Hi everyone. I’m hoping to get a Maverick soon, but I haven’t bought a car since 2010, so I’m looking for some advice on how to order one. Can I get pre-approved with my credit union and still place an order? How does that work if I also want to trade in my current car? I just don’t want to get overwhelmed.
They’ll place the order first and handle the rest (financing, trade-in, etc.) when the truck arrives. The most they might ask for now is a down payment.
Macon said:
They’ll place the order first and handle the rest (financing, trade-in, etc.) when the truck arrives. The most they might ask for now is a down payment.
Do you think I’ll need a down payment if my credit score is in the 800s?
@Keaton
The dealership might ask for a small deposit, but they can refund it once you pay with your loan. With a credit score in the 800s, it will mostly depend on your income and other expenses (like rent, mortgage, or loans).
-
Wait to arrange financing until the vehicle arrives because any pre-approval now may expire. Sometimes better financing incentives are available closer to delivery. If you’re looking for low rates, check out DCU—they’re offering 1.49% for 65 months, and hybrids like the Maverick might get an additional discount.
-
Shop around at multiple dealerships and get pricing in writing upfront. Don’t wait to negotiate until the truck comes in—dealers might try to exploit the wait by adding costs. Make sure they commit to honoring any factory incentives available at the time of purchase.
-
Check prices for your trade-in with Carvana, Vroom, or CarMax when it’s closer to delivery time. Use those offers as leverage to get the best deal.
-
Negotiate the total price and avoid discussing monthly payments. Focus on the out-the-door price.
-
Watch out for unwanted dealer add-ons. Make it clear you don’t want extras like nitrogen-filled tires or anti-theft etching. Some dealerships may install these by default, so be ready to push back.
-
Be willing to walk away if the dealer doesn’t meet your expectations.
-
Remember to factor in sales tax when comparing prices. Sometimes the best deal is just outside your city if the tax rate is lower there.
@Sky
Does it have to be a Ford dealership, and do I need to go there in person to place the order?
Keaton said:
@Sky
Does it have to be a Ford dealership, and do I need to go there in person to place the order?
Yes, it has to be ordered through a Ford dealership, but you don’t need to visit in person. I emailed multiple dealerships, gave them the build specs (trim, options, etc.), and asked for quotes.
@Sky
Dealerships must love posts like this.
Sloan said:
@Sky
Dealerships must love posts like this.
If you say so. But if you’ve got better advice, I’m all ears.
Sloan said:
@Sky
Dealerships must love posts like this.
If you say so. But if you’ve got better advice, I’m all ears.
I just mean dealerships are trained to counter strategies like these. Some might work with shady dealers, but a well-trained sales team can shut them down. It’s not bad advice—it just plays into their playbook sometimes.
@Sloan
Good point, but I think the key is to avoid being at the dealership in person. By emailing, I’m not pressured to make a quick decision. I’ve found this strategy works well in bigger cities with multiple dealerships. It creates competition, and one dealer usually gives a solid deal to beat the others.
@Sky
Fair enough. In some markets, though, even MSRP deals are hard to come by. Where I’m at, dealers often ask for $3-6k over sticker. But I respect your approach—it’s definitely worth it in larger markets.
@Sloan
You’re right about the market conditions. When I bought my Ridgeline, most dealers were $3-5k above MSRP. I ended up using Costco’s discount program to get $830 below MSRP. Not a huge win, but it worked out.
Sloan said:
@Sky
Dealerships must love posts like this.
If you say so. But if you’ve got better advice, I’m all ears.
It’s still good advice overall. I think it depends on where you are. Some markets make it tough to negotiate.
@Sloan
Absolutely. In places with fewer dealerships, it might not work as well. I’m in Phoenix with over a dozen Ford dealers nearby, so I’ve had success using this method.
@Sky
Wait! Are you saying the dealership might add extras to my truck after it arrives?
Sage said:
@Sky
Wait! Are you saying the dealership might add extras to my truck after it arrives?
Yep. When I ordered my F-450, the dealership added $1,000 worth of extras (like glass etching) in the two days it took me to pick it up. Some of these extras can’t be removed, and they may insist you pay for them.
@Sky
That’s wild. Do you think it helps to email them and say, ‘Please do not add anything to my truck’?
Sage said:
@Sky
That’s wild. Do you think it helps to email them and say, ‘Please do not add anything to my truck’?
It’s worth trying, but dealerships make a lot of money from those extras. They might argue it’s their vehicle until you buy it, so they can do what they want. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be clear about your expectations.