Many customers walk into dealerships unprepared. They might not bring the right paperwork, forget their insurance information, or have only a vague idea of what they want to buy. That can turn what should be a smooth process into a long, drawn-out day.
Buying a car is a life milestone. For many of our customers, it marks the start of a new job, the expansion of a family, or the reward for years of hard work. And because a car is a major investment, the buying experience should be exciting, not stressful. We believe preparation is the key to making the most of your time and your money.
In our last two used car blog posts, we covered how to know you’re getting a good used car and how to know you’re getting a fair price on a used car. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your dealership visit to make it as smooth as possible. Whether you’re shopping for a new vehicle, browsing used cars, or doing in-house financing because of credit challenges, you’ll leave this post with practical, step-by-step guidance.
The Power of Preparation
Why it Matters for You
Preparation saves time, money, and stress. When you come prepared:
- You get to focus on the fun part. Instead of spending hours gathering paperwork, you’ll spend more time test driving vehicles and comparing features.
- You’ll have negotiating power. Knowing your budget and having your financing information in order means you’re better positioned to evaluate offers.
- You’ll avoid surprises. The last thing you want is to find the perfect vehicle only to discover financing can’t move forward because you forgot your proof of income.
Why it Matters for the Dealership
From our side, preparation allows us to serve you better. When we know what you’re looking for and have your documents in hand, we can:
- Get started on financing options immediately.
- Appraise your trade-in on the spot.
- Make sure your preferred car is washed, parked, and ready for you to test drive.
We want to eliminate unnecessary waiting so you can make informed decisions at your own pace.
Documents Needed to Purchase a Car
The most common delay in car buying happens when customers don’t bring the right paperwork. Below is a checklist of documents you should always bring when you’re ready to buy:
1. Driver’s License
A valid driver’s license is required for test drives and finalizing the purchase. Make sure it’s not expired.
2. Proof of Residence
Lenders and financing programs require confirmation of your address. Acceptable documents include:
- A recent utility bill
- A lease agreement or mortgage statement
- A bank or credit card statement with your current address
3. Proof of Income
For financing approval, lenders want to verify your income. This is especially important for customers with limited or challenged credit. Bring:
- 1-2 recent paycheck stubs, OR
- At least three months of bank statements (this shows consistent deposits)
4. Proof of Insurance
You must show proof of valid insurance before you can drive your new vehicle off the lot. If you already have insurance on your current car, bring your active insurance card. Once you’ve chosen your new vehicle, you can call your provider to update your policy.
5. Trade-In Documents
If you’re trading in a vehicle, you’ll need:
- The title (if it’s fully paid off)
- Loan payoff information if it’s still financed
- All key fobs
Pro Tip: Keep all your important car-buying documents in a single folder before visiting the dealership. It prevents last-minute scrambling and makes financing much faster.
Preparing Your Trade-In
If you plan to trade in your current vehicle, it’s worth spending an hour or two making sure it’s ready. Why? Because a clean, well-presented vehicle often gets a higher appraisal value.
Here are some quick steps:
- Clean it inside and out. A freshly washed car shows you’ve taken care of it.
- Fix inexpensive issues. Replacing a burnt-out headlight or topping off fluids can help.
- Remove personal belongings. This makes appraisal easier and faster.
For a deep dive, check out our dedicated guide on how to get the best trade-in value for your car.
Pro Tip: Bring both sets of keys for your trade-in. Vehicles appraised with two working keys often get higher trade-in value because replacement keys can be expensive.
Setting Your Budget
Know Your Down Payment
Decide how much you can put down upfront. More money down usually means lower monthly payments and better financing terms.
Know Your Monthly Payment Range
Figure out what you’re comfortable spending each month. A general rule is that your car payment shouldn’t exceed 10–15% of your monthly take-home income.
Be Honest About Credit
If you know your credit score, share it with us! It helps us match you with realistic financing options. For customers with poor or no credit, our Buy Here Pay Here program is designed to help you get on the road while building your credit over time.
Pro Tip: Use an online car loan calculator to figure out your monthly payment range before you arrive. Knowing your comfort zone helps you avoid falling in love with a vehicle that doesn’t fit your budget.
Knowing What You Want
Walking into a dealership without any idea of what you’re looking for is like going grocery shopping without a list. You’ll spend more time wandering and may end up with something that doesn’t fit your needs.
Be Clear About Must-Haves
Do you need:
- Third-row seating for family trips?
- All-wheel drive for winter driving in the Carolina foothills?
- Advanced safety features for teenage drivers?
Be Clear About Deal-Breakers
Sometimes, knowing what you don’t want is just as helpful. For example:
- “I don’t want a white vehicle.”
- “I need good gas mileage because I commute to Charlotte daily.”
- “I run hot but my wife is always cold. I have to have dual climate control.”
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Car
Here are some examples to keep handy:
- What’s the vehicle’s history (if used)?
- What warranty is included?
- What’s the estimated resale value of this model?
- What financing terms are available?
Pro Tip: Write down your top three “must-have” features and top three “deal-breakers” before you visit. This makes it easier for your salesperson to narrow down options quickly.
Making an Appointment
You can always walk in, but scheduling your dealership visit ahead has big advantages:
- The vehicle you’re interested in will be pulled up and ready.
- A salesperson will have blocked time just for you.
- You’ll avoid waiting if the dealership is busy.
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, you can call ahead, book online, or even schedule through chat on our website.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling from Spartanburg, Greenville, or Charlotte, call ahead and ask the dealership to prep your car for a test drive. It’ll be waiting for you out front when you arrive.
What to Expect at the Dealership
The process varies depending on preparation:
- Prepared customers (all documents ready, vehicle chosen): 1–2 hours.
- Unprepared customers (missing paperwork, unsure about vehicles): 3–5 hours.
Step-by-Step Timeline
- Check-in and review documents.
- Trade-in appraisal.
- Test drive.
- Financing approval.
- Final paperwork and delivery.
Because our sales team is non-commissioned, the focus is entirely on finding what’s right for you, not what makes the dealership the most money.
Test Driving & Finalizing the Sale
A test drive isn’t just about how the car feels, it’s about making sure it fits your life. During your drive:
- Test acceleration, braking, and handling.
- Try out the infotainment system.
- Park it to see how easy it is in tight spaces.
After the test drive, financing is finalized, trade-in value is applied, and you’ll review optional add-ons like extended warranties.
Pro Tip: Bring any family members who will be helping you make the decision to purchase. They may notice comfort or practicality details you overlook when you’re focused on performance.
After the Sale
Update Your Insurance
Call your provider immediately to update your coverage.
Register Your Vehicle
We’ll help with temporary tags and guide you through permanent registration.
Stay Connected
We encourage customers from Gaffney, Spartanburg, Shelby, Greenville, and Charlotte to return for maintenance, warranty service, or even just questions about features.
Pro Tip: Schedule your first oil change before leaving the dealership. This ensures your new vehicle’s maintenance is on track from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing to Buy a Car
1. What documents are needed to purchase a car?
To buy a car at a dealership, you’ll need:
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements)
- Proof of insurance (an active insurance card)
- Trade-in documents (title, loan payoff info, keys if you’re trading in a car)
Having these ready before your visit will speed up the process significantly.
2. Do you have to have insurance to buy a car?
Yes. You must show proof of valid insurance before you can legally drive your new car off the lot. If you already have an active policy, bring your insurance card. Once you’ve chosen your new vehicle, you can call your insurance provider to add it to your policy.
Pro Tip: Save a digital copy of your insurance card on your phone. If you forget your physical card, many insurers allow digital proof, which dealerships can accept.
3. How long does it take to buy a car?
On average:
- 1–2 hours if you’ve brought all required documents and know what vehicle you want.
- 3–5+ hours if documents are missing, trade-in information isn’t ready, or financing takes longer to process.
4. Can I trade in my old car even if I still owe money on it?
Yes. If you’re still making payments on your current car, bring your loan payoff information with you. The dealership will contact your lender to pay off the remaining balance, and the equity (positive or negative) will be applied toward your new purchase.
5. How do I know I’m getting a fair price on a used car?
Start by reviewing a vehicle’s history report, asking about inspections, and comparing market pricing. For a deeper dive, see our guide on getting a fair price on a used car.
6. How do I know I’m getting a good used car?
Check for:
- A clean history report
- Low mileage relative to the vehicle’s age
- Dealer inspection and warranty options
- Consistent service records
We’ve written a complete guide on getting a good used car that breaks down the process step-by-step.
7. What questions should I ask before buying a car?
Consider asking:
- What’s the warranty coverage?
- What maintenance costs should I expect?
- What financing terms are available?
- If used: Can I see the inspection and history report?
8. Can I buy a car online and have it delivered?
Yes! At Burns Chevrolet, we offer online car shopping options so you can browse, apply for financing, and arrange for delivery without leaving your home.
9. Do I need an appointment to buy a car?
No, but making an appointment is strongly recommended. It ensures the vehicle you’re interested in is parked out front and ready for a test drive, and it guarantees a salesperson will be available when you arrive.
10. What if I have bad credit? Can I still buy a car?
Yes. Our Buy Here Pay Here program is designed to help customers with poor or limited credit get into a reliable vehicle. With proof of income and residence, we can work with you to find a solution that fits your situation.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is the single best way to make your car-buying experience fast, smooth, and stress-free. With the right documents, a clear budget, and an idea of the car you want, you’ll save hours of time and drive away confident in your purchase.
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, we’re committed to helping every customer. Whether you’re shopping for a brand-new Chevrolet, searching through used cars in Gaffney, or using our Buy Here Pay Here program, we want to help you find the vehicle that fits your life.
Wherever you’re coming from — Gaffney, Spartanburg, Greenville, Shelby, Blacksburg, or even Charlotte — we’ll make sure you leave confident, informed, and happy with your new vehicle.
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