Purchasing a vehicle is exciting, and all too often, people just ASSUME that the next steps come so naturally and with ease. But more often then not, people have no idea on what happens next, what happens after they've agreed to a payment, or what they should even come to our dealership with. If you're coming for just a test drive (which is completely fine), make sure that you do come prepared with your license - seems obvious, but you'd be surprised.
If you have come to the dealership, prepared to purchase the second largest investment of your life (first being a home), here is a list of physical items that you WILL need to make that leap into car ownership:
✅ Driver's License
✅ VALID Insurance
✅ Ownership - if you are trading in a vehicle
✅ Existing Lien Information on current vehicle - if applicable
✅ Recent Pay Stubs/Income information
✅ Any employee numbers that are applicable if receiving eligible rebates
Other things worth mentioning;
Keep an open mind: Like a birth plan, sometimes getting EXACTLY what you want isn't completely realistic. Of course, this is your investment, and we are going to do our best, but there are some packages/features that are only available in certain price points and trim levels. With the recent pandemic, inventory has also become an issue. Be open to colour! It doesn't mean we are going to actively put you in a bright yellow Wrangler (unless you want that), but maybe have a few colour options that we can work with.
Be realistic: Sure, getting you into a comfortable healthy payment is our goal, but getting into that fully loaded Pacifica, with leather seats, all of the safety features, the theatre group and NAV, is NOT going to happen for 100 bucks biweekly
EXTENDED WARRANTY/INSURANCES: Contrary to popular belief - we are NOT out to suck your wallet/bank account dry. These options are available for a reason. Especially things like Gap Insurance (we will touch on this soon). Listen to our Business Office before you reject any suggestions immediately. Plans can be customizable and honestly can save you SO much money in the long run for as little as $2/day. I always suggest Gap Insurance, if you are rolling in an existing lien and financing something long term - you do not want to be responsible for paying something outright if an unfortunate event occurs.
Be honest about your financial situation: The financial application process, does involve us submitting a credit application to major financial institutions. We will learn about any small blemishes or larger contusions. It's in your best interest to be transparent about your situation - we have literally seen it all, there is NEVER any judgement - shit happens! This information is always so helpful to have going in, so just know that even if you feel uncomfortable disclosing it to us, we will find out about it anyways.
I like the content so far but I'm going to pick on one spot that bugs me.
ReplyDelete"Sure, getting you into a comfortable healthy payment is our goal"
In my experience this has been the biggest downfall of a dealership visit, when they try to sell me on a payment or financing and not a vehicle. There is lots of inventory, I came for something specific and there is a reluctance to talk hard numbers and instead push to negotiate payments, often bi-weekly to reduce the number and hide the 2 extra payments a year.
Payment to me comes once we have a price and determine the financing source and terms.
Thanks so much for the feedback! That is something I will certainly consider going forward. That being said, determining the financing source usually comes post application process, which in turn means that payment would have to be agreed on at that point. Do things change? Absolutely. It can be a very fluid situation, and no two applicants are the same.
DeleteI completely understand the reluctance to chat numbers though in certain parts (especially at the beginning) of the process. So again thank you so much for that and thanks so much for checking out my blog! 🙏🏻