When buying a car, it is important to be prepared and have the necessary documents and information with you to streamline the process. Here is a list of what to bring when buying a car:
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Drivers license: You will need to show a copy of your drivers license before you can take a test drive, and it is also important for identification purposes.
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Proof of car insurance: Almost every state requires drivers to have car insurance, and you will need to show valid proof of insurance to purchase the car. Usually, your current proof of insurance that lists your current vehicle is sufficient.
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Form of payment: Bring your checkbook, debit card, or credit card if youre going to pay cash for the vehicle or put a down payment on your loan. Even if youre taking a loan out, youll likely want to make a down payment.
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Paystubs and bank statements: If youre going to take out a loan, youll need to prove that youre capable of paying the loan back. Bring paystubs to prove youre employed and have the income to make payments, as well as bank statements to show you have the funds to make a down payment.
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Title and registration: If youre trading in your current vehicle, you will need to provide the current registration. You should be able to trade it in with expired vehicle registration, but the dealer will probably give you less for it since theyll have to make it current themselves.
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Service and repair information: Have all service and repair information ready, as the dealer will want to know of the vehicles previous maintenance beyond the vehicle history report theyll pull.
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Military/student ID: If you have a military or student ID, bring it with you as you may be eligible for a discount.
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Vehicle history report: You can purchase a vehicle history report to learn more about the cars history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained.
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Preapproval loan documents: If you have already been preapproved for a loan, bring the documents with you to the dealership.
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Questions: Dont forget to bring a list of questions you have about the car, such as its features, fuel efficiency, and safety ratings.
By having these documents and information with you, you can simplify the car-buying process and ensure that you are prepared for everything.