How to Negotiate a New Car Price in the USA
"Can you help me save enough so I can still afford gas?"
- Chase Jordan | Car deal dad joke writer | Not very good at it...
How to Negotiate a New Car Price in the USA
🚗 Buying a Car Shouldn’t Feel Like a Battle
You’ve done the research.
You know the car you want.
But now comes the hard part—negotiating the price.
For most people, this is where our clients claim the stress kicks in and for good reason.
But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it step by step so you feel confident and in control when you walk into that dealership.
✅ Step 1: Know Exactly What You Want
Before stepping foot on the lot:
Decide on the make, model, trim, and options you want.
Use car shopping sites like Visor (Our Fav), Edmunds or TrueCar to check the MSRP (the sticker price).
We begin and try to get at least 10% of MSRP as a starting point.
The make and model can change your plan. So knowing the market is critical.
✅ Step 2: Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop
Don’t let the dealership control the financing conversation at least in the beginning.
Visit your bank or credit union ahead of time and get pre-approved for a loan.
This shows you’re serious—and helps you avoid last-minute surprises.
🛡️ Bonus: You can still compare rates at the dealership, but now you have a solid backup plan. Dealerships will try to mark up the annual percentage rate.
Example: The bank gives them a rate for your deal of 5.7%. They add 2% and if you don't know you may pay this but because you went to the bank you know you should only pay 5% flat. Now you're in the driver's seat.
Do not over pay for financing.
✅ Step 3: Ask for Quotes Before You Visit
You don’t have to start negotiating in person. I actually would never recommending you ever walk into the dealership except to test drive and leave and to sign your paperwork and leave. Do not waste 4 hours in a dealership.
Instead:
Email or call 3–5 dealers and say:
“I’m ready to buy a [Year, Make, Model, Trim]. What’s your best out-the-door price?”
By doing this:
You collect quotes without the pressure.
You can compare offers on your own time—no sales games.
Remember:
Write everything down on paper with dealer names, phone number and people you spoke with.
Get all details of the deal in writing via text or email. what ever you like best. I prefer texts.
Make sure they share everything with you about the price and what is in it.
Never pay for dealer Add Ons. If they insist, walk away.
✅ Step 4: Talk Total Price, Not Monthly Payments
Dealers love to ask, “What monthly payment are you looking for?”
That’s always trap.
Focus on this instead:
“What’s the total out-the-door price including taxes, title, and all fees?”
This keeps the conversation simple and honest. Always triple ask if there is ANYTHING else they are charging you for. Again, they try to sell you ad ons all the time out there so be thorough.
✅ Step 5: Watch Out for Add-Ons - I'm Making Sure You Stick To The Plan! :)
Dealers often try to sneak in extras like:
$800 for nitrogen in your tires - Scam! Google It!
$1,000 for “paint protection” - None Sense!
$200 for random etching or wheel locks
Just say:
“No thanks—I’d like to skip the add-ons.”
You’re allowed to decline anything you didn’t ask for.
✅ Step 6: Be Polite—But Firm
If they won’t give you a fair deal, thank them and hang up the phone.
“I appreciate your time, but I’m going to check out other offers.”
There’s power in being ready to walk away. Lot's of power.
✅ Step 7: Triple-Check the Final Paperwork
Before you sign:
Review the final price and all that it includes. Some dealers are sloppy and you end up paying for stuff you were not suppose to.
Check the interest rate, loan term, and fees
Make sure everything matches what you discussed and what is in your notes and what they texted you!
If something feels off, don’t be afraid to slow things down or ask for changes.
It's your deal and you can slow anyone down so you know all of the facts.
🔁 Quick Recap
Here’s how to negotiate a new car in the USA:
Research the car and price
Get financing lined up in advance
Contact multiple dealerships for quotes & take notes & have it in writing via text or email
Always talk about total price, not payments
Say no to overpriced add-ons
Don’t be afraid to walk away
Read every detail before signing
👋 Want to Skip the Stress Entirely?
Let’s be real—this whole process takes time, energy, and a thick skin.
If you’re busy or just not into the back-and-forth…
That’s exactly what Deal Guard is for.
We help you:
Get strong deals without the hassle
Avoid confusing sales tactics
Save hours of time (14 on average )
Enjoy the process instead of dreading it
You don’t have to be a negotiation expert—we are.
👉 See how Deal Guard makes car buying easier
Tired of dealership games?
Let us deal with them for you.
Our car buying concierge service confirms every detail and protects your time, money, and sanity. Go to FUNNEWCAR.COM to learn more.
Our concierge car buying service saves you hours of stress and thousands in bad deals. Savvy car buying do not buy their new cars by themselves. They hire Deal Guard to do it for them. Join the cool kids today!
Go to GETDEALGUARD.COM TO LEARN MORE!
See you soon,
Chase Jordan
