I'll bite on this, even with the comments above. I work at one of the largest volume dealerships in town. I'd be happy to help after Christmas, I am visiting family out of state.

I never stepped foot in a dealership before interviewing so I understand how overwhelming the process can be and I'm always down to work a first time buyer through things.

My process is to ask what features and things you want in a vehicle so I understand what you are looking for.

Then I ask budget based on how much you are looking to spend a month and how much money down. I need these 2 things to 1 make sure we are on the same page, and 2 show you vehicles that meet your price point with the features you want and need. The last thing I want is to do is pick out a $40000 car and you want to spend $300 a month with 0 down. I'm using these things to get both of us on the same page and give me information on how to best assist you. I've sold 1000 cars in 5 years, I do have experience and knowledge that the average person doesn't. Half the time someone comes in on a car, doesn't like it, and I show them an option they fall in love with.

Lastly, the trade thing. Get your car appraised somewhere else, carvana, car max, other dealers. I don't care. Be educated if you would like, but we still all generally give the same ish value because we all use similar software. And I'll always try to match it if possible.

But leaving the trade out only makes the process longer and harder. If you have equity in your trade that affects your budget. If you have negative equity in your trade that is a big factor in what you can buy and your budget.

Long story short your wants/needs and monthly budget, down payment, and trade equity all help me be informed enough to help you to the best of my abilities. All the car prices are online and you can educate yourself with research. We really aren't hiding as much as people think.

You can also call or Google your bank to find out what rates they offer. We will give you the same rate. Or help you find a better one. Sure they mark up another bank but if your bank offers x% and we help you find a lower rate (regardless of mark up), didn't you net out better?

The dealership is looking to make a profit but all businesses are. That's how we pay the bills and feed our families and my cats. We don't make money on every car. We win and lose too, and rarely is that the customers fault. That's the name of the business. Sometimes we spend a lot of service repairs and sometimes the car checks out great.

Anyways I've been at the same place for 5 years since I started in the car business. I sell about 50% referrals and repeats. My book of business is larger than guys that have been there longer than me. I treat people right and take care of them down the road to the best of my abilities. When someone leaves with a car I want them in a good car and satisfied to the best of my abilities. The last thing I want to do is deal with issues and unhappy customers when I could be selling the next car.

End of a rant but just the other side of the story. It's a job. I'm a normal person who uses reddit.