Well, fear not. Rebates are a bad deal because there is always a catch. A rebate is simply free money given to you by the Automobile Manufacturer as an incentive to buy that particular car. There is no trick or trap. So take the money and smile.
Rebates are part of the dealership's discount.
Rebates are simply free money given to you by the factory and should not be confused with the negotiated selling price. Be sure that you make clear to the salesman when you are negotiating the price of your new car or truck that the rebate is yours to keep and that the negotiations have nothing to do with the rebate. Rebates are paid in cold cash. You have a choice here. You can take the rebate as cash if you wish - in which case the Automobile Manufacturer will mail you a check.