Car Buying Checklists

Print these checklists and take them with you to the dealership. Stay organized and don't miss anything important.

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Before You Visit the Dealership

Complete these steps at home before visiting any dealer.

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Research the vehicle you want

Know the exact year, make, model, and trim. Research common problems and owner reviews.

Check fair market value

Use Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and TrueCar to determine a fair price range.

Run a VIN check (Used Cars)

Get a vehicle history report to uncover hidden problems, salvage titles, liens, and odometer issues. Get a VINsmart report →

Get pre-approved for financing

Visit your bank or credit union. Know your rate before negotiating with dealers.

Check your credit score

Know your score so you can verify you're getting a fair interest rate.

Know your trade-in's value

Get quotes from CarMax, Carvana, and check KBB trade-in values.

Set your maximum budget

Determine the most you're willing to pay (total, not monthly). Stick to it.

Email multiple dealers for quotes

Contact 3-5 dealers with the same request. Compare out-the-door prices.

Check for manufacturer incentives

Look for rebates, special financing, or loyalty offers on the manufacturer's website.

Read dealer reviews

Check Google, Yelp, and DealerRater for red flags about specific dealerships.

Gather required documents

Driver's license, proof of insurance, pre-approval letter, trade-in title (if applicable).

Review common dealer tactics

Read our guide so you know what to expect and how to respond.

Eat before you go

Don't negotiate on an empty stomach. Hunger clouds judgment.

At the Dealership

Use this during your dealership visit to stay on track.

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Set a time limit

Tell them you have 2 hours max. This prevents the "waiting game" tactic.

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly

Check paint, tires, interior, lights. Look for damage or previous repairs.

Take a proper test drive

At least 20 minutes. Highway and city driving. Test all features.

Write down the VIN and stock number

Reference these in all communications. Prevents bait-and-switch.

Don't reveal your monthly payment budget

Focus only on total out-the-door price.

Don't discuss trade-in until price is set

Keep negotiations separate. Settle on new car price first.

Refuse the four-square worksheet

Ask for simple, itemized pricing instead.

Request itemized out-the-door price in writing

Get vehicle price, tax, doc fee, registration all broken out.

Compare to your pre-researched price

Is their offer fair? Check your notes.

Negotiate if price is too high

Use other quotes as leverage. Be prepared to walk away.

Get salesperson's name and direct number

For follow-up if you leave to think it over.

Don't sign anything you haven't read

Even "preliminary" paperwork. Take your time.

Ask for time if pressured

"I need to think about this overnight" is always okay.

Be ready to walk away

If the deal doesn't feel right, leave. They may call with a better offer.

Before Signing the Contract

Final review before you commit. Don't rush this step!

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Warning: "Mistakes" in paperwork are common and always favor the dealer. Verify every number before signing.

Verify the vehicle price matches your agreement

Check it against the written quote you received.

Verify the VIN matches the car you test drove

Compare to the VIN you wrote down.

Check the interest rate

Is it what you were quoted? Compare to your pre-approval.

Verify the loan term

Make sure it's the length you agreed to (48, 60, 72 months).

Check for unwanted add-ons

Look for warranties, protection packages, or services you didn't request.

Verify the trade-in value (if applicable)

Match it to your agreed amount.

Check the down payment amount

Is it what you agreed to put down?

Review all fees line by line

Question anything that wasn't in your original quote.

Calculate the math yourself

Does monthly payment × months = total? Use a calculator.

Confirm financing is fully approved (not conditional)

Beware "subject to financing" language that enables yo-yo scams.

Get copies of ALL documents you sign

Keep them in a safe place. You're entitled to copies.

Don't be rushed through the F&I office

This is where most add-ons get slipped in. Take your time.

Quick Reference: Numbers to Have Ready

Your Research

Fair market value: $__________
Invoice price (if known): $__________
Your max budget: $__________
Pre-approved rate: ____%

Trade-In (if applicable)

KBB trade-in value: $__________
CarMax offer: $__________
Carvana offer: $__________
Payoff amount (if owed): $__________

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