If the bank pre approves you for a certain amount - and you know what kind of car you are interested in buying - you can bring that info into the dealership. The dealer should be willing to work with you to keep the vehicle in your approved range - or at least pay for any difference in cash. This can save you the headache of dealing with a car salesperson trying to make their commission and a finance manager who is salty about losing their minimum commission for in house financing.

This sub is for industry professionals to give advice to consumers navigating the car buying process. Non-flaired users (people not in the auto industry) are welcome to participate - but any advice that is harmful, misleading or derisive will be banned from the top level.