Car Buying 101: How to Get the Best Deal at a Dealership

TLDRLearn how to negotiate the best deal when buying a car from a dealership. Understand the concept of the out the door price and how to contact the dealership to get an accurate quote. Discover tips for negotiating and memorializing the deal before finalizing the transaction. Separate the trade-in transaction from the purchase to maximize profit.

Key insights

💰Negotiate the out the door price to maximize savings and minimize dealer profit.

📝Use a script to contact the dealership and ask for a breakdown of the out the door price.

🌟Persistence is key; negotiate using email or phone calls to get the best deal.

📄Memorialize the agreed-out-the-door price in writing and get a sales manager's signature.

💲Handle the trade-in transaction separately to ensure the best value for your vehicle.

Q&A

What does 'out the door price' mean?

The out the door price is the total cost of the vehicle, including all fees and taxes, that the buyer has to pay.

How can I negotiate the out the door price?

Negotiate by requesting a breakdown of all fees and discounts, and work towards lowering the final price of the vehicle.

Why is it important to memorialize the agreed price in writing?

Having a written agreement with a sales manager's signature protects you from any potential changes or misunderstandings during the transaction.

Should I include my trade-in during the negotiation process?

It is recommended to handle the trade-in separately to focus on getting the best deal for both the purchase and the trade-in.

How many rounds of negotiation should I expect?

Expect three to five rounds of negotiation to reach the best out the door price.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this episode of Car Buying 101, learn how to negotiate the best deal when buying a car from a dealership.

00:43Make sure to negotiate the out the door price, which includes all fees and taxes, to maximize your savings.

01:45Contact the dealership using a script to request a breakdown of the out the door price, including all fees and discounts.

03:00Negotiate through email or phone calls to avoid going to the dealership in person and to have a written record of the negotiation.

06:40Memorialize the agreed-out-the-door price in writing with a sales manager's signature to protect yourself from any changes or misunderstandings.

07:41Handle the trade-in separately from the purchase to ensure you get the best value for your vehicle.

08:01Expect three to five rounds of negotiation to reach the best out the door price.