What To Bring Into The Dealership For A Smoother Purchase


Purchasing a new vehicle can either be super exciting, or super stressful. And this can be especially true for new customers who might be purchasing their very first vehicle themselves. However, with the right preparation, you can come into the dealership with confidence, shifting your focus to more important things, like the excitement that comes with your new purchase! 

 

That said, here are the 8 things you'll want to bring with you to the dealership before purchasing your need ride:
1. Proof Of Identification (Drivers License, Passport, State Identification, ect.):

Verification that you are who you say you are is a must. Whether it be a drivers license, a passport, or even a military ID card, you must be able to prove that you are in fact the person who is purchasing the vehicle. 


While a drivers license is preferred as you will not be able to test drive a vehicle without it, there are ways around purchasing without a drivers license. However, it is important to keep in mind how many additional steps you'll have to take in order to purchase without a valid drivers license. Additionally, you won't be able to drive the vehicle home without a drivers license, so if you have it, bring it!




2. Proof Of Insurance (i.e. An Insurance Card / Insurance Agent Info):

Most states require insurance in order to purchase a vehicle. That said, in the state of North Carolina, this is also true. Proof such as an insurance card, is very much necessary, as driving on the road without insurance, is in fact illegal. 


"Well what if I forgot or can't find my insurance card?" This is not a problem, and is more common then you'd think. Providing your insurance agents info such as their name and contact information will get the job done also. 




3.  Proof Of Residency (Address): 

As part of the credit application process, you will be required to provide proof of address to verify your identity. If you are trading, the same rule will apply, as you will have to provide the proper address when registering the vehicle in your name at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the United States.
4.  Credit Application:

Before going into the dealership, its always good to fill out your credit application before hand. While you could always fill one out upon arrival, having it taken care of before heading into the dealership can make things go smoother for both the customer and the salesperson. 


The best places to obtain a credit application are from the dealership upon arrival, the dealerships website, or by email.
5.  Income Verification/Employment Details (Recent Pay Stubs, W2 Form, or Tax Returns): 

In certain cases like pre-approval or purchasing with cash, you do not need to provide any kind of employment history. However, if you are financing or leasing, you will be required to provide employment details such as your employers name, address, contact info, length of employment, and monthly income.


Additionally if you are financing your vehicle through the dealership, you are by law, required to provide proof of income. This is to assess your ability to pay back any loan, as well as additional identity verification.


If you were pre-approved for a loan, or are paying in cash, proof of income may not be required, However, when purchasing a new vehicle, anything can happen, so having this documentation on hand may come in handy.


Finally, if you are self employed, you may also need to provide more then just the normal documentation, but other forms such as your bank statements or a form that indicates your profit and loss ratio. 
6.  Trade In & Documentation:

Bringing in your trade in is essential to your purchase. The dealership needs to be able to appraise your vehicle, in order to be able to give you an accurate amount in which they are willing to give you. 


Along with the trade in, providing its documentation is important also, such as the vehicles title and registration.
7. Preferred Payment Method: 

While this may seem self explanatory, it's still important to list. Having and mentioning your preferred payment method to your salesperson before purchasing is extremely important because different payment methods have different outcomes. Some have varying processing times, fees, and measures, so communicating your preferred method of payment will help your salesman be able to provide you with the best options and advice upon purchase.
8.  Incentive Requirements: 

One of the best things you can do before walking into the dealership is asking if they have any sort of incentives that you may qualify for. For example, if the dealership your looking to purchase from has any kind of military discount, you may want to bring in your military ID as proof. However, the best piece of advice that can be given to anyone regarding dealership incentives would be to call and ask what you can provide to receive any sort of incentive that may be offered.