Buying New
Before visiting, confirm the exact car and ask the dealership to send its full purchase price in writing. Then compare any loan offer, inspect the car, and check the final documents before signing.
Last reviewed: September 22, 2026. How we review this guidance. Rules and fees can vary by state, lender, dealer, and vehicle.
Anchor the quote to one vehicle
Ask the seller to confirm the exact VIN, stock number, equipment, and availability in writing. Match that vehicle to its window sticker: MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested price, not a promised transaction price. List dealer-installed products or adjustments separately.
For each advertised offer, verify eligibility and expiration together with any required financing, down payment, or other conditions. The FTC recommends checking the offer's qualifications and getting the out-the-door price in writing before visiting. Read the FTC's dealer-ad guidance.
Written price
Request a written itemized out-the-door quote showing the vehicle price, taxes, fees, and each add-on.
Written loan terms
If financing, compare the dealer’s APR, amount borrowed, loan length, finance charge, and total payments with an outside offer.
Delivery check
Inspect and test drive the exact vehicle before accepting it, then match its VIN and equipment to the documents.
New-car buying checklist
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Prepare Your Numbers
Set your requirements and financing benchmark before contacting sellers.
Delivery and first-month record
Leave with the complete documents and a dated list of what still needs to happen. Use a separate row in your notes for each promise or deadline.
- For a financed purchase, identify the creditor and any remaining financing or delivery condition before taking the vehicle. Check for unresolved blanks and obtain the signed documents.
- Confirm insurance for the exact VIN is effective before possession. Keep the written coverage confirmation, delivery condition photos, keys, and promised-equipment list.
- If you traded a financed car, check with the old lender about a week later that the payoff arrived. Verify your first payment, title/registration, promised work, and any product refund separately.
This is your own planning record, not a message to send as-is. Notes stay in this open page only. Copy, download, or print before leaving. Record document names or reference numbers; keep account numbers, credit reports, and identity documents in your own secure files.
Fill in this record
Vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, date/time, seller, signed document list, condition photos, keys, accessories, and missing items.
Lender, verified contact, confirmed loan terms, any pending approval or delivery condition, and confirmation date. Write cash purchase if no loan.
Insurer, coverage effective date/time, proof received, and lender/lessor requirements confirmed.
Any written vehicle return policy, exact deadline/mileage, required notice method, fees, warranty, dealer used-car Buyers Guide if applicable, and product terms.
Old lender, expected payoff date, actual confirmation, remaining balance, and unresolved action. Write not applicable if none.
Verified company collecting payment, amount, due date, payment method, and confirmation that any automatic payment is active. Write not applicable for a cash purchase.
Responsible party, agency/forms, receipts, expected completion, temporary permit expiry, and follow-up date.
Each item, written commitment or cancellation request, deadline, responsible person, refund recipient, and completion/account-credit evidence.
Sources & Further Reading
- FTC: Car Dealer Ads and Promotions
- CFPB: What Factors into the Price of a Vehicle?
- CFPB: Truth in Lending Disclosure for an Auto Loan
These sources explain general rules. Check current requirements in your state and the terms in your own paperwork.
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Car-deal rules and fees depend on your state. Check your state motor-vehicle or consumer-protection agency and your written agreement.