re: Rules of engagement buying a new vehicle

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I sold Hondas for a while. Rule No. 1 I'd tell people is never bring in a trade-in. Once you bring in a trade-in is when you lose all of your leverage and all of the car salesman magic tricks start happening.

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Idk if this is the case now, but during covid dealers were offering a premium for trade ins. You lower the tax on the vehicle. I even had a quote from Carmax diwn the street and the dealer offered more without me even indicating I already had an offer from carmax.

Just do your math on the trade in plus tax savings to see if you are coming out on top vs just selling out right.

Work out your deal before you get to the dealership. Show up there, sign papers, and leave. Once you’re there, you’re in their world and the entire place is designed to extract money from you.