Dealership Experience

What to Know Before You Go.

Time to visit a dealership to get a new car?  Before you go, use this handy checklist to prepare for the visit.

The vehicle:

• Use Build & Price to research and create your vehicle
• Search local inventory to find a match and select a dealer
• Research optional add-on protection products
• Research current incentives and rebates

Money matters:

• Watch buy or lease video to help decide which is best for you
• Determine your monthly car budget
• Estimate your monthly payment with the payment calculator
• Compare term lengths to future maintenance and market value
• Plan for a down payment, fees and taxes.
• Shop for car insurance 

Before you go:

• Apply Online (optional) 
• Get your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com
• Determine your trade-in value and the balance owed

What to bring to the dealership:

• Apply online Pre-approval notification, if any
• Driver’s license (or government ID)
• Proof of income: W2s, paystubs or a letter of employment
• Proof of residence: apartment lease, bank statement, pay stub or utility bill showing your name and address
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Source of down payment
• Trade-in: vehicle title, registration, all original equipment