Tips on Buying Cars: Buying a new vehicle, approved loan, delayed response

Question
Hello. I always have got a pre approved loan through my local credit union before car shopping. Yet every dealer I go to wants to know what my down payment will be. Why is this question even asked? It seems if anyone should be asking this question it should be my bank. Thank you. Mark

Answer
I apologize for my delayed response.. I have been out of town & thought I set the vacation date with the website.. but I must have messed it up somehow.

They are either assuming you will be financing through them, or perhaps your dowmpayment some how affects commission? I've never heard of them doing it before unless they think you are going to use the dealerships financing. It never hurts to let them think you will finance with them, it can give you a hand when haggling prices... just don't sign anything.

If you get asked again.. and they know you are financing with the credit union... ask the salesman why it matters.. I'd be curious to know myself..