

This approach usually begins with inflated numbers, creating a false sense of negotiation room. The main objective, however, is to finalize the deal without reducing the car’s price significantly. To steer clear of this tactic, simply inform the dealer that you prefer direct negotiations and will not engage with the Four-Square method.