I am in the market for a new vehicle. We found what we want at a nearby dealership, but it is still in transit.

We have negotiated the price of the vehicle and the value of our trade. The dealership would like me to come sign all of the paperwork and complete financing to finalize the deal.

I’m not comfortable with this since I haven’t laid eyes on the actual vehicle. It’s my understanding that once both parties sign, it’s my car.

They claim that, even if everyone signs, the contract is only valid if so take possession of the vehicle.

I’m willing to pay a deposit, but signing all paperwork is a different question. I know the car market has changed in the last few years.

Has anyone experienced this situation? Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

*Update 1/20:

Thank you all for the replies. They were very helpful.

They ended up asking me to sign a purchase agreement. I did not sign it.

I did put a deposit down, but got in writing that it was refundable. I also put it on my credit card, so that if they try to keep it, I can dispute it.

I actually got a fantastic deal my trade and the vehicle, so I didn't mind putting a deposit down.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Brett257,

No effing way.

Make a deposit and that would be as far as I would go. Thats what I did on my last one.

IANAL but signing all the paper work would seem to make it a binding sort of deal.

Car dealers have a well-earned reputation for taking liberties with the truth.

quote:

Originally posted by John Steed:
Car dealers have a well-earned reputation for taking liberties with the truth.

Truer words were never spoken.

I recently purchased a car in Atlanta negotiated solely by text and emails. Once my credit was established, they held the car for me until I could make the drive from Alabama for an entire week. I paid zero for a deposit, the vehicle was immaculate, the terms didn’t change, and it was 3k less than I could find at 4 other dealerships.

No way would I sign in your situation. If they can’t hold it for you, find a better dealer.

Go to car edge on the internet. The entire website is about negotiating and purchasing a car. Also all the tricks dealers use. The man on the site has 42 years experience in the retail automobile business. Content is free. They will also coach you personally in the process.

Trust me I'm honest said the car salesman with the horseshoe pinky ring.

I'd think deposit only because what if it comes in damaged off the truck?

quote:

Originally posted by blueye:
Trust me I'm honest said the car salesman with the horseshoe pinky ring.

Down payment only, Don't do financing until you see car.

What if it shows up damaged?

Dealer: We will fix it.
You: I didn't pay top dollar for a fixed car I bought a new car.
Dealer: Too bad.

quote:

Originally posted by Brett257:

They claim that, even if everyone signs, the contract is only valid if so take possession of the vehicle.

Well technically this is correct. But it’s funny how they’re the ones saying this. I bet if you used the same argument to walk away from a sale they’d be up in arms over it.

I would sign a purchase agreement with all the terms we agreed upon but ONLY if they signed it and also gave me a signed copy.

The contract can't be dated and signed until you take delivery of the vehicle. Pretty sure that's illegal. The date of the contract determines the date that it would need to be fully insured by you and titled and registered in your name.. None of that can take place until they actually receive it and you're ready to drive it off their lot.

He is not lying about it not being an actual sale until you take delivery of it. This is also the reason that there is no reason to do it.

I ordered a Ford F150 from my local dealer in Mar of 2022. I didn't put anything down and had no obligation to actually purchase the truck when it came in. We did make a deal on the price (Ford X plan plus various rebates and financing). The truck came in in June and the sticker price had gone up about a $1000. The dealer honored the pricing we had established in Mar and actually added another rebate that was in effect for when it actually came in. I drove the truck and decided to buy it, and was very pleased with the deal, relative to what most vehicles were going for at that time.

This past Sep I ordered my mustang from the same dealer, without even going in to the dealership or signing any paperwork. Just agreed on the equipment and again using the X plan. No money down, no obligation to purchase the car. Car came in right before Christmas so I went to drive it, decided to buy it and finalized the deal, exactly as we had agreed to via email in Sep. More details (and pics) on the car and why I ordered it in the Lair thread about old Mustangs and the Gallery thread on fun vehicles if anybody is interested.

There is no way I would sign any ownership paperwork without actually seeing and driving the car first.

I hope yours come in how you want it and get a good deal too.

I had a Chevy diesel crew cab built with how I wanted it. The dealer (Reedman in Pa) with whom I had purchased vehicles before told me it would take 3 months to build/ship. They only asked for a $100 deposit. When it arrived, the salesman said there was a change in price. $3K less due to rebates.

No way I would do this.

How far out is it in transit?

They should be willing just to take a refundable deposit

Another factor, it could potentially start the clock on the warranty, vs it starting when you take delivery.
May only be a small time difference, but could matter down the road.

That is what happened with me, recently.

Told them, no in-person evaluation = no signature

They are just trying to get you on contract for the sale so you feel committed and won't go shop for one like it elsewhere while you wait.

Plus it might qualify the salesperson for some kind of spiff, bonus and the dealership for some factory money if the agreement is dated by a specific date.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Plus it might qualify the salesperson for some kind of spiff, bonus and the dealership for some factory money if the agreement is dated by a specific date.

This too, if it's not slated to arrive until Feb, they may be wanting to pad their Jan numbers.
Though, with Feb being a short month, you'd think the extra sales in Feb would help.

We (GM) are not allowed to report a sale until it has arrived, they know when that's happened