Time For Paperwork:

 Congratulations, you bought a car. Or least you will be in a few minutes after you do the paperwork. After you shook hands with your Sales Person or Sales Manager, they will start getting your paperwork ready. They will need all your information, proof of insurance, vehicle and license information, Social Security Number (if they have not already run your credit, they will now) and title or pay-off information if you have a trade-in. After everything is pulled together and all the blanks are filled in by the sales manager your paperwork will go to the Finance Office. Your sales person will get a porter to take your new vehicle and start cleaning it and filling it with gas. (Spot Delivery it is called)

Now before you get to the finance office, a finance manager will go through your paperwork and credit report and determine the details. (If you are financing you should have visited the Financing Section already)

Time to go into the Finance Office, your sales person would typically escort you there, and introduce you to a finance manager. (Everybody is Smiling) Congratulations on your new vehicle says the finance manager, have a seat.

Maybe, a little small talk now to help you feel comfortable. The finance manager will quickly try to build some trust and rapport with you before moving too fast. We will now start with some of the minor paperwork to ease you in to signing things. The documents regarding your trade-in and pay-off, license and insurance. Then it is time to present some warranty and insurance options. (you did visit the Warranties Section right?)

There is more paperwork to sign here than most people think. The most important thing is TAKE YOUR TIME. Don’t be rushed, it is your money, you are the BOSS. Read everything……EVERYTHING. (you would be surprised how many people don’t, and then come back a day or so later and want to change the contracts…..SORRY, too late )

I am not going into the Warranties, Insurance, Financing, or Add-ons here. There is too much to cover, that is the reason for separate sections.  I am just trying to walk through paperwork, and give a heads up on the process.

After going through warranties and any extras, they will print the contract and Buyer Guide to reflect any extras you may have purchased.  These are the BIGGIES. Read it all, check and question the math. Don’t be in a hurry, this is where many people blow it.

Look it over, the payments, the term, down payment…..everything. Make sure every number is exactly as you expect it to be, check your notes. I will give you a copy of a contract in the Finance Section so you can be familiar with the forms.

(Finance managers are usually very good at what they do, many have been top sales people or sales managers that have moved up through the ranks. I have seen some that can do slight-of-hand better than Houdini. I have seen finance managers hold their hand over paperwork to hide numbers while the customer is signing and the custom has no idea what they are really signing. So, listen when I say READ EVERYTHING.)

Congratulations, you bought a car.

Joe Slick