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What is the best way to pitch the dealership in my situation? USA, Texas, DFW - Jeep Renegade, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

US Sale

I want to buy a 2022 Elantra Hybrid Limited trim. In the local area (Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas), they are showing available at just over 29k. I have a 2018 Jeep Renegade Trail Hawk trim with 81K miles on it to trade in. Paid off, clear title. KBB says it is worth 17K in trade-in value with my VIN, mileage, and condition. So assuming those numbers hold out (and please tell me if I'm messing up by using the KBB number), I'm going to need to pay or finance 13k.

I am able to pay the 13k on the day of sale if that is the best option. But I've heard/read that dealers like to try to make money on the financing, and might give you a better deal upfront if you agree to finance with them. I have no problem with doing this... with the intention that I will just pay it off early to avoid the finance charges. But my credit isn't the best. FICO score is 667.

So how do I pitch this to the dealership to put myself in the best position? Do I talk strictly price and trade in value... or do I go with the monthly payment that I can afford thing like they seem to like to use? My current thought is that I go in, tell them that I want a 2022 Elantra Hybrid Limited trim, I'm trading in my 2018 Trailhawk Renegade which is free and clear, and I don't want to pay more than $260 per month. (Which is what the Carvana calculator came out with as the probable monthly payment for my situation for 72 months.) Then when the first payment is due, I just pay it off.

Thanks for your help!

Posted Mar 23, 2022, 4:19 AM UTC

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