-
Step 1
Practice saying "no" before you get to the dealership. New automobile dealers make an enormous profit on the after-market products and services they sell, and the salespeople get a big commission for these products as well.
-
Step 2
Get quotes on the after-market products you know you will want to install eventually. If you know the prices at the local big box store or do-it-yourself store, then you have a place to negotiate from. Sometimes it is better to have the dealer install a sound system because if, in the process, panels are marred or paint scratched, the dealer can fix the errors and will not charge you.
-
Step 3
Think about the time you would have to invest shopping for wheels and stereos, for example. It might be just as easy to go ahead and let the dealer install everything, include the cost in your monthly payment and be done with it. You may have to wait a day or two to drive your new ride home, but you may also save many days without it waiting for someone else to add on all your goodies.
-
Step 4
Read the small print if you are thinking about extended warranty plans or clear coating. Both options are really not needed on today's new cars, which is why they bring such high commissions. Extended warranties and clear-coat protection often are overlaps of what you already get from the manufacturer. These after-market products are redundant, though the salesperson may tell you otherwise.
