Buying New
Buying a brand-new car from a dealership should be simple. But they can add markups (extra charges above the official price), force add-ons (extras you didn't ask for), and play games in the Finance office (the back room where you sign loan paperwork). This Battle Plan helps you keep the deal clean and avoid overpaying.
The Two Biggest Threats
Market Adjustment (ADM): Extra markup (additional money) added on top of MSRP (the manufacturer's sticker price). It doesn't add equipment or value — it's just profit for the dealer.
Forced Add-ons: Dealer extras like nitrogen-filled tires, "protection packages," and VIN etching (window serial numbers) — high-margin items they claim are "already installed."
The Battle Plan below teaches you how to avoid both. Follow it step by step.
New Car Battle Plan
Don't skip steps. They count on you being lazy.
Phase 1: The War Room
Do this at home. Research is your best weapon against markup.
Know Your Credit Score
Your credit score (a number that shows lenders how reliable you are with money) affects what loan terms you'll get.
The Golden Check
Get a pre-approval (a 'yes' from a lender before you shop) from a bank or credit union.
Consider Your Timing
If you can be flexible about when you buy, the end of the month, quarter (March, June, September, December), or year can give you more negotiating power. Dealers have quotas and bonuses—hit them when they're most motivated to deal.
The 'Blast Radius' Strategy
Email multiple dealers asking for MSRP pricing (the sticker price set by the manufacturer).
Consider Factory Ordering
Order directly from the factory to skip the markup games.
Model Year Clearance
August-October can offer deals on outgoing models.