Delivery Day Is Not A Marathon
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I have several acquaintances that have each had the misfortune of spending more than four hours picking up their new vehicle. That is absolutely ridiculous.
Think about the last time you bought or leased a vehicle – how long did it take?
If you only have a few questions, and the dealership is not busy when you are picking up your vehicle, you should be on the road in less than an hour and 15 minutes.
Lots of questions and it’s busy – 2 hours....Max.
When I was young and dumb, I once had the misfortune of having a lousy salesperson that had me spend 3 hours and 20 minutes in their dealership finalizing the purchase.
Don’t make the same mistake. Here’s what you need to be in-and-out of a dealership in short order.
Most dealerships operate the same and have the same procedures for finalizing a vehicle purchase. They also have Local, State and Federal laws that must be followed. So, make sure you discuss with the sales person what you need to do....and what you need to bring with you to purchase or lease a vehicle.
The Most Important Rule – Make an appointment.
If you've followed my advice to this point, the individual you're working with is very good and very busy. Make sure you ask for a set time.
Also keep in mind, they might have a full schedule the day you wish to pick-up your vehicle - so be prepared for that.
If you don’t make an appointment and just show-up, you’re likely going to have a very long wait.
Here’s a tip – If you are going to finance or lease the vehicle make sure you have process taken care of prior to actually picking your vehicle up. Just get with the sales person before showing up, and provide the necessary information. Shouldn’t take more than three minutes to provide what he or she needs.
And do not, under any circumstances, provide your personal information by e-mail - it's not secure enough to send that type of sensitive info - just call them.
So, let's begin reviewing what you need to do and what will happen the day you complete your Auto Purchase.
First things first - this is what you need to bring with you.
- Drivers License
- Proof of Insurance – you typically don’t need a new policy, just proof of an existing policy. Just make sure you get the new vehicle added ASAP. If you already know the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), call your insurance carrier and have it added.
- If you are paying cash or putting money down, a check is fine. However, some Dealers will want it certified. Make sure you ask. Some Dealers will allow you to use a Credit Card - if you have a Rewards type Credit Card, ask your sales person if you can use it. Might as well get some points, right?
- If you are married, decide in advance who will be on the title of the vehicle. There are several scenarios to think about. Ask your sales person for advice.
- If you have a trade-in, and owe money on it, have proof of the exact pay off amount. Get a copy of the pay-off from the Bank that holds the loan, or ask your sales person to get it for you. Many times, the sales person will be required to get it themselves.
- If you have a trade-in and you have the Title (meaning it’s paid for), make sure you bring the Title with you.
- If you want to transfer your License Plates instead of having to get a temporary tag and then new plates in thirty days, make sure you bring the current registration. The Dealer will do all the paperwork. If you're Leasing - you can't transfer Plates. The Plate will be in the Banks Name. There is only one exception – if you have Vanity Plates you can usually transfer them to a leased vehicle.
- If you have a trade-in, make sure you take everything out of the vehicle before you stop by the dealership. I’ve seen customers spend 30 minutes emptying their car out. Save some time – do that beforehand.
What To Watch For
Now the fun really starts....Going to the Dealership to complete your Auto Purchase.
Think about it - all that paperwork to sign and all those numbers to go over.
It's also where some dealers begin the numbers game - Remember a couple of my other Secrets?
So how bout I tell you what's going to happen....
Here's what to expect when you arrive:
- If the vehicle is ready, meaning it’s been cleaned for you, make sure you spend a few minutes inspecting the new car.......make sure there are no scratches, dents, etc. You'd be surprised at how many vehicles get damaged during transport and while sitting on a Dealers Lot.
As the buyer of a new or used auto, you have the legal right to make sure that the vehicle is free of all defects, whether it be mechanical, functional or visual. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to perform a thorough inspection of the car. If there are any problems, insist that they be fixed before you leave. If it can't be fixed, have it noted on the purchase contracts - and then schedule and appointment. - Note what the odometer says - If the car or truck has more than 250-300 miles on it, get the reason why. If it's a lousy explanation - demand a different car.
- Take one last test drive to detect any performance problems with the engine, transmission, steering, brakes and other equipment.
- Then, you’ll typically have a copy made of your Driver’s License, Insurance information (the State need it) and perhaps Title and Registration (if you have a trade-in).
- You’ll then begin to review and sign the paperwork to complete the Auto Purchase - that can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. And remember, you're usually in a closed office with a Finance Manager or Business Manager. Make sure you carefully review the numbers and make sure they match-up with what you've been given earlier.
This is also where you sometimes get a really hard-nosed Sales Pitch from a few Finance Managers or Business Mangers. So do your Homework before you visit a dealership - If you’ve chosen to do business with a “salesy” sales person, expect to get a very hard sell from the Finance or Business Manager. - You’ll then spend a few minutes going over the Owners Manual and a few other important owner documents.
- Out to your new vehicle – spend a few minutes going over the vehicle again and have your questions answered.
- Then you're on the Road. If it's done right, and it's not busy, you can be on your way in less than an hour.
One more tip - if you can pick your new car up during the week, do so. Avoid Saturdays - it's the busiest day at Car Dealerships and the process is usually slower. Anyway, why would you want to waste a Saturday at a Car Dealership.
Here’s hoping you have the best Car Buying experience you've ever had on your next new or used auto purchase!
I do have an obligation to point out that not all Car Makers, Dealers, Salespeople, Insurance Companies and Banks are greedy or crooked. This site is dedicated to honest Companies and their Professional Employees who've grown weary of the ignorant and classless giving the automotive related industry a black eye......a black eye that I feel is very close to being permanent.
By using these new and used car guides, I hope to be able to help you find the Best Businesses, and the Professionals that represent them, with very little effort on your part and help you....
Save More Money and More Time Than You Ever Have Before.
It is also my hope that these Companies and the Professionals that represent them will have more business than they can handle - a reward they justly deserve.
Thank you for visiting My New Car Purchase - and please take 5 seconds to or perhaps let a friend or relative know about us - Click here to send this page to a friend.
I guarantee that you will have an exceptional experience the next time you buy a car, van, truck or SUV - again, thank you for visiting this Web Site!
Tom O'Leary - "A Concerned Dad....and Automotive Analyst"
New Car Purchase - Exceptional New Car Purchase Advice and Automobile Purchase Strategies for your next new car or used automobile purchase.
Feel free to e-mail me at: Tom at my new car purchase (no spaces) dot com - or take a few seconds to send a question or comment by Clicking here
P.S. Make sure you check out the My New Car Purchase Blog.
To see specific information on how to have the best new car purchase you've ever had, click on the My New Car Purchase links listed below.
