Tips for buying a new car at a car dealership

There are several ways to purchase a used car, and going to a car dealership is one of them. This option is good if you have no experience in choosing and purchasing a car yourself. In addition, by purchasing a used car from a dealership, the buyer increases the likelihood that the transaction will go smoothly. But this does not mean that you should neglect checking the car yourself. After all, salon is different from salon.

Read about the pitfalls when buying a car at a car dealership in our separate article. In this article we will tell you what nuances should be taken into account when checking a car from the showroom.

What to check when buying a car at a dealership

As with any inspection of a used car, pay attention to:

  • Appearance. Inspect the body for chips, rust and dents. The body should not “drive”. Uneven glare on the surface often indicates a vehicle's accident history.
  • The performance of moving parts - doors, trunk, hood, handles. Locks and mechanisms must be in good working order.
  • Matching serial numbers. Compare the numbers stamped on the body with those indicated in the PTS - there should be no differences.
  • Salon. Visible defects are hidden under the upholstery, and possible sources of unpleasant odors are hidden with pleasant air fresheners.
  • Odometer reading. The average annual mileage of a car is 5-10 thousand kilometers. Compare the year of manufacture and mileage - an obvious discrepancy should alert you. Avoid a car whose annual mileage exceeds several tens of thousands of kilometers - such people often worked in taxis in the past, which means the technical condition leaves much to be desired.
  • Trunk. The check is an assessment of the gaps between body parts - they should be the same, and the interior space should be free of rust.

If you take enough time to check your car at the dealership, you will save energy on further vehicle repairs.

Registration of a car purchased at a dealership

The Code of Administrative Offences, in Article 19, indicates that a person who has purchased a car must register it with the traffic police MREO within ten days. Otherwise, the car owner will face a fairly significant fine of up to 2 thousand rubles or even deprivation of rights if the violation was repeated.

State registration can be completed in any locality in the country. To do this, there is no need to go to your place of registration. The traffic police will independently submit all the necessary information to the inspection and tax departments in the region of residence of the car owner.

In general terms, the procedure for registering a new car looks simple.

  1. First of all, make an appointment at the MREO traffic police department in the region where the car owner plans to register his vehicle. They do this both through the government services portal and by telephone. If the date of the transaction is already known, it is better to sign up in the queue before purchasing the car.
  2. The second stage involves submitting an application. Its form is also downloaded on the State Services portal. Moreover, it can be filled out and submitted electronically, which eliminates the need to stand in queues.
  3. If a compulsory motor liability insurance agreement was not concluded at the time of purchasing the car, this must be done before going through the registration procedure.
  4. Pay the state fee. Details and amount are indicated on the inspection website.
  5. At the appointed time, they bring the car for inspection, taking with them the entire package of documents.
  6. Within an hour, the inspector must carry out an inspection, checking that the car is equipped with everything that is provided for by the traffic rules. The technical condition of the main components is also checked.
  7. After a positive decision is made, the motorist is issued a license plate.

The list of documents required for state registration is quite small and includes:

  • civil passport of the vehicle owner;
  • technical passport (PTS) of the new car;
  • the registration application itself, if it was not submitted online;
  • a receipt indicating that the state fee has already been paid.

Before submitting, check in advance that all documents are present.

Test drive a used car before purchasing


If after the inspection you still have a question about how to check a car at a car dealership, ask for a test drive - some provide such a service. Once behind the wheel of a car, you can instantly determine its advantages and disadvantages in operation. There should be no extraneous sounds heard in the engine, much less knocks and whistles. Pedals are subject to mandatory inspection - sticking is unacceptable, but they should also give in easily.

It’s easier to check a “horse” with mileage on the go - choose various sections of the road so that you can accelerate, make sharp braking, and drive over uneven roads. As a rule, such conditions make it possible to identify previously undetected defects.

For help in inspecting the machine, you can contact a specialist. However, not every car dealership will allow you to take your car to a service station for diagnostics. Therefore, you can invite a visiting specialist with you to the transaction. You can order on-site diagnostic services on the Autocode website. An auto expert will arrive on site at any time and give an adequate assessment of the car after a thorough inspection.

If you are a professional car seller, use the “Autocode Pro” unlimited car check service. “Autocode Pro” allows you to quickly check a large number of cars, add comments to reports, create your own lists of liquid vehicles, quickly compare options and store data about cars in an orderly form.

Checking the steering and transmission

  1. Checking the operation of the gearbox to ensure that the position of all gears is locked,
  2. Checking the hydraulic or electric power steering without turning on the ignition and with the engine running,
  3. Checking the operation of the hand brake.

If any of the above has deviations in performance or any inconsistencies, then there is no need to immediately attack the manager demanding compensation or, in general, replacement of the machine. You need to complete the entire inspection to the end, with marks on your checklist, and upon completion, look for a compromise option that would suit both parties.

If agreement is reached and the car dealership has compensated for the shortcomings, then you can sign the Transfer and Acceptance Certificate indicating the comments. The manager must return one copy of the act to the buyer.

That’s it, this is where the procedure for picking up a car from the dealership ends and you can drive your own car closer to home.

Website editors

Publications on the topics: how to get a car loan, which car to choose for credit, conditions for car loans in banks for new and used cars, how to repay a car loan ahead of schedule, CASCO and MTPL insurance for a loan car. The editors of the “Car on Credit” website help you understand the issues of obtaining, repaying and servicing a car loan

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Legal check of the car

Check the car in advance for restrictions, credit and other nuances in its history. You can also do this using the Autocode service. According to state number or VIN can be found here:

  • year of issue;
  • number of owners;
  • car mileage;
  • customs history;
  • participation of the vehicle in an accident and indication of the most damaged parts;
  • work of a car in a taxi.

Also from the report you will learn the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance, the history of fines and much more.

How to take a car from the showroom?

You must have already guessed that the process of receiving a car at a car dealership will take place in accordance with the plans drawn up above.

Let's take a closer look at some of the features:

1. First inspect the car and check all its functions, and only then sign the documents.

2. If you find defects in the car, you can optionally demand:

  • provide another car (you will most likely have to wait);
  • eliminate the deficiency on the spot (you will also have to wait);
  • give compensation in the form of some kind of gift (for example, winter tires).

As a last resort, you can simply refuse to fulfill the contract and demand a refund of the amount previously paid.

3. If the car has damage to the paintwork or small dents, then with a high degree of probability the manager will stand with his back to the exact location of the defect in order to block it from you. Pay attention to this.

4. Check all documents extremely carefully (so that all numbers match).

5. After all the documents are completed, put them in 2 folders: for traffic police officers and the rest. In the first folder, put the vehicle title, acceptance certificate and insurance. You will need them if traffic police officers stop you on the way from the car dealership to your home.

6. After you have left the territory of the car dealership, do not rush to immediately go to the road. First, stop (if this maneuver is prohibited, turn on the emergency stop signal) and double-check that you have all the necessary documents. After this, adjust the car interior to your own dimensions (adjust the seat, mirrors, steering column).

In addition, in the process of communicating with the manager, you most likely will not remember the purpose of all the buttons and levers in the car. Therefore, while stopping, try to remember at least those that will be useful to you directly during the movement.

After doing all of the above, you can go with peace of mind, first to the gas station, and then towards home.

Although the car buying process can now be considered complete, several more articles will be published in the “How to Buy a Car Smartly” series. And the first of them will talk about a meeting with the traffic police on the way home.

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Signing the purchase and sale agreement

Before purchasing and signing the contract, read all clauses and footnotes, even if this opportunity was previously provided, since the manager may have two versions of the contract - one for review, the other with amendments for signing. Changes, as a rule, are of a disadvantageous nature for the buyer - this may include a refusal of warranty service or previously unspecified breakdowns. What scheme is often used by “gray” salons, the risk of encountering them is not excluded.

The law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” allows you to protect the rights of the buyer, according to which the victim has the right to return the car to the dealership within 15 calendar days after the transaction, but the reason for the return must be justified. Returning a car is possible if this clause is specified in the purchase and sale agreement. It should also be taken into account that the warranty does not cover all types of breakdowns, the list of which is also indicated in the contract.

Also read: Buying a used car at a car dealership: pitfalls

Why is it important to accept a car correctly?

Formally, at a car dealership you are purchasing a completely new property, which up to this point has not been used by anyone at all and therefore should not have any damage at all. In practice, this is not always the case. Cars are delivered from the manufacturer to the showroom, sometimes they are driven across the border using special equipment, sometimes they are driven under their own power.

In all cases there is a risk of damage or other malfunctions. How to accept a new car from the showroom?

A very important rule for the new owner: all defects that were not indicated when accepting the car will later be recognized as having been acquired during operation. If you do not notice a dent or scratch on the body, it will be impossible to prove later that it was caused by careless transportation. As a result, repairs under warranty do not cover such problems, and you will have to repair a brand new car at your own expense.

Don't forget about the possibility of a manufacturing defect. Poor quality assembly is not that common, but you can purchase a car with obvious defects that will need to be corrected. If you notice them in the showroom, it will be much easier to get repairs under warranty.

Basic requirements - how to properly accept a new car from the showroom:

  1. The first step is to check the overall completeness. It is important to check the numbers indicated in the documents with those on the car itself; in addition, all installed additional equipment is checked, the presence of a set of keys, a spare wheel, etc. The car must be completely assembled, and further prove the absence of any then the component at the time of acceptance is impossible.
  2. External inspection of the car. The integrity of the coating on the body, glass, headlights, moldings and other external elements is checked. Do not hesitate to inspect the vehicle from all sides: you paid a lot of money for it and have every right to review your purchase.
  3. Checking all closing elements and the reliability of the locks. The doors should close easily the first time, the hood and trunk locks should be checked, and the gas tank flap and neck should also be checked.
  4. Checking electrical equipment. This is not only an alarm system, power windows, etc., but also a complete check of all headlights: low beam, high beam, fog lights and other elements of the car’s electrical system.
  5. Checking the interior: this includes the integrity of the upholstery, the location of the steering wheel, and the ability to adjust the seats. Make sure that the interior of the car corresponds to the parameters stated at the time of sale. The interior largely determines the attitude towards both the car and the owner, so this is a very important inspection point.

It is also necessary to check the performance of the transmission, brakes, and listen to the noise of the engine. As a result, an experienced driver will be able to notice all the shortcomings and deviations that are present in this car. Knowing how to properly accept a car at a dealership, you can avoid a bad deal and subsequent problems.

If any defects are identified, you need to demand either a replacement of the machine, or payment for repairs under warranty, or a significant discount. Naturally, these are unnecessary losses for the salon, so the salon employees will try to convince you to give up your claims or will try to simply refuse to satisfy your claims. As a last resort, if an agreement cannot be reached, the matter can be resolved in court.

Tricks and tricks of car dealership employees

Knowing how to accept a car when buying it from the showroom, you will be able to determine the presence of obvious defects. However, very often they try to hide such shortcomings, hoping for the inexperience and inattention of the buyer. What should you pay attention to and how should you take the car into the showroom?

  • If the car has a small external defect, the manager will do his best to distract your attention: “accidentally” cover the damaged part of the body with his back, describe in detail the advantages of the interior, etc. Your task is not to give in to persuasion, but to calmly and carefully inspect the car from all angles sides

It is especially difficult in this regard for female customers: managers know very well that it is easier to distract them with beautiful words and external shine, so there is a high risk of not noticing even a serious flaw. It is better to go for an inspection in the company of a friend who will not be easily distracted and who is well versed in cars.

  • The salon must provide an opportunity for a test drive. Even if you can’t drive, you need to at least start the engine, check the performance of the transmission, all installed equipment from windshield wipers to air conditioning. If you are refused before the time of purchase, this clearly indicates that there is something wrong with the car.
  • How to accept a car from a dealership and not become a victim of unscrupulous sellers? It is important not to chase big discounts and too tempting offers; they will try to sell damaged vehicles cheaper, and then they may refuse the warranty, citing any circumstances. A low price may be a sign of a serious defect, and it is better to look for another option.
  • Acceptance of the car ends with the signing of an act in which the client indicates that he is satisfied with the technical condition of the car and has no complaints. From this moment on, the salon does not bear responsibility for the car; the client will have to resolve all issues on his own. It should be remembered that there will be very little fuel in the tank, so the first point on the route of the new car will be the nearest gas station.

Good afternoon, dear reader.

In the next article in the series “How to buy a car wisely” we will talk about how to pick up a car from the showroom .

When preparing to buy a car, future car owners are mainly interested in this particular stage of buying a car - one of the last, and do not pay much attention to all the preparatory stages discussed in the ten previous articles in the series.

Why is it important to consider the vehicle tax rate when purchasing?

Before purchasing a new car, you must calculate the amount of transport tax in your region of residence (at the place of official registration). Let us remind you that transport tax in Russia is paid by all vehicle owners. The tax is calculated at a certain rate depending on the engine power of the car. Each region has its own tax rate.

For example, in Moscow, owners of passenger cars with a capacity of up to 100 hp. With. pay annually 12 rubles per 1 liter. With. Those who own cars with power from 100 to 125 hp. pp., pay 25 rubles per 1 liter. s., over 125 l. With. up to 150 l. With. charged 35 rubles per 1 liter. With. etc. The highest rates apply to cars with a power of more than 200 hp. With. Also, do not forget that in Russia there are increasing transport tax coefficients on cars costing more than 3 million rubles (the so-called luxury tax). Read more about this here.

The main mistakes when buying a new car

Very often, buyers do not want to spend time studying offers at several car dealerships. But this is one of the main mistakes

, which is allowed by future car owners. The difference lies, firstly, in the prices for the goods and services offered. And secondly, different car dealerships have different ranges and quality of cars offered. However, more expensive does not mean better.

Second mistake

, which buyers allow is ordering a car. Often people become victims of their own inexperience. The fact is that a car brought to order may turn out to be defective, which most often happens. Also, such a car may arrive in poor condition due to careless transportation. But most importantly, it may turn out to be completely faulty. But a car can only be ordered with 100% prepayment.

Many buyers, having chosen a car, buy it, believing the words of the consultant. This is a common mistake.

Buyers do not consider it necessary to test drive the car they are buying, briefly examining it inside and out. The listed functions and technical characteristics of the car may be nothing more than advertising. In fact, the buyer risks overpaying for non-existent options.

Next common mistake

– omission of documents or incorrect execution. It would seem like a small thing. But such a small thing can lead to serious consequences. Buyers do not bother checking warranty cards, car documents, licenses and certificates. Meanwhile, it is important to know the delivery history of the car, because it does not always reach the car dealership first hand. Such an oversight can lead to problems with servicing and operation of the vehicle.

2) Be cool and logical when buying a car

This is very difficult for many car enthusiasts to do, but it is extremely necessary. Many vehicles can influence your choice on an emotional level. Very often people choose a car not by logic and cold calculation, but make a decision on an emotional wave.

You must do what is reasonable and not what your dreams desire. Don’t give in to the short euphoria that tells you that this is the car you need. It is quite possible that after a few days you will cool down and decide to buy another car.

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