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Negotiating When You Have Bad Credit

Negotiating when you have bad credit in the US—OTD first, shop rate, don't let dealer bundle price and financing so you don't overpay.

AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
1 min read

Negotiating when you have bad credit in the U.S.: agree on out-the-door price first, then shop rate—don't let the dealer bundle price and financing so you overpay on both. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator and payment calculator. Use autopremo.com.

TL;DR Bad credit: (1) Negotiate OTD first—don't discuss payment first. (2) Shop rate—banks, credit unions, dealer. (3) Don't let dealer stretch term to "fit" payment. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator and payment calculator. Use autopremo.com.

OTD First

Negotiate out-the-door price (selling price + tax + fees) before financing. Use autopremo.com price checker and OTD calculator. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.

Shop Rate

Get pre-approved; compare to dealer—use the lower APR. Don't accept stretched term just to hit a payment. Use autopremo.com payment calculator. See payment at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Bad credit: OTD first, shop rate, don't stretch term. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator and payment calculator so you don't overpay.

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