Consumer Tips for Purchasing a New Vehicle
- Research prices and features available for the vehicle(s) you are interested in purchasing before visiting a dealership.
- Have your research and prices with you when you visit a dealership to help negotiate the price and available features.
- If you have a trade-in vehicle, check the value in the NADA Guide (available on the web at www.nadaguides.com) so you know the value of your vehicle before visiting a dealership.
- If trading-in a vehicle, bring your Certificate of Title and lien release (if applicable), insurance information and plate you may be requesting to transfer.
- Certificate of Title to your vehicle lost, ask the dealer to apply for a duplicate title on your behalf.
- Read every document that you sign. If you do not understand something, ask questions until you do.
- Do not sign any blank papers.
- When purchasing a used vehicle, request to see the prior title. The dealer should have the title in his possession before selling the vehicle.
- There is no 3 day return policy unless the dealer puts in the writing.
- Verbal agreements are difficult to prove, all agreements should be in writing.
- Ask for the history of the vehicle. The dealer may provide a Carfax or Autocheck report or you may want to get one yourself.
- A used vehicle sold by a dealer must be inspected. Ask to see the inspection certificate.
- Remember that the inspection is only for safety and is no guarantee of the vehicle's mechanical soundness. Always test-drive the vehicle. If possible, have your own mechanic look at the vehicle.
- If you trade a vehicle and the dealer is to pay off an existing loan, follow up with your lending institution to make sure they do.
- Most car dealers are honest businessmen, but remember that business is selling vehicles. The best protection against being "ripped off" is to be an educated consumer. Do your homework; know what you want and how much you can afford before you begin.