How do trade-ins work for a new Ford Ranger order through my local dealer?

[Cov]

After 2 new off-the-lot car purchases in my life, I've never been ripped off but the process was a little slimy each time. I've come to hate talking to dealers and salesmen very much so I'd like to ask some people here who know how the process works, before I go in.

Once the orders open up for the 2023 ranger, say I put in an order for one, I assume I'll be paying MSRP plus whatever nickle-and-Cnote fees my dealer decides I have to pay, right?

My main question though is on the trade-in, is it feasible to use a trade-in as a down payment? (my current SUV has about a $25K trade-in value according to kbb which I own free and clear) Will the dealer be more likely to lowball me on the trade-in if I order the truck and am obligated to buy it one way or another once it arrives 6 months later? Or if they decide to low ball my trade-in on the delivery date can I cancel the order without penalty? I'd probably just sell privately and do the down payment in cash but I'm curious how the process works when you order a new vehicle directly from Ford.

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[Snkrjeff020]

When ordering is available, you will put a 500-1000$ deposit down to order. The refundability of the deposit depends on the dealership and state laws. But if you change your mind, you are not obligated to purchase the vehicle.

You can use your trade-in as a down payment but they're not going to appraise it yet since we are like 2 years out from a landed unit, so there would be no point to do it now.