Trade Secrets:Getting The Best Deal when Trading Vehicles

Before trading vehicles there are a few trade secrets you should know. When trading, you do not have to be taken at an automotive dealership. I have been in and out of the automobile retail business for over 15 years. As a fromer salesperson, and finance manager, I am about to lend some useful advice when trading cars. I am here to tell you the consumer that there is a right and wrong way to trade your automobile. In just a few simple steps I can show you how to maximize your savings when trading.

First check several resources for the value of the automobile you are purchasing. If you are buying a new vehicle do an internet search for 'automobile invoice pricing' and you should get several sites that have researched invoices. An invoice is provided to the dealer from the manufacturer that states the MSRP, equipment, and the dealer cost and something called holdback. Obtaining the dealer cost on the internet will only give you a close proximity, but you can get a good idea of what the dealer paid for the vehicle. Sometimes a dealer may show you the invoice and offer to sell it at a certain amount over that cost. However you should be aware that beyond dealer cost or invoice amount there is a thing called holdback which the manufacturer pays the dealer after the unit is sold. Ask about holdback amounts and dealer and manufacturer's rebates when negotiating your deal. If the vehicle you are purchasing is a used vehicle be sure to look at NADA, Kelley Blue Book. If negotiations get tough ask to see the Black Book value of the used automobile you are purchasing.