What's the difference between the Monroney sticker and the addendum sticker?

The Monroney sticker is the federally required label showing official MSRP. An addendum sticker is a separate dealer-added sticker listing markups or extras — not required by law and often negotiable.

Why does pre-approval matter before negotiating a new car?

It removes the dealer finance office's ability to mark up your interest rate above what you actually qualify for — you already know your real rate going in.

Should I negotiate my trade-in and the new car price together?

Negotiate the new vehicle's price to a final out-the-door number first, then discuss your trade-in separately — bundling both makes it easier for markup to hide in either side.

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Buying a Brand New Car? Read This Before You Sign Anything

By First Nation Approval Team·August 6, 2026·📍 National

Buying a brand new car should be straightforward, but a few common tactics can add thousands to what you actually pay if you're not watching for them. Here's what to check before you sign anything.

1. Know the Difference Between the Two Window Stickers

Every new car has a Monroney sticker (federally required) showing the official MSRP. Dealers sometimes place a second "addendum" sticker next to it listing added markups or dealer-installed extras at retail prices. Photograph both before any negotiation starts — stickers have been known to change during the process.

2. Watch for Dealer Market Adjustments (ADMs)

An ADM is money added above MSRP, usually on high-demand vehicles. It should appear as its own clearly labeled line item, not buried in the base price. If a dealer near you won't budge, checking inventory at dealers further away is often worth the drive for a popular model.

3. Question Every Add-On Package

Paint protection, fabric protection, VIN etching, and "protection packages" are common upsells with high markups. Ask whether each is required or optional — many are negotiable or removable even if already applied to the vehicle.

4. Get Pre-Approved Before You Talk Financing

The dealer's finance office sometimes has room to mark up the interest rate above what the lender actually approved you for, pocketing the difference. Walking in with your own pre-approval in hand removes that opportunity entirely — you already know your real rate.

5. Negotiate the Price Before the Trade-In

Settle the new vehicle's out-the-door price first. Only bring your trade-in into the conversation after that number is locked — bundling both negotiations at once makes it easier for a dealer to hide markup on either side.

6. Use Your Cancellation Window

Many add-on products (extended warranties, GAP insurance, etc.) can be researched and cancelled within a short window after signing in many cases. Don't feel pressured to decide on the spot — compare independent pricing before committing.

Before You Walk Into Any Dealership

Getting pre-approved first puts you in the strongest possible position — you know your rate, your budget, and you're not dependent on the dealer's financing office to make the deal work.

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