Should I sign for a car the dealership doesn't have on the lot yet?

Question

I am going to make my first (new) car purchase soon, and I am very excited. I talked with the dealership yesterday (I am going in tomorrow afternoon) and they basically want me to come in and sign papers committing to a car (made 'exactly' to my specifications) that they don't have on the lot yet. I told the sales guy what I wanted in a car and he said that they can get exactly what I want but that they usually have the buyer sign for the car first.

If the car comes exactly, as I want it, that's great, but something doesn't sit right with me to sign for a car that I haven't driven and seen yet. What do you think???

I talked with the dealership and they said the "exact" car I want is down in Arizona (I am in N. Washington) and that it would cost between $1300-$1500 to ship it up to my location. What should I do about that? I really am more likely to look at other options with the car I want if it means I can get out of paying $1500. Is it pretty standard to charge like that for shipping on top of getting the car? What if I don't like it when it gets here-- would I still pay the $1500??

Answer 1

if this is a new car, there probably wont be any problems. since there are costs and time involved in a dealer picking up a car for you at another location; they may justly ask you to put a deposit on the vehicle. usually $500 is enough, as someone else mentioned, in texas you dont own the car unless you take possession of it, even with a signed contract. but dont expect a dealership to go through the paperwork and time to go get you a car with no financial commitment from you. but there is no need to sign a contract without actually seeing the car. stay with a reputable dealer when doing this type of transaction. and make sure the deposit is refundable if car is not in condition you expected to be. but if it is exactly what you ordered, it would be hard to change your mind. it wouldnt matter though, since if you dont take possession, you dont own it.

Answer 2

OK, I've been in the automotive retail business for 15 years, signing for a car before you see it touch it and feel it is NEVER a good idea! I assume that they are going to dealertrade the car. As a dealer I do this all the time, but I never have a customer "sign" for the car before they have had a chance to see it. I also go and personally pick up any dealer trades I have sold that way I know that the car im getting for my customer has everything they wanted and that the car is undamaged. For example, what if the "exact" car you have picked out has a BIG door ding on the passenger side? are you expected to "deal" with that or do you want them to repaint the passenger door of your "new" car? If your buying a car you are going to have it for several years and more than likely be making payments for the next few years. "Buy what you can see.......don't ever see what you can buy." and if its a GM feel free to e-mail me I can run a locate and tell you the location of all the "exact" cars in your area.

Answer 3

In some cases, especially when dealing with newer models that are in high demand, or models that have features that are in high demand (think Hybrid - especially with the high cost of gas) the dealer may require you to sign for the car so that you are committing to buy the car. As someone else mentioned, be sure that there is a clause stating that the car must be as ordered, get a copy of the order and have a hard deadline for the car to arrive.

Also note, as someone mentioned, that if the car is being ordered and it is something that they would have a hard time selling to someone else, they will again insist on a commitment to buy.

Answer 4

If this is a brand new car, then they should have a similar model for you to test drive, prior to signing anything. In the event you decide to move forward, you have a couple of options. 1. Sign for the car and hope it is what you expect, by the way you have 3 days to change your mind after signing. 2. and this is my reccomendation explain that you are more then happy to put a deposit down and fill out a sales order but are not going to sign the financing paperwork until you take delivery of the vehicle.

Answer 5

Most dealers will ask you to sigh an agreement committing you to buy the car. But also the dealer should have a statement if the car is not as ordered, you do not have to take the car. If that statement is not there and they won't put it in, don't sign. Tell them you will find someone else to order the car for you.

Answer 6

Absolutely not.
If you do you are a car salesmens wet dream. Go look at a bunch of other dealers and eventually, you will find the car you want. You can even use that to your advantage. Tell the dealer, you already found the car at another dealer exactly like you want it. Make dealers compete for your business. Make them do what you want. Dont do what they want! If they dont give you EXACTLY what you want....walk away. Sales are about taking charge. Salesmen are experts on taking charge. Once you let the salesman take charge, he can make you agree to anything.

Answer 7

The dealer will also ask you for a deposit, which you'll find very difficult to get back if the car is not satisfactory to you.

Tell the dealer that if he wants your business, to get the car and then you'll sign papers.

Don't let your excitement about getting this car get in the way of your good senses.

Answer 8

dont do it .. they can resell any car .. cars come many dif. ways .. dont do it .. than you are in a contract that is binding .. they may give you what you stated but not really what you wanted or meant ... ex: sun roof .. ok there is on but its not electric .. tented windows but the tent is only 55 percent - meaning ya might as well not have any on there at all .. things like that ..


DONT SIGN .. !!! there are several other places that will order what ya want without making you sign anything ..

I think they are taking the first time car buyer for a ride .. pun intended ...


good luck!!

Answer 9

I"m going to disagree. You can sign a sales order for a car that you have not seen yet, but not one for a specific VIN number. So, you can agree on a price for a Honda Accord EX coupe with certian options for a certain price. However, do not sign for a paritcular one until you see it.

Answer 10

You need to sign to show committment that you'll take the car befor they go get it or order it. Be happy they don't want a deposit. The car isn't your car until you drive it off the lot, so don't worry. You can always back out as long as you don't drive off the lot.