Buyer's Toolkit
Don't walk into the dealership empty-handed. These tools level the playing field.
The manufacturer's base price (NOT the dealer's asking price).
The price of the car BEFORE taxes/fees.
Enter the numbers to see your grade.
The "Truth Serum" for Used Cars
VinSmart provides official NMVTIS data. It's the only way to know if a car has a "washed" title, flood damage, or rolled-back odometer before you buy.
- Includes J.D. Power Valuations
- Checks for active liens
- Much cheaper than Carfax
Sample report preview
Financial Reality Check
Dealers rely on you not doing the math. Use these calculators to verify their numbers.
Call your lender for the exact payoff amount
Get quotes from CarMax/Carvana for comparison
Net Equity Position
DANGER ZONE
You owe more than the car is worth. If you trade this in, the dealer will add this $3,000 to your NEW loan. You will be paying interest on a car you don't even own anymore.
What is GAP Insurance?
GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance covers the difference between what your insurance pays and what you owe if your car is totaled or stolen.
• Dealer price: $500-$1,000 (often rolled into loan = more interest)
• Your insurance company: $20-$50/year (add to your policy)
• Credit union: Often included free with auto loans
Never buy GAP from the dealer. Call your insurer first.
Don't Make It Worse
When you're underwater, dealers may try to sell you a problem car knowing you're desperate. Before you buy, run the VIN to catch hidden accidents or title issues.
Check Vehicle HistoryTip: Always verify your "Payoff Amount" by calling your lender directly. Do not trust the dealer's estimate.
Note: This assumes your state offers a sales tax credit on trade-ins. Some states (like CA, HI) don't. Check your local DMV or tax office.
$30,000
7.00% APR
Planning Tools
Know the final number before you sign.
The Vehicle
The negotiated price before taxes/fees
Factory rebates, cash back, loyalty bonuses
Trade-In (Optional)
What dealer is offering for your car
What you still owe (if anything)
Taxes & Fees
Finance (Buy) Options
Lease Options
Tip: Money Factor × 2400 = APR%. Example: 0.0025 × 2400 = 6% APR
Doc fee capped at $150
Research Links
Free resources to arm yourself with data before you negotiate.
Compare prices across multiple sources to find the true market value.
Check for open recalls on any VIN. Recalls are fixed for free.
Get written offers to use as leverage when negotiating your trade-in.
Always get pre-approved before visiting a dealership.
Research dealer reputation before visiting. Report bad experiences.
The sticker price is just the beginning. Factor in insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
Ready to Negotiate?
You've done the math. Now put it into action.