SaveMore Strategy #2: Save Thousands—and a Headache—on Your Next Car Purchase
Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make… and one of the easiest places to overpay by thousands if you’re not prepared.
The good news? A little research, smart positioning, and negotiation discipline can turn the process into a massive SaveMore win.
Here’s how to walk into any dealership with confidence—and walk out with money still in your pocket.
#1:
Research the Numbers That Matter (MSRP, KBB, Retail Value)
Before you step onto the lot, you need to know the real value of the car—not just the price on the window.
Do this:
Look up the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)
Check the Kelly Blue Book (KBB) value
Compare it to the average retail price in your region
This tells you the margin, meaning how much room the dealer has to negotiate.
Most customers walk in completely blind.
You’ll walk in knowing exactly what the car is actually worth—and how low they can realistically go.
SaveMore Impact:
Shaving just $1,500–$4,000 off a car price is common when you know your target range upfront.
#2:
Run the VIN# and Bring the Vehicle History Report With You
This one step turns the negotiation in your favor instantly.
Using the vehicle’s VIN number, run a report through:
CarFax
AutoCheck
NICB (free theft/flood check)
You’ll uncover:
Past accidents
Mileage inconsistencies
Service history
Open recalls
Whether it was a rental or commercial vehicle
Print it or save it on your phone before stepping inside.
Dealers hate when buyers know more than they expect—and this gives you real leverage.
If you find an accident, repair, or ownership issue, that’s instant negotiating power.
SaveMore Impact:
Accident history alone can reduce a car’s market value by $1,000–$5,000.
You can negotiate accordingly—or walk away.
#3:
Get Pre-Qualified Through Your Credit Union (HUGE Savings)
Dealership financing is where they make most of their money… quietly.
Getting pre-qualified through your credit union can save you:
Lower interest rates
Lower fees
Lower monthly payments
Zero-pressure financing decisions
Walk in with a pre-approved check in hand.
Dealers will treat you differently because they know you’re not dependent on their financing tricks.
This also stops them from inflating your interest rate behind the scenes—which happens more often than people realize.
SaveMore Impact:
Most buyers save $1,500–$3,000 in interest by skipping dealer financing.
#4:
Negotiate the Car Price ONLY (Stay Out of the Payment Trap)
One of the dealer’s favorite lines is:
“So what monthly payment are you trying to stay around?”
This question is designed to distract you.
They can stretch the loan term, add a warranty, or tweak interest rates to hit your “perfect” payment—
all while charging you thousands more overall.
Instead:
✨ Negotiate the car price only.
Not the:
Payment
Terms
Interest rate
Add-ons
Focus strictly on the out-the-door price.
Once the price is set, then decide whether you’ll use your credit union’s pre-approval or see if the dealer can beat it (they often try when they realize you’re serious).
SaveMore Impact:
Avoiding the “payment game” can save another $1,000–$4,000 in hidden financing costs.
Final Word:
A Strategy That Protects Your Money and Your Peace
When you follow this SaveMore Strategy:
You stop the dealer from controlling the conversation
You walk in informed and walk out empowered
You save thousands in price, financing, and hidden costs
You eliminate the stress and pressure most people feel
Most importantly?
You buy the car on your terms, not theirs.
