Before the Lot

Flip the script on the dealership's four-square. The salesperson's worksheet puts price, trade-in, down payment and monthly payment on one sheet, so a give in one box can be taken back in another. Before the Lot pulls them apart. Three squares get settled at home with documents in hand (written trade-in offers, the down payment, a loan pre-approval), which leaves one number to negotiate: the out-the-door price. Ask your assistant what a car will cost out the door in your state or city, paste a dealer's quote to have it checked line by line, or compare a lease with buying. The tools use each state's own rules: sales tax with local rates for 7,000+ cities and counties, doc-fee caps, trade-in tax credits, rebate treatment and lease tax, with sources and dates. It covers the whole purchase: a budget from a monthly payment, quotes from several dealers ranked by out-the-door price, a cash rebate against a special APR, refinancing, trade-in equity and early payoff. It drafts emails to dealers and lenders, and gives a short line to say at the desk when the talk turns to monthly payments or add-ons. When you're ready, it hands you a link that opens the Before the Lot planner with your numbers filled in. Free, no account. It asks for no name, email, address, income or credit details, and it doesn't store what you send. Every result is an educational estimate, not financial, legal or tax advice.