Five Essential Clauses to Include in Your Car Purchase Agreement
Buying a new car is no easy feat and can be an expensive and tiring process. With an average price tag of around $50,000, it's not just the initial cost that's daunting, but also the whole ordeal of negotiating and signing papers.
However, there are ways to minimize the pain of the process and save some money while still getting your dream car. The key is to recognize that once you've agreed on a deal, you have more power than you think. The salesperson wants the sale, so it's a good time to ask for those little extras that won't cost the dealership much but can add up to significant savings and perks for you.
A full gas tank
You might assume that your new car will arrive with a full gas tank. Usually, that's the case, but sometimes things go wrong, and salespeople forget to refill it after a few test drives. Considering a full tank of gas can cost anywhere between $70 to $100, depending on the size of the vehicle, it's a smart move to make sure the car is delivered with a full tank of premium gas. Alternatively, request a fuel voucher to reimburse you for the cost of filling it up.
Warranties and service plans
Car dealerships often throw in extended warranties and maintenance plans when selling a car. While these may seem like a useful addition, consider whether they're actually worth it. An extended warranty makes sense only if you plan to own the car for several years beyond its standard manufacturer's warranty. And even then, it's essential to look at what's covered and if it's worth paying more for it.
If you're not interested in an extended warranty, ask that one be added to the contract at no extra cost. Similarly, negotiate for a free service and maintenance plan that comes with the purchase. While these offers might not seem like much, they can help minimize the long-term expenses of owning a car.
Coatings
Salespeople love selling you extra coatings like paint protection, anti-rust, or anti-stain fabric treatments, claiming they'll help your car last longer. In most cases, these coatings aren't worth their steep prices. If your car has factory paint and anti-rust protection, and you take good care of it, it will last without additional treatments. The same goes for fabric treatments; you can easily clean your own car or use more affordable third-party services.
Ask the dealer to include these coatings as part of the contract for free, as the cost of them is minimal. This way, you'll enjoy the benefits without the higher price tag.
Extra keys or fobs
On some cars, you can still find mechanical keys or fobs to access and start the vehicle. Having a spare key or fob is a wise decision and can prevent you from being stranded if you lose your primary one. Yet, dealers often make it sound like a major effort to provide a spare key or fob. Before finalizing the contract, ask that a second key or fob be included, as the dealer likely spent little on it and can afford to give it to you for free.
VIN etching
VIN etching is a chemical process that engraves the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the windshield. This makes it harder for thieves to sell stolen cars, which is why some insurers offer discounts on policies for vehicles with VIN etching. You can do this process yourself at a much lower cost, but it's not a bad idea to ask the dealership to do it for free as an added incentive.
Floor mats
Depending on the car model, floor mats might not come as a standard feature. If this is the case, it's not worth buying them from the dealer, as you can find them cheaper elsewhere. However, floor mats are useful for protecting your car from dirt and wear, so ask that the dealer include them in the contract for no extra cost. Custom-made floor mats may offer better fit, but they'll come at a significant premium over generic ones. So, it's up to you to decide if the extra expense is justified.
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In the negotiation process, you could ask for a full tank of premium gas to be included in the new car contract, as the cost of filling up can be significant. Additionally, negotiating for an extra key or fob to be included in the contract at no extra cost can help prevent being stranded if you lose your primary one.
