What do I need to bring to the dealership when I buy my car?
April 25, 2022 3:25 PM Subscribe
Tomorrow, I’m going to the dealership to pick up a car that I ordered from the manufacturer. I've never bought a car before and I'm not familiar with the process. The salesman is super unhelpful and I’m unclear what I need to do in advance or bring to pick up the car.
The payment amounts and trade-in value have been finalized.
I was approved for a car loan via my credit union. The credit union sent me a loan agreement and said that they will overnight the check when I sign. Do I sign the loan agreement before going to the dealership tomorrow, or do I sign it once I’m at the dealership? There are some details on the agreement that I don't have (e.g., current mileage).
Other than my car’s title, is there anything I need to bring to trade in my current car?
I’m also planning to bring proof of insurance. Is there anything else I’ll need to complete the purchase?
The payment amounts and trade-in value have been finalized.
I was approved for a car loan via my credit union. The credit union sent me a loan agreement and said that they will overnight the check when I sign. Do I sign the loan agreement before going to the dealership tomorrow, or do I sign it once I’m at the dealership? There are some details on the agreement that I don't have (e.g., current mileage).
Other than my car’s title, is there anything I need to bring to trade in my current car?
I’m also planning to bring proof of insurance. Is there anything else I’ll need to complete the purchase?
It sounds like you have everything you need except, as noted by chbrooks, time. I've purchased two used cars in the past 18 months and it took a couple of hours both times, even though it was a simple process and I was pre-approved.
posted by tacodave at 4:14 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by tacodave at 4:14 PM on April 25, 2022
Response by poster: Thanks! Is anyone able to speak to whether I need to sign the loan agreement from my bank in advance? I'm concerned that if I'm not able to give them the finalized financing tomorrow (and/or the check from my bank), I won't be able to complete the purchase.
posted by quiet coyote at 4:20 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by quiet coyote at 4:20 PM on April 25, 2022
This is something the bank should be able to answer, since the sales guy is not being helpful.
posted by soelo at 7:55 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by soelo at 7:55 PM on April 25, 2022
Also, there might be a reason why the salesman is being unhelpful. Whatever happens, don't let him bamboozle you into signing up for dealer financing instead of your own credit union's.
He should be able to tell you what the current mileage is over the phone, if that's all that's holding you up on getting your credit union's cheque.
posted by flabdablet at 10:42 PM on April 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
He should be able to tell you what the current mileage is over the phone, if that's all that's holding you up on getting your credit union's cheque.
posted by flabdablet at 10:42 PM on April 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
No need to sign the loan agreement from your bank in advance. Take the paperwork with you to the dealership and show it to them. They will walk you through the process. You may need to follow up with the bank after the sale is complete or the dealership may do it. They will let you know.
Another thing you didn't mention is insurance. You should let your insurer know you are buying a car. You then have something like three days to let them know the sale is complete and you will provide them information on the car such as the VIN and sale price.
Buying a car is a multi-step process including spending several hours at the dealership signing paperwork, and then following up in the next couple days regarding the loan, insurance, getting the pink slip and plates. It's a hassle, but you have been thinking about it ahead of time which is more than many people do.
posted by eleslie at 6:50 AM on April 26, 2022
Another thing you didn't mention is insurance. You should let your insurer know you are buying a car. You then have something like three days to let them know the sale is complete and you will provide them information on the car such as the VIN and sale price.
Buying a car is a multi-step process including spending several hours at the dealership signing paperwork, and then following up in the next couple days regarding the loan, insurance, getting the pink slip and plates. It's a hassle, but you have been thinking about it ahead of time which is more than many people do.
posted by eleslie at 6:50 AM on April 26, 2022
Response by poster: For posterity: I called the bank back and was finally able to get ahold of someone. They said that I did in fact need to sign the loan agreement in advance, but that it was too late to send the check, and I would likely not be able to pick up the car without it. I called the dealership and talked to the sales manager (instead of the unhelpful salesman, who never got back to me) who said that I would be able to pick up the car even as long as I’ve been preapproved for financing, even if the check isn’t in hand. However, he added that I would need to pay my downpayment via a check from an in-state bank, which I don’t have. He was very reassuring and said not to worry about it, and that he’d figure it out and I’d be able to take the car home either way. So I’m choosing to trust that that will work out, as I’m leaving town right after I buy the car and a delay would be a big inconvenience.
posted by quiet coyote at 7:54 AM on April 26, 2022
posted by quiet coyote at 7:54 AM on April 26, 2022
Be prepared for the dealership to try and tack on additional items to purchase such as extended warranty. Just say no.
posted by tman99 at 9:18 AM on April 27, 2022
posted by tman99 at 9:18 AM on April 27, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
If you're putting down any cash, bring your checkbook or a credit card.
Your patience - whenever I've bought a car, there's been a ton of sitting around waiting for forms to print out, or the car to get detailed, or something to get copied, etc.
posted by chbrooks at 3:38 PM on April 25, 2022 [6 favorites]