Buying A New Car

The following is BBB general information and is not intended as a report on any specific company.

Planning beforehand when buying a new car can assist in making sure you're satisfied with your purchase. Before launching your search, spend some time considering:

  • how you will use the vehicle: for work, recreation, family errands, etc.
  • how long you plan to keep it
  • the size, style, features, and appearance you need or prefer
  • budget or financing options for the purchase, as well as for operation, insurance, maintenance, and repair costs

Spend some time researching vehicles in which you are interested. Ask friends about their experiences and satisfaction with their older cars: would they buy the car again? Also, check magazines such as Consumer Reports, and auto and consumer books such as Edmund's, for information on features, options, repair problems, gas consumption, resale values, etc., of various models. Comparing prices of similar makes and models can give you an idea of which seller offers the best deals.

After you determine what type of car meets your needs, gather facts and information about this specific type. Make a simple budget that indicates your current assets (savings for down payment, trade-in value of your current car) and your liabilities (monthly bills, outstanding debts, projected insurance rate changes). When the budget is completed, you will have a good idea of what price range you can afford.

When you've completed a budget and considered the other options important to your purchase, spend some time shopping for a new car dealer. Remember:

  • Choose a dealer who is dependable, located fairly near you, and whose place of business is neat and clean.
  • Test drive the car and try to vary the road conditions.
  • Ask about options and manufacturers' warranties and get the offer in writing.
  • Warranties must be labeled either full or limited and must tell you what is covered, who covers it, and for how long.
  • Claims made by salespersons are considered warranties, but it is best to get these put in writing.
  • When it's time to pay for the car, consider paying as much money in cash as possible. The dealer may offer various loan options, but if needed, check to see if you can obtain a loan on your own at a better rate than the dealer.
  • The MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) sticker price taped to the car window is the amount the dealer is seeking, not necessarily the final price. Consider bargaining for a better deal, but always get the final figure in writing.

There are two basic types of transactions for ordering your new car: choose a car in the dealer's inventory, or order one from the factory. Buying from stock can often save you money.

If you don't mind spending a little more, and are willing to wait six to eight weeks for delivery, then have the dealer order a car for you. Remember:

  • Be sure to study the order carefully: the list should itemize all the features you are buying.
  • Don't sign the order form unless you are absolutely sure you want the car.
  • Don't sign any final papers until you have inspected the car.
  • Before taking possession of the car, look for body damage, loose or missing parts, and take the car for a test drive.

Before signing a contract:

  1. Take your time to read and understand the entire written agreement.
  2. Ask questions.
  3. Don't sign unless you are satisfied with the answers.
  4. Be sure that all blank spaces are filled in, that all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included, and that the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out. If you are required to make a deposit, ask whether it is refundable, and under what circumstances, and make sure the information is also included in the contract.
  5. Keep a record of all your paperwork for the vehicle including the warranty and loan papers.

For more information contact:

Better Business Bureau of Upstate NY
(800) 828-5000 *$5 Fee for Operator Assistance
www.upstateny.bbb.org

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
(800) 225-5368 Within Upstate NY
(518) 473-5595 Outside of NY
www.nydmv.state.ny.us

New York State Attorney General
(800) 771-7755
www.oag.state.ny.us

Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
PO Box 2700-ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0700
Inquiries and Complaints (518)474-8943
Licensing (518)474-0919
License and handle complaints against: new and used car dealers; inspection stations; auto repair; dismantlers; junk/salvage operators; auto body damage estimators; boat brokers

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
(800) 424-9393
www.nhtsa.dot.gov - Information in Vehicle Recalls for Safety Defects

This report is general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on any company, service or product.