re: Better to finance $31,800k at 4.19% or $35,100 at 0%?

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You really should look at Credit Union rates as opposed to financing through a dealership. If you, or had anyone in your family serve in the military USAA has rates around 3.500% and some Credit Unions are even lower than that.

A new vehicle at 4.19% rate, with your credit score is on the higher spectrum. Sounds like the dealership is holding a half a point, or a full point of APR on you.

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The purchase price of the vehicle is fixed and the way it is financed does not change the principle covered to pay for the expense.

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1. Arm yourself with information. LINK / , LINK / , LINK and LINK are excellent sites to research the vehicle of your choice (Invoice vs. MSRP, manufacturer rebates, dealer holdback, etc.)
2. Never show emotion even when going for a test drive (do NOT provide dealer with your driver’s license). Instead, prior to your arrival at the dealership, make a copy of your driver’s license and furnish the dealer with the copy of your driver’s license.
3. Never show emotion when negotiating.
4. Never offer or accept the first price.
5. Start off negotiations by saying “that’s not good enough.”
6. Never offer a counter price.
7. Silence is golden. When in doubt, shut up and you will pay less.
8. Know what power you possess by being able to “walk away.”
9. Never negotiate off “MSRP.” The negotiation process should start from the DEALER COST (which is less than INVOICE) price or the WHOLESALE price if purchasing a USED vehicle.
10. Rebates can be deducted from INVOICE price and not MSRP as the dealership will lead you to believe.
11. Know the dealer’s “hold-back” price and what type of incentives that may be offered from the manufacturer or dealership.
12. Don’t discuss a trade-in until you’ve settled on a price for the car you’re buying – each transaction should be separate and not dependent upon one another.
13. Settle on the price of the vehicle you’re interested in before you bring up financing — don’t let the rate of a loan influence the price of the car.
14. Have your financing pre-approved before you walk into a dealership.
15. Extended warranties never make financial sense.
16. Be aware of “extra” charges such as administrative fees, handling charges, advertising fees, paint protection, VIN etching – simply do not pay these as these are deal breakers. And believe it or not, even “delivery” charges are negotiable.
17. Get the deal in writing. Full disclosure, in writing, of all fees pertaining to your vehicle purchase, such as destination, title, documentation, licensing and registration. If the dealer will not put it in writing, “walk away.”
18. The “If I” sales tactic. This is the last step in the sales negotiation process. Ex. If I decide to purchase the vehicle today, you have to include free window tinting. If I decide to take the red vehicle instead of the white vehicle, you have to include 5 free oil and tire rotation services. If I decide to purchase the vehicle today, you have to include floor mats at no additional cost. If done correctly, this will allow you to get another “service and/or product” that you normally would not have received and by this time, there is no way will the dealership allow you to “walk” because there is too much time invested between both parties. The dealership knows you are in a buying mode and doesn’t want to run the risk of you becoming a “be back” customer for another dealership since most people buy within 48 hours of stepping onto a dealership’s lot.
19. Put deposits on a “credit card” only. Do NOT pay with a check.
20. If you got a great deal, show your appreciation. Thank the dealer and be sure to send your friends to them when they go car shopping.

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