17 Expert Tips for Outsmarting Your Car Dealer

Down Payment Negotiations

Be cautious when the topic of down payment comes up during a car purchase discussion. Revealing your down payment too early can give the dealer insight into your financial situation, weakening your negotiation stance. For instance, if you mention a large down payment right away, the dealer may adjust the car’s price to compensate for the amount, reducing your overall leverage.

To avoid this, it's smart to first negotiate the car’s price before addressing the down payment. This allows you to maintain more control over the deal and ensures the down payment won’t impact your ability to secure a better price on the vehicle.