Your Questions Answered.
If you’re in the market for a used car and are considering a Buy Here Pay Here dealership for the first time, you probably have a few questions. But you can’t get the right answers without asking the right questions! Below, check out the top five inquiries you can bring to with you to ensure your experience is the best it can be.
1. What do I need to bring with me when I visit your car lot?
If you want to know the secret that will dramatically shorten your car-buying experience, listen up! Bringing the correct documents with you will make sure you and your new-to you vehicle are on the road in no time at all! It is a good idea to call ahead and ask your Buy Here Pay Here Dealership which documents they require, but here we will list what we expect at Auto Masters:
– Your driver’s license
– Proof of your Auto Insurance
– Your bank and credit card account information (for your credit application)
– References (complete with their contact information)
– Your Social Security Number
– Proof of Employment and Salary (recent paycheck stubs)
– Proof of Residence (mortgage document or lease agreement)
– Current Phone Bill (or other utility bill such as electric, gas, or water)
– Your Down Payment
Again, your best bet is to contact your dealership directly, as they will help you organize anything else you may need to bring. This list is a good starting point though!
2. How will I make car payments?
With a traditional lender, you would pay for your vehicle on a monthly basis. However, at a BHPH dealership, you will most likely be making weekly or bi-weekly payments. Some dealerships will require you to bring physical cash to their location, while others will accept payments through an online portal. Some dealers require automatic withdrawal through your checking or savings account, while others will allow you to pay through a money order. When you visit your BHPH dealership, explore multiple options to ensure you find the best one for you and your financial situation. At Auto Masters, we are always willing to work with our customers to make sure each and every one feels comfortable with the payment method they choose.
3. What happens if I’m late on a payment?
Life happens! When deciding on a Buy Here Pay Here dealer, it is critical that you know how their late payment policy works. Do they repossess cars the day after a missed payment? Will they give you proper warning before they collect your car from you? More than likely, you should expect your BHPH dealer to be gracious and allow for a grace period, however it is a great question to ask just in case. As a follow-up question, consider asking whether or not the dealership reports payment information to credit reporting agencies. At Auto Masters, we do! That’s because if a customer demonstrates a good payment record, it can work wonders in rebuilding his or her credit history.
4. Do you accept trade-in vehicles as a form of payment?
Buy Here Pay Here dealerships are always looking to expand their inventory, so some will accept trade-in vehicles so as to lessen your monthly payments. If you currently own a car that does not fit your needs or budget, you could be in luck! At Auto Masters, we are definitely willing to consider a trade-in purchase!
5. Do you provide quality used vehicles?
Just because your credit score is low does not mean you deserve a low-quality vehicle. In fact, a good BHPH dealer will want to provide you with a reliable car to give you an incentive to keep paying it off on time. Providing a reliable vehicle is in the best interest of both the customer and the dealership itself! Ask if they recommend a technician, or if they do onsite repairs themselves!
Even if it’s not your first trip to a Buy Here Pay Here dealership, these questions will get the conversation with your dealer moving in a positive direction. Be confident! You deserve undivided attention, and nothing less than stellar customer service! Ask all the questions you can think of, as there is no such thing as a dumb one when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. You want to feel good about your decision for years to come.
