Pre-arrange financing
Get pre-approved for a car loan at OneUnited, Industrial Bank, or your credit union before you walk into a dealership. Dealer financing is usually 1–3% higher than direct lender rates.
The price negotiation
Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment. Dealers hide markup in payment math.
The trade-in trap
Get your trade-in valued separately at CarMax or Carvana before negotiating. Use that number as your floor.
Discrimination is real
Multiple studies have documented Black buyers paying 3–5% more for the same car. Bring a white friend or a co-borrower for the final negotiation if you've experienced bias in the past.