Get a Clean Title
Pre-Delivery Final Inspection
Complete the Paperwork and Take Delivery

Get a Clean Title

Depending on your state's laws, you may or may not be entitled to learn about a used vehicle's crash history. But, you have the right to know if the car has a branded title. A branded title means that the car has been salvaged or rebuilt, in a flood or in some other way rendered less valuable. You should specify in the contract that the vehicle has a non-branded title.

Laws governing the sale of vehicles are the responsibility of the state's department of motor vehicles, and vary from state to state. Check your state DMV website for information.

After you buy a used car, you have to transfer ownership from the seller to yourself. The dealership, will file the necessary documents. You need to prove that you bought the car and are now the new legal owner.

In some states, a vehicle inspection or emissions test is required when a vehicle is sold. Find out from the DMV who is responsible for paying for the test. A "pass" may be required to register the car. Remember to contact your insurance agent to start a policy on the vehicle. Proof of insurance may be required before you drive the car off the lot.

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Pre-Delivery Final Inspection

Make Sure Things Are Right

After agreement has been reached on price and terms, you need to sign a delivery receipt acknowledging that you have taken possession of the car. Since this is the last opportunity to delay or cancel the sale, it is also the best time to insist that the dealer fix anything you find wrong with the car. Once you pay for and take delivery of your new car, you won't have as much leverage to get defects fixed (especially flaws that are cosmetic rather than functional).

If buying a new car, you have the right to a car that is free of all defects, from functional problems to visual flaws related to "fit and finish". If you are buying a used car, you have the right to know the condition of the car you are buying. Even If you have driven the car and checked it out before, give the vehicle a thorough visual inspection and take it for a brief drive, just to make sure everything is in order before you take possession. If the dealer committed to fix something, make sure that the repair was done and it passes your inspection.

Examine the Contract Carefully
Is the VIN correct? Make sure that three numbers are the same: the VIN you picked out, the VIN on the contract, and the VIN on the vehicle the dealer has prepared for you to drive home. Note the odometer reading -- if a new car has more than 300 miles, demand a believable explanation. This car may be a "demo" that was loaned to employees for personal use. Does the vehicle have all the options listed on the contract? If new, check to see if it has the correct engine and transmission, and check the wheel and tire size against the factory price sticker -- do they match?

Take a Careful Look at the Body
Make sure the car is out in the open and do the inspection during the day so you can see every panel. Look for any body damage including minor dings, dents or scrapes. Look for uneven surfaces, mismatched paint and other evidence of repainting or touch-up. Check every panel including the roof and undercarriage (some cars are damaged in transit or while sitting on the lot). If new, the car should not have any scratches, dents, or paint flaws -- unless you are getting a reduced price to compensate for them. If used, the car should not have accumulated any more flaws since you did your thorough inspection and test drive. The doors, trunk and hood should open and close smoothly and all sheet metal edges should be flush after they are closed. Spacing at the sides of doors, truck and hood should be even all the way around. Make sure that all movable windows operate smoothly. Check all seat belts and seat mechanisms (tracks, motors, recliners, adjustable headrests, etc.) for proper operation. Inspect upholstery, carpet, and the headliner for defects, poor fit, stains, excess glue, etc. When in doubt about "fit and finish" concerns for new vehicles, compare with similar new vehicles to see if the situation is normal. Refuse to take delivery if you're not satisfied. Once you drive away, the dealer will assume scratches or dents to be your fault.

Equipment and Accessories
Have the salesman show you how to operate all of the accessories. Then try them yourself to verify that everything works properly. Check all lights on the car: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior and courtesy lights, trunk light, engine compartment light, etc. If you are paying for floor mats or dealer-installed items, make sure they are included.

Under the Hood
Have the salesman show you how to check all of the fluid levels, where the dipsticks are located, and where to add fluids. Tell the dealer if you find low fluid levels. If you find several things wrong, tell them to send it back to car prep for a more thorough job. Check all the tires -- they should be the same brand and size, and properly inflated.

Take the Car for a Brief Drive
Use the dealer's license plates (while they still own the car). Accelerate quickly from a stop, running through all the gears, then drive at a steady speed. Does the car run smoothly with plenty of power? Does it shift smoothly? Does the car handle well through several curves? Recover quickly after turning? Pull to one side? Check the brakes under light and heavy application. The car should stop smoothly, and there should be no brake noises. Drive the car on a bumpy road to check for squeaks and rattles.

After you've completed the inspection and road test, make a "defect list" and give a copy to the dealer. Tell him to call after they've fixed everything on the list. If repairs cannot be made quickly while you wait, delay the purchase until they are completed. If the dealer is uncooperative now, how easy do you think it will be to get repairs done once you buy the car? Make sure that the repairs are done before you take possession of the vehicle -- it's easier to demand repairs if the sale hangs in the balance.

Fortunately, most checks of the vehicle and the contract go smoothly and are problem-free.

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Complete the Paperwork and Take Delivery

Now that it's time to pick up the new car, don't let enthusiasm make you careless. When you leave for the dealership to pick up your car, be sure you take everything needed to complete the transaction:

• title and registration for your old vehicle (if you're going to trade in)
• proof of insurance (if required)
• check from the credit union
• money for the downpayment, sales tax, tags & title, etc.

Look at all the paperwork carefully. Read each document completely and make sure that you understand it. Buying a car is a serious commitment, and it is the dealer's job to ensure you are comfortable with every document involved. Once you have signed, there is no going back. In most states the contract will contain the vehicle cost, a documentation fee, smog inspection fee, charge for smog inspection certificate, sales tax and license fees.

Make sure you understand the charges and question the appearance of any significant, sudden additions to the contract such as "D&H" (delivery and handling) or "Administrative Costs". If a replacement contract is required, make sure that it matches every detail of the first contract, with the exception of mutually agreed upon changes. Don't allow blank spaces. Use the words "not applicable" if no value is required.

This may be when you learn that you didn't qualify for that special interest rate that was so heavily promoted. If something like this happens, stop everything and take another day to think things through. Chances are that you can still get a loan through your credit union. If the interest rate is not as you agreed, or if something else of major importance is wrong, you have the right to stop the deal.

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