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 STEP 10: Pick-Up Your Car and Sign the Paperwork
You are ready to sign the paperwork and pick up your vehicle. This is an important part in the buying process and you must be very careful not to give back all the savings you worked so hard to achieve. The dealership is going to try and wipe out your savings before they let you go.
Follow these steps to keep your savings:
1. Bring a packet of information:
c Bring a copy of this checklist.
c Bring the name and address of the insurance agent
c Bring the license plate you are transferring (if you are getting new license plates, verify that the dealer has ordered the plates and has received them)
c Bring a document signed by the dealer which indicates the exact amount you have agreed upon, including fees and taxes.
c Bring a certified check in the exact amount you agreed upon.
c Bring a copy of your credit report with you credit score ... in the event that the dealer can offer you a better interest rate.
c Bring a calculator to check the dealer's numbers.
2. Ask to test drive the vehicle before you sign the papers.
c Check the vehicle thoroughly for interior defects or tears in the fabric/leather
c Check that all options you requested are on the vehicle and in working order
c Check that all the lights (front, back, interior) are in working order
c Check the vehicle thoroughly for exterior defects ... dings, dents, scratches
c Check that you have a spare tire and jack and any necessary log wrenches or tools necessary to change a tire.
c Check that the dealer has filled the gas tank.
c Check that you have an extra set of keys
c Check that you have an owner's manual
c Check that you have a copy of the window sticker.
3. Meet with the finance salesperson and firmly state that:
c You have already been approved for your financing.
c You have a document showing the exact amount you are going to pay including car cost, fees and taxes
c You have a cashier's check in that exact amount
c You do not wish to purchase any extras at this point
c You simply want to sign now and take possession of your car.
4. Read the sales contract:
c Verify that your name and address are correct
c Verify that it is dated with today's date.
c Verify that the cost of the vehicle is the same as you agreed upon.
c Verify that the tax amount is correct
c Verify that the destination charges are correct
c Verify that the trade-in amount is correct and that you are paying taxes only on the difference between the new vehicle cost and the trade-in value.
c Verify that there are no blank spaces on the form
c Verify that any Factory to Consumer rebates will be sent to your home ... not the dealer.
c Verify that rebates have not been taxed.
c Verify that Factory to Dealer rebates is not included in the prices of the vehicle
c Verify that the figures are correct by calculating them yourself.
5. WHEN EVEYTHING IS CORRECT, sign the contract and get a copy.
6. Drive away!
CONGRATULATIONS! LET US KNOW HOW MUCH OUR SAVED!
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