Everything you need to get the car of your dreams
Driving away from a car dealership in a new car is one of the most exciting experiences you can ever have. Choosing the perfect vehicle for your needs at the dealership should be a fun experience, too, especially if you choose a new or used car dealership that puts no pressure on your purchase.
Some people do find the process somewhat stressful, though. This mostly comes down to the significant sums of money you’ll be spending and the worry that you may make a costly mistake.
Buy here pay here dealerships, in particular, thrive on word-of-mouth and repeat business, so they usually bend over backward to ensure you leave them positive reviews online and spread the word about how straightforward buying a vehicle from them is.
Still, there are a few things you can prepare for your trip to the dealership to make your purchasing decision all the easier.
Research the vehicle you want
Used car dealership lots often have hundreds of vehicles on offer. They’re all different manufacturers, makes, years, price ranges, and styles, and it’s easy to get sidetracked looking at vehicles that aren’t appropriate for your requirements.
Before you head to the dealership, narrow your search down to one or two models. You can first consider the type of vehicle that best suits your need (e.g., compact car, sedan, or truck). Then, find the most popular models of each and decide which have the styling, features, and economy that suits you.
Finally, look at the differences in features and pricing between the model years. There is often very little difference between one model year and the next, yet you can save a significant amount by choosing a slightly older model.
Investigate pre-approval for a loan
Most dealerships will offer in-house financing or a buy here pay here payment structure. But to keep your options open, find out the car loans you can get from your bank or other lending organizations. Even if you choose to go with the dealership financing, having other options can offer an avenue for negotiation.
Prepare your current vehicle for trade-in
A dealership will pay more for a car that has no defects or dings, as they can put the car out on the lot immediately. It’s also wise to clean your vehicle thoroughly and clear out all your personal items before you forget.
Plan to negotiate
If you plan to negotiate at the dealership, have a firm plan in place. You should know exactly how much you’re really willing to pay for the vehicle and where your walk-away point is.
Having information on how much similar vehicles sell for on the private market and at other dealerships can strengthen your negotiation.
What to bring to the dealership : when buying a new vehicle
- Your driver’s license—You’ll need this to prove you can legally drive away in the vehicle.
- Your chosen form of payment—Most dealerships accept cash, checks, and third-party loans. Buy here pay here dealerships offer can offer you car financing on-site. In most cases, you’ll be required to make a down payment on any loan.
- Proof of income—If you plan to get financing through the dealership, bring several recent pay stubs that prove you have the income available to make repayments.
- Proof of address—Bring a few recent utility bills that prove you live at your current address.
- Proof of insurance—If you currently have insurance on your current vehicle, bring your proof of insurance card. Be ready to add your new vehicle to your insurance policy.
What to bring to the dealership when trading in a vehicle
- Your vehicle
- Vehicle registration documents
- Certificate of title—You can get a duplicate from your local DMV if you can’t find your current certificate.
- Service records—A clean service history can help you get a better trade-in value for your vehicle
What Are You Waiting For? Go Get That Dream Vehicle!
Take your time when buying a new vehicle, as it’s a significant expense. But as long as you choose to buy from a reputable dealership, preferably one that offers a limited warranty, very little can go wrong when purchasing a new car.
