Buying a car involves a lot of paperwork, including title documents and bills of sale. Dealerships can help you with this process by filling out forms or drafting documents.
They Can Give You a Warranty
A dealership can provide a warranty on the car, covering it in case of manufacturer defects. However, it’s important to remember that dealership warranties have many extra fees and unwanted add-ons. You’re better off buying a third-party warranty that will help you avoid these extra costs.
Dealerships for new Kia in Santa Ana often push high-profit extras like paint protection, gap insurance, and extended warranties. These are usually not disclosed until you’re in the finance office or trying to buy a car. You can avoid this by always asking for a breakdown of all the fees and an out-the-door price so that you’re sure of the final amount.
You should also ask the dealership what forms of payment they accept and what documentation they’ll require to approve financing. This will make it easier to shop around for loans and avoid hidden profit margins on financing. Also, try to get pre-approved for a loan from your own bank or credit union, as this will give you more leverage with the dealership and could save you money.
You Can Take It for a Test Drive
Like trying on clothes before buying them, a test drive is the only way to determine whether a car is right for you. You should always have a friend or family member with you when test-driving a car because they can support you and help you avoid making any decisions you may regret later.
When taking a test drive, ensure you drive on various roads. You want to know how the car handles on city streets, freeways, and hills. Also, it is important to check how easy it is to enter the vehicle and to see if you can fit any items you might need for trips, such as children’s car seats or dog crates.
Finally, when you get back to the dealership, take some time to write down your observations. This will help you compare vehicles and identify any issues you must ask your mechanic to look at.
They Can Help You With All the Paperwork
Car dealerships have departments dedicated to handling the paperwork to complete a purchase. They can help you fill out forms, verify insurance coverage, and register the vehicle on your behalf. They also have access to a database of state and federal regulations about new and used car sales.
However, you’ll still need to be prepared to bring the necessary documents to the dealership. Most dealerships will require a driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and an up-to-date financial statement to process your loan.
When you walk into a dealership, having a friend or family member with you is best. They can help you stay focused during negotiations and reassure you when a dealer is trying to pressure you into making a decision that isn’t in your best financial interests. You can also ask them to run a credit report for you, which is an excellent way to get a feel for the interest rates you’ll qualify for.
They Can Offer Financing Options
The dealer’s finance department often works with multiple lenders and can shop around for the best auto loan offer. They can even get you preapproval, which means the lender has committed to providing you with financing based on your credit score and income.
Some dealers also work with manufacturers to provide direct financing on specific models. This might include low-interest rates or cash-back incentives for buyers with good credit.
Indirect dealership financing is when the dealer’s finance office shops your application to various lenders, including banks and credit unions. The dealer makes money by marking up your offered interest rate, which can be costly if you have poor credit.