CASH ISN’T KING when buying a car. A lot of buyers think walking into a dealership with cash gives them leverage. In reality, the dealership may be more motivated to discount the vehicle when you finance through them because they can make money on the financing. If the rate makes sense, financing through the dealership and keeping the loan open long enough for them to receive their lender reserve can sometimes help you get a better deal upfront. Cash doesn’t automatically get you the best price. Competition does.