Save thousands by refinancing your vehicle anywhere in Canada.

Buying

How to negotiate with a car dealer

Dealers negotiate on several separate numbers at once: price, rate, trade-in value, term, warranty and fees. That is the advantage. Most buyers only negotiate one of them.

These are the moves that consistently save money, and the ones to skip.

Get my free quoteRates as low as 6.93% APR for qualified applicants. All financing is subject to credit approval.

Negotiate the price, not the payment

A monthly payment can be made to fit almost anything by stretching the term. Agree the out the door price first, in writing, then discuss financing separately.

Get the rate in writing and compare it

  • Ask for the annual percentage rate, not the quoted payment.
  • Ask whether the rate includes a dealer reserve.
  • Take the offer home and compare it against a direct lender before you sign.
  • Remember that you can refinance later, so a bad rate is not permanent.

Fees worth questioning

  • Administration or documentation fees, which vary widely between dealers and are sometimes negotiable.
  • Tire and rim protection, often priced well above its value.
  • Nitrogen fills, paint protection and fabric coating, which are rarely worth the cost.
  • Extended warranties, which can be useful but should be compared separately.

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Save thousands by refinancing your vehicle anywhere in Canada.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes. A pre-approved rate gives you a benchmark and removes the pressure to accept the dealer offer.

Yes, and used prices usually have more room than new ones, especially on vehicles that have been listed for several weeks.

No. Agree the price of the vehicle first, then negotiate the trade-in value as a separate transaction.

Keep reading

Start saving and keep driving your car

You could save $1,000's in interest. It starts with one short application.

Free to apply, no obligation, and no credit check to complete your pre-qualification.

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*No credit check is required to complete the initial pre-qualification. This is not a loan approval or a guarantee of financing. Final approval, rates, terms and conditions are subject to lender requirements and may require a credit check.