Buying New
New car buying should be simple: pick a car, pay MSRP, drive home. But dealers have turned it into a profit center with 'Market Adjustments', forced add-ons, and F&I games. This Battle Plan keeps you from overpaying.
The Two Biggest Threats
Market Adjustment (ADM): A second sticker adding $2k-$10k in pure dealer profit. It adds zero value.
Forced Add-ons: Nitrogen tires, paint protection, VIN etching - items with 500%+ markup that 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
Dealers lie about your score to bump your rate. Know the truth first.
The Golden Check
Get a pre-approval letter from a Credit Union.
The 'Blast Radius' Strategy
Email 10-15 dealers asking for MSRP pricing.
Consider Factory Ordering
Skip the markup games entirely.
Pick the Right Time
End of month, quarter, or year = desperate dealers.