What to Bring to the Dealership when Buying a Car
When you buy or lease a car here at Wyatt Johnson Toyota, we work hard to make your experience as efficient and stress-free as possible. In order to have a successful visit and drive home in a car you love, we need you to bring in the proper documentation. This allows the experts in our finance department to complete the legal paperwork and officially sign the car over to you. Keep reading to learn what to bring to a car dealership when buying or leasing a car and what’s needed if you’re trading in.
What Documents Do You Need to Buy a Car?
1. Your Driver’s License
Your license confirms your identity, but it also shows us that you can legally drive the car you’re acquiring.
2. Proof of Insurance
Car insurance is required by law in Tennessee (unless you fulfill the requirements that allow you to legally go without insurance — this involves a hefty payout and isn’t a common situation). We’ll need to see proof that you’re covered by insurance in order to sell you a vehicle.
3. Proof of Income
Please bring paystubs from your current job or any other proof of employment or income. These documents show that you’ll be able to make the payments on your vehicle if you finance it.
4. Proof of Residency
A utility bill or bank statement can work as proof of residency — it simply needs to have your name and address on it.
5. College or Military Documentation (If Applicable)
If you’re eligible for a college or military rebate, you’ll need to bring the proper documentation to prove your status. Visit our pages on the Toyota College Rebate or Military Rebate to learn more.
6. Payment Method
You’ll need a way to pay for the vehicle, whether you’re making a down payment or you’re paying in full. This can be a credit or debit card, a check, or a money order.
7. Loan Information (If Applicable)
If you have a loan from a third party (in other words, you’re not financing your vehicle through our dealership), you’ll need to bring loan documentation with you to our finance department.
8. Credit Score
Though not technically required, it’s helpful for you to be aware of your credit score before you visit us. If you finance your vehicle at our dealership, our finance team will run a check on your score to ensure your creditworthiness. However, having this information in mind while shopping will help inform your decision.
What Do You Need to Lease a Car?
The documents needed to lease a car are the same as those required for buying, except for the loan information. It’s helpful to have your credit score in mind for leasing as well.
What Do I Need to Trade in My Car?
If you’re trading in your current car for a new one, bring all of the documents listed above along with the following items.
1. Vehicle Title
The title proves that you’re the owner of the car and have the legal right to trade it to our dealership.
2. Vehicle Registration
We’ll need proof of the vehicle’s registration in order to transfer it out of your name, even if the registration has expired.
3. Keys
Don’t forget to bring in all copies of the car keys when you trade in.
4. Service Records
Finally, if you have access to the car’s service records, please bring them with you. Not sure where to find service information? Search your car’s VIN on CARFAX to see what service records are listed for your vehicle.
Visit Wyatt Johnson Toyota Today
If you have any questions about what to bring when buying a car, contact us online or give us a call! We’re here to answer your questions and make sure you’re fully prepared to buy or lease a car. Before you stop by, browse our new inventory to see what we have in stock, and get a head start on the financing process by filling out our secure online credit application.
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