Before the dealership
Set a total budget, get at least one independent loan quote, and estimate your trade payoff.
BUYER PLAYBOOK
Walk in knowing where the money hides.
Short, practical guides for checking the quote, trade, financing, add-ons, and final paperwork without getting pulled back to “what payment do you want?”
Car sales tax by state
Estimate state and local vehicle tax, trade-in tax savings, and the out-the-door total.
Open the calculator →Out-the-door price
What the number includes, why it beats negotiating by payment, and how to request a written quote.
Read the guide →Ask a dealer for the out-the-door price
Copy a short text or email that requests the vehicle, fees, taxes, add-ons, and complete written total.
Copy the script →Car payment with taxes and fees
See how the selling price becomes an out-the-door total and then a monthly payment.
See the full example →72 vs. 84-month car loan
Compare the payment, total interest, and negative-equity risk before stretching the term.
Compare the terms →Negative equity
How old debt moves into a new loan, how to spot it, and which options reduce the damage.
Read the guide →Dealer fees and add-ons
Separate government charges from dealer products and make every extra show its price.
Read the guide →Buyer's-order checklist
A line-by-line review to use before signing the purchase and financing documents.
Open the checklist →Research first, negotiate second
During the quote
Ask for selling price, taxes, government fees, dealer fees, and add-ons as separate lines.
Before signing
Reconcile the buyer's order with the financing agreement and keep copies of both.