Your Guide to Conquering Dealership Buyer’s Orders

You’re embarking on an exciting journey – buying a new car. At Brightview, we want to empower you with the knowledge to navigate dealership paperwork and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

Demystifying the Buyer’s Order:

This document is your roadmap to understanding the final price of your car. Let’s break it down:

• Vehicle Spotlight: This section details the car’s make, model, year, VIN number, mileage, and any pre-installed options. Double-check everything matches what you agreed upon.

• Sale Price: This is the negotiated price of the car itself. Make sure it reflects your final deal.

• Dealer Add-Ons: This is where things can get interesting. Here, dealerships may list additional products or services like paint protection, extended warranties, or anti-theft systems. These can be valuable, but be mindful of their cost and how they impact the overall price. Don’t feel pressured to add anything you don’t want or need.

• Tax Time: This section outlines sales tax, registration fees, and any documentation fees. Familiarize yourself with your state’s tax rates beforehand to avoid surprises.

• Trade-In Territory (if applicable): This is the value the dealer assigns to your used car if you’re trading it in. Do your research! Knowing the fair market value of your car will help you negotiate a better trade-in price.

• Down Payment Details: This is the upfront cash you’re putting towards the car. Make sure this amount aligns with your budget and initial agreement.

• Financing Focus (may be separate document): This section details the loan terms you’ve agreed upon, including interest rate, monthly payment, and loan term length.

Unveiling Dealer Strategies:

While most dealerships are honest, it’s always wise to be aware of potential tactics:

• Hidden Fee Hunters: Dealerships may include unfamiliar charges like “processing fees” or “destination fees.” Don’t be shy! Politely ask for a clear explanation of any unfamiliar fees before signing anything.

• Monthly Payment Maze: Dealers might emphasize a low monthly payment, but this often comes with a longer loan term, meaning you’ll pay more interest overall. Negotiate the total car price first, then discuss financing options. This ensures you’re getting the best deal on both.

• Outside Financing Fabrications:  Dealerships can’t penalize you for using outside financing like your pre-approved Brightview loan. They can only offer incentives to use their financing.

Brightview’s Transparency Toolbox:

• Breakdown Bonanza: Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees and taxes included in the final price. This ensures everything is accounted for and you understand where your money is going.

• Financing Face-Off: It’s always wise to compare the dealership’s financing rate with your pre-approved Brightview rate. This helps you choose the most favorable terms and potentially save money on interest.

• Review, Reflect, Refine: Take a copy of the buyer’s order and review it carefully before finalizing the purchase. This allows you to catch any errors and ask questions for clarification. Don’t feel rushed – take your time!

• To Credit or not to Credit? Avoid giving the dealership your social security information. They will use it to run your credit, and it is best to not have your credit ran at multiple places. 

Brightview Benefits for You:

• Pre-Approval Power: Brightview can provide you with a pre-approval letter. This shows dealerships you’re a qualified buyer without unnecessary credit inquiries on your report. It also strengthens your negotiating position. 

• Fair Priced Ancillaries: Some common and attractive add-ons to a car loan are things like GAP insurance and MBP Warranty. The GAP insurance can help you pay off the loan if your car is totaled out by covering a portion, or all, of the remaining costs for you. The MBP can paid up to thousands in repairs to avoid you having to coming out of pocket. Brightview Credit Union offers the same ancillaries as dealerships — often at half the cost. 

The Takeaway:

By understanding the buyer’s order, asking questions for clarity, and being aware of different financing options, you’ll be well-equipped to negotiate a fair and transparent car purchase. Remember, you’re in control – if something feels unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or walk away from a deal that doesn’t feel right. Happy car shopping, Brightview members! We’re here to support you every step of the way.