[Rydawg1]

In an ideal situation I personally would sell your car outright, get as much $ for it as you can. Provided you have alternate means of transportation after the sale. I would then get pre-approved for financing and have a check in hand. Call every stealership in town and ask for the sales manager. Tell them I want your best "out the door price" on this make/model/color/options. Let them know that you're shopping them against every other Ford dealer withing 50 miles. The dealership with the lowest price on what you want earns your business and get's your check by EOB today. Essentially you've taken most of the leverage away from the dealership and have pitted them against each other. Trust me, one of them will make you a great offer!

Now knowing how hard the new car bug can bite and the desire to get it now will ultimately cost you a lot more $$$ and that's what the dealership is counting on and ultimately that's the decision you'll have to weigh. Just my .02 thanks!