Buying a new car used to be something of a slow dance. Today, it’s more like speed chess with a finance office clock. A recent Reddit discussion among GM shoppers shows where leverage at a car dealership still exists…and where it absolutely does not.

As it turns out, employee pricing is no longer the nuclear option it once was. But there are still pressure points if you know where to push.

Now, the Reddit conversation focused on how to beat GM employee pricing, but I quickly realized these hacks can be applied to near any dealership.

Here are the smartest new car buying tricks that actually surfaced.

7 Pro Moves to Get the Dealership to Sell You a Car Below Asking Price

Target aging inventory

One commenter checked GM’s warranty system to see when a vehicle was delivered to the dealer. Six months on the lot changes the conversation, fast. If the next model year is already out, that car is now a problem they want solved.

Hunt for demo cars

Employee pricing is usually a hard floor, and in my opinion, for good reason. However, demo cars are one of the few ways under it. These are vehicles the sales staff use to help clients figure out which model and trim level they like best. It’s like a sample shoe.

Multiple commenters agreed this is the rare exception where real money still comes off. Demos rack up miles, and miles scare buyers. Dealers know this. You can use it!

By the way, we’ve reported that when it comes to the factory warranty, dealerships and the carmaker still consider demo cars or loaner cars “brand-new.”

Call the dealer that sells the most cars

High volume dealerships live and die by throughput. One top commenter advised calling the largest-volume dealer for that brand, locking in the best price, and then having the vehicle courtesy delivered to your local store.

Volume stores get better allocations and are more willing to shave profit to keep the pipeline moving. Google makes finding them painfully easy.

Put dealers in a group chat (without telling them)

Online quotes are your friend. Get several, then start comparing them. One commenter explained that some incentives can actually beat employee pricing depending on timing and model.

Stack programs dealers might not tell you about

One commenter said that if you have access to GM employee pricing, also check whether other programs stack on top. For instance, Costco’s auto program sometimes does.

GM’s Employee Appreciation certificate can, too. Several buyers admitted they didn’t even realize that certificate existed until they went digging. Dealers probably won’t volunteer this stuff.

If you’re leasing, pay up front

It’s definitely not for everyone, but one of the most detailed replies came from a buyer who treats negotiation like a hobby. Paying a lease upfront can unlock massive discounts, especially on EVs.

The example shared involved a two-year Equinox EV lease with no monthly payment at all. Just one upfront check and done. It’s not glamorous, but very effective.

Know when to stop pushing

Several commenters offered a reality check. In 2025, margins are thin. SUVs like Tahoes, Yukons, and Escalades barely move on price. EVs tend to move more. Sometimes the best “move” is recognizing when the deal is already tight and walking before the paperwork gets too “creative.”

In other words, understand your budget and target something you know you can well-afford from the jump. Any discount after that is just a bonus.

Negotiation still works at the dealership, it’s just quieter now

You’ll probably be doing a lot more homework than years past. But when it all clicks into place, you might just smile a bit wider leaving the lot knowing you got in something new for a few hairs less than others.