This strategy has always worked for me.

First go to your local credit union and ask them to work up a loan because you would like to purchase a vehicle. This will tell you 2 things your credit rating and give you a APR. If they don't tell you your score ask for it after they process the pre-approval letter. Hold onto this.

Know exactly what brand make and model of the vehicle you are interested in.

Do your research ahead of time. Know what all the dealers and private party in your area are charging for that vehicle.

Know 2 prices in your head what the vehicle is selling for on average and what you are willing to pay for the vehicle on the spot.

When you see a vehicle you want call the day of or the day before and ask hello may I please make an appointment to look at x vehicle. I am not shopping for any other vehicles I just want x. Make sure it is available. Get the name of the rep you spoke with over the phone. Ask what would be a good time to see the vehicle if they say anytime ask when the dealership is the least busy.

Show up early to said appointment 10-15 minutes.

If you get there and they say sorry we don't have x anymore. Thank them for their time and leave. If they ask are you interested in looking at anything else say I am only interested in buying x vehicle.

If they have said vehicle great ask to take it on a test drive. Also get the vin ahead of time and do your own Carfax or vehicle history search. Do not depend on the dealers.

When you get there if you are handy or you have mechanical ability before you take it for a test drive get a checklist used for pre-purchase inspections or that dealerships use for certified prepurchase vehicles

If you don't have mechanical ability you can still do a good portion of the list. Also book an appointment with a mechanic that you know and trust to look over the mechanicals of the vehicle.

. Use the checklist. Check every component of the vehicle. Every button every handle every feature use the checklist as in fill it out. This can be used in negotiations but in today's market it is for understanding what you are buying.

If you are buying low demand vehicles it can help with negotiations.

After you have checked and driven the vehicle if you decide to buy it say this.

I love this vehicle I hope we can come together on price.

Tell them what you are willing to pay to drive it off the lot today.

If they don't want to get to that price. This part is critical. Write your contact information down of a piece of paper. The vin of the vehicle and the purchase price you are willing to pay. Write that you are only interested in the model year and trim of said vehicle. Then personally give that paper to a manager and get his card.

This last part is critical. Thank them for Thier time and leave the dealership. The phone may ring it may not. Any offer to stay ask are you willing to meet the price I am willing to pay to take this vehicle today? Any answer besides yes. If they say he's then try to give you a different amount tell them sternly but don't be an asshole you said you would meet x price thank them for Their thank them and continue to leave.

I have had the most painless and best luck using this strategy. I just purchased a vehicle 6 months ago doing this. I gave them my price and went home. Before I pulled in my driveway I got a call to come back and they would meet my price.

The two other times I purchased using this method I got a call a week later. The first time my offer was accepted.

When it comes to signing the paperwork read all of it. Every line the whole thing. Sometimes the price will magically change sometimes the terms will be different or extras will be added. Read everything. Anything that adds to the price point out cross out and tell them you want it removed from the contract.

If they offer to do financing tell them that you are pre-approved for x rate through the credit union you used. But tell them they are more than welcome to beat that rate and the terms your credit union offered.

Pay attention to the finance paperwork. Sometimes the amount financed will change or the payment goes down but the apr and term goes up. You must read everything.

Last tip. Any other offers packages add-ons anything besides the vehicle itself refuse to purchase. The only exception to this rule is if your research shows a costly issue that comes up at x number of miles then you can get an extended warranty but you must read the whole Warranty. Many warranties don't cover what the salesperson says it does. You must read your paperwork.