'Haha. They Hate This:' Car Buying Expert Reveals How to Get the Best Deal on a New Car

Walking into a car dealership can feel intimidating. Salespeople often have the upper hand with pricing knowledge, financing tricks, and negotiation tactics designed to maximize their profit. 

But a Cadillac saleswoman is flipping the script by showing customers exactly how to level the playing field and walk away with a great deal.

Car Saleswoman Demonstrates Savvy Buying Tactics

In a viral video with more than 1.6 million views, Andrea (@andrea.sells.cadillac) acts out a scenario showing how a well-prepared buyer can negotiate effectively at a dealership.

The video begins with text overlay: "POV: Businesswoman knows how to buy a car."

In the skit, Andrea plays a customer who arrives at the dealership with a specific car already in mind. When the salesperson offers to show her several options, she responds, "I actually know exactly which one I want, but if you can grab the keys, that'd be great."

After the test drive, the salesperson presents the initial deal with financing at 5.9% and various add-ons. Then Andrea demonstrates how to counter effectively.

"My credit union, I've got 4.25 for 60 months. So if we can match that," she says in the video. "And then I have some offers on my vehicle, and I know that I get a tax savings if we trade."

She continues with specific requests, crossing out the numbers on the dealership’s original offer. She requests a $1,000 discount she found advertised online, a trade-in value of $26,500 (which accounts for tax savings), the 4.25% interest rate to match her credit union's offer, and removal of all add-ons.

"If your manager will do that, we've got a deal," she says.

"Man, you have a lot of asks," the salesperson responds.

The skit ends with the salesperson returning to say the manager was impressed with her negotiation skills and has agreed to her offer.

In the caption, Andrea breaks down the strategy: "Buying a car can be easy. Know what you want, check interest rates, shop your trade-in. Be direct but reasonable and pleasant."

How Andrea's Strategy Stacks Up Against Expert Advice

Andrea's approach in the video aligns with expert car buying advice, demonstrating several key strategies that can save buyers thousands of dollars.

One of the most important steps is getting preapproved for a loan before you even visit a dealership, NerdWallet states. This lets you know how much you can afford to borrow and what interest rate you'll likely get, which gives you leverage when negotiating.

Knowing exactly which car you want is another crucial tactic. NerdWallet recommends researching models thoroughly and identifying three to five target vehicles before heading to the dealership. Andrea shows up with a specific stock number, cutting through the typical sales tactic of showing multiple vehicles to upsell customers.

When it comes to negotiating, NerdWallet advises against being a "monthly payment buyer." Instead, focus on the total price of the car.

NerdWallet warns that dealerships often try to sell products like extended warranties, gap insurance, or paint protection that can add thousands of dollars to what you pay. 

NerdWallet also emphasizes the importance of maximizing your trade-in value by getting multiple offers and understanding the tax savings benefit of trading in versus selling privately. In the skit, Andrea comes prepared with offers on her vehicle and accounts for the tax savings in her counteroffer.

NerdWallet also states that you need to be willing to walk away if the dealership can’t meet your numbers.

Will Being Prepared Always Get You a Good Deal?

In comments on Andrea’s post, people shared a wide variety of experiences they’ve had buying vehicles.

“You can be the most prepared and still spend a whole day wasted there,” said one.

“They are not this nice when you do this,” another wrote.

“Last time I went in educated, the sales agent walked out on me,” a third alleged.

Some chimed in with their own advice.

“Also show up at 5:30pm and you will be out in an hour or so vs. coming in early and spending all day,” one urged.

Motor1 reached out to Andrea for comment via Instagram and TikTok direct message. We’ll update this if she responds.