Buyer's Toolkit: do these before you visit the dealer
Each tool matches one of the money levers in your playbook. Do them in this order.
1. Get pre-approved for a car loan. 78% of dealer loans are marked up. A pre-approval gives you a rate the dealer has to beat.
2. Check your credit score. Your score sets your rate tier. Know it before the dealer quotes you one.
3. Price your insurance by trim. Two trims of the same car can cost different amounts to insure. Check before you pick.
4. Quote the extended warranty and GAP yourself. They usually cost less outside the finance office. Get a quote to compare.
5. Check recalls on the VIN. Free, from the U.S. government.
6. After you buy: refinance a marked-up loan. If you took the dealer's rate, a refinance can bring it down.
Kvantry may earn a commission from partners we recommend. We never take money from dealers.