Invoice Price - Not always what the car dealership paid!  This will vary depending upon what the dealership receives back from any financial manufacturer incentives.

Dealer incentives -  A holdback from the manufacturer will often be given to the auto dealer once a car has been sold.

Manufacturer incentives - Automotive dealers will receive a financial incentive from the manufacturer for having a high volume period.  The end of the month or quarter is primarily the best time to negotiate a better price for your new vehicle purchase.  The sales manager, finance manager, general manager, etc... will be more willing to drop the price during these times.

Base Price - The base price is the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) shown at the top of the vehicle's window sticker before any options or taxes are added.

Monroney Sticker Price - This sticker, also called a Monroney label, is attached to a window of the vehicle. It shows the base price of that model, including all standard equipment; manufacturer-installed options and their retail prices; transportation or freight charges (also known as destination or delivery charges); and the total manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Dealer Sticker Price - Usually on a supplemental sticker, is the Monroney sticker price plus the suggested retail price of auto dealer-installed options, such as additional dealer markup (ADM) or additional dealer profit (ADP), car dealer preparation, and undercoating.

It would be wise to negotiate each part of your car buying experience (i.e. - price, trade-in, and financing). 

Buying A Pre-Owned Vehicle In Texas - Getting into a 2 or 3 year old vehicle will lower your depreciation rate.  This will minimize your risk and save you money in both the short and long term!  By choosing to drive off in a pre-owned vehicle of similar new type, you have kept more money in your bank account and will be saving yourself from higher interest payouts to the auto loan company.  Remember, it is best to have the vehicle inspected and certified before agreeing to purchase the automobile.

Looking To Lease A Vehicle In Texas - There are many pros and cons to leasing.  The cost of buying a new vehicle may be to high and leasing would lower your monthly payment.  That is good news, however you will only be able to drive up to a certain amount of miles.  In any case... you should be able to write these miles and any overage off when they are used for business.  Check with your CPA for advise of how to write off business miles and your leased vehicle.

Trading In Your Vehicle - Do discuss the possibility of a trade-in with an Texas auto dealer only after you have negotiated the best possible price for your new car and only after you have researched the value of your old car. Research at one of the Texas libraries for reference books or magazines that can show you how much its worth. This information found may help you get a better price from the local auto dealer. If you are seeking more money for your trade-in, then take the time to sell your car yourself.  This may take longer, however you generally will get more money than if you trade it in.

What you should know about Auto Loans - If you decide to finance your car in Texas or another state, be aware that the financing obtained by the local car dealership, even if the dealer contacts lenders on your behalf, may not be the best deal you can get. Contact lenders in the Texas area directly. Compare the financing they offer you with the financing the local Texas dealer offers you. Because offers vary, shop around for the best deal, comparing the annual percentage rate (APR) and the length of the loan.