: For reliable brands like Toyota or Honda, the "massive" depreciation hit the second you drive off the lot has significantly decreased.
: Negotiate the car price, then the trade-in value, and finally the financing. Do not let them bundle these into one "monthly payment" number. Is Buying "New" Worth It? reddit buying a new car
: Get pre-approved by a credit union before visiting the dealership. Do not disclose this until you've finalized the car's price; then, ask the dealer if they can beat your rate. : For reliable brands like Toyota or Honda,
: If a dealer adds mandatory "market adjustments" or dealer-installed add-ons (like etched glass fees) that you don't want, be prepared to leave immediately. Is Buying "New" Worth It
When buying a new car, Reddit's collective wisdom—found across popular communities like r/carbuying , r/whatcarshouldIbuy , and r/personalfinance —stresses shifting focus away from monthly payments and toward the final, total cost. Core Strategy: Negotiation & Logistics