HOW TO GET LEVERAGE ON THE BOTTOM LINE
You will find that your bargaining power increases when you are shopping for a vehicle that is easily available (on the lot) and if your credit is established with a good history. Keep in mind that you can sometimes get a new vehicle for close to the cost of a pre-owned vehicle. You might also find that leasing will produce a lower payment and keep you from getting "buried" in debt. This is something you need to seriously consider if you are the type that replaces your car every one to three years.

"Voodoo Math" >top
Be careful of the legendary dealership trick that some call "Voodoo Math". Generally, dealerships will not give you the true selling price of the vehicle that you are looking at until they evaluate your trade. This is where the dealer will make it seem that you are getting more money for your trade when in essence you are just simply paying extra for your new / pre owned vehicle.

How to overcome "Voodoo Madness" >top
When researching online you will find many resources such as N.A.D.A. or Kelley Blue Book where you can find the "Blue Book Value" of the vehicle that you are purchasing and the trade value on the vehicle that you are considering to trade in. In addition, most dealerships will have their lowest or close to their lowest prices online. This is a great tool for you, the consumer. Be sure to negotiate the lowest price with the internet department before you mention that you are trading in your vehicle. Then, when it comes time to work the deal in person, you will have a paper trail of quotes on the vehicle that you intend to purchase and a print out of the trade / retail value of the vehicle that you want to trade in.


DEALER ADD-ONS >top
So you barely justify your monthly payment on your new purchase and the Finance or Business Manager tries to sell you a few more items to raise that monthly payment. What do you do?
Dealer add-ons usually consist of warranties, chemical packages, theft deterrent systems, life & health insurances, navigational systems, TV's, stereos, wheels and tires & more. There are some benefits to participating with dealer add-ons such as you being able to compile the "extras" into your financing. However, watch out for the snakes in the grass. There is always someone out there looking to squeeze you out of your hard earned income.

WARRANTIES >top
In most cases if you are approved for only the price of the vehicle, the banks will allow you to add an additional warranty to that vehicle because it will add value and guarantee the vehicle to stay in use. Be careful, some warranties are only accepted at limited dealerships or worse, only at the dealership that you purchasing the vehicle at. Make sure that you know what the deductibles are and take your time; read the small print!

CHEMICALS >top
Environment Protection Packages can include Fiber Guard, Paint Guard and Under Coating. In winter climates, especially in Utah, the manufacturers paint / rust warranties can be voided due to ice preventing road maintenance, such as sand and salt. This is where the Undercoating can save you. Fiber guard allows you to have the convenient clean of leather seats on cloth where you can easily wipe up a spill that could otherwise stain your seats. Lastly, the beaded waxed look comes easy with the paint guard. It will help you maintain that new look and get you a few extra bucks when it comes time to trade.

All in all, these chemical packages can be of value. Make sure that you negotiate an affordable price that will fit in your budget before signing on the bottom line.

ELECTRONICS >top
Electronics for some can make a difference between a vehicle getting from point A to point B to a luxury ride with no hurry to get there. On the other hand, with a navigational system, it will make sure point B is as easy to find as your nose! Just make sure that you are familiar with the "going" prices of the electronics that you might add to your new purchase!

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