Buying a Car? Be Sure to Have the Following Beforehand
Purchasing a new (or new-to-you) vehicle can be a fun, albeit somewhat frightening, experience. It doesn't have to be that way, though! Our team here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza work tirelessly to alleviate this anxiety for you by offering the ultimate level of customer service from test drive to delivery. This is why we've compiled a handy list of items and documentation you should have prepared prior to visiting a dealership.
Documents to Bring When Buying A Car
If You Have a Trade
Dealerships are always looking to add quality pre-owned vehicles to their inventory, and are often willing to pay top dollar for them! If you are planning on trading in your vehicle in order to purchase a new one, be sure to grab the following items before heading out:
If you are planning on financing the vehicle you are purchasing, you may want to consider preparing for payment prior to making the trek into the dealership. Completing this step could literally save your hours, in person, at the dealership.
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we are pleased to work with more than 20 different lenders to help our customers secure financing, and would be happy to assist you, too! Once you've picked out a vehicle from our online inventory, simply fill out a finance application here and one of our friendly staff members will reach out once your application is received.
Finding the perfect vehicle can be a daunting task, but the rest of the process doesn't need to be. Many people are anxious about coming into the dealership to purchase a car. Our goal here at our dealership is to make your experience as pleasant and hassle-free as possible.
By gathering the aforementioned items and information, you'll be well on your way to getting behind the wheel of your next ride. And when you're ready to make your next purchase, be sure to come see us at our dealership here in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Documents to Bring When Buying A Car
- Driver's License - This one is pretty basic, but if you plan on test driving your vehicle before finalizing the purchase, you'll need to bring your valid Driver's License. While you should have this document with you at all times anyway, it's especially important to remember it when making a vehicle purchase.
- Proof of Insurance - This is another basic one. If you plan on purchasing a vehicle, you'll need to make sure you have insurance prior to the purchase. We highly recommend contacting your Insurance Agent in advance to see what is required to add a new vehicle.
- Proof of Address - In order to purchase a vehicle, you'll need to provide residency in the state you reside. A valid Driver's License is usually sufficient, but other forms may be required. Other acceptable forms of proof could be things like pay stubs, utility bills, voter registration card, bank documents, etc.
If You Have a Trade
Dealerships are always looking to add quality pre-owned vehicles to their inventory, and are often willing to pay top dollar for them! If you are planning on trading in your vehicle in order to purchase a new one, be sure to grab the following items before heading out:
- Valid Registration - In order to trade in a vehicle, it must have valid registration
- Title (if applicable) - If you hold the title to your vehicle, the dealership will require this documentation when trading it in.
- Loan Account Information (if applicable) - If your vehicle is still financed, you'll need to have your loan account number or information with you in order to get your payoff amount. The dealership will need this information in order to finalize the trade-in of your vehicle.
- Owner's Manual - Holding onto this document is a tremendous help to the dealership staff and future owners.
- Spare Keys - Save yourself an extra trip back to the dealership, and be sure to bring both keys when you test drive!
- Service Records - Like the Owner's Manual, this information is a great help to the future owners and dealership staff.
If you are planning on financing the vehicle you are purchasing, you may want to consider preparing for payment prior to making the trek into the dealership. Completing this step could literally save your hours, in person, at the dealership.
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we are pleased to work with more than 20 different lenders to help our customers secure financing, and would be happy to assist you, too! Once you've picked out a vehicle from our online inventory, simply fill out a finance application here and one of our friendly staff members will reach out once your application is received.
Finding the perfect vehicle can be a daunting task, but the rest of the process doesn't need to be. Many people are anxious about coming into the dealership to purchase a car. Our goal here at our dealership is to make your experience as pleasant and hassle-free as possible.
By gathering the aforementioned items and information, you'll be well on your way to getting behind the wheel of your next ride. And when you're ready to make your next purchase, be sure to come see us at our dealership here in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
