Finance and Insurance Office Tips

Tip 1

You might feel worn out if you've spent several hours at the dealership. But stay sharp in the finance and insurance department (F&I). Don't sign the sales contract just to "get it over with."

Tip 2

If you have preapproved financing from your bank or credit union, let the dealership try to beat that interest rate. Verify all the other loan terms before accepting.

Tip 3

Ensure that the fees you pay when buying a car are the destination charge, sales tax, license and registration fees and a reasonable documentation fee.

Tip 4

The F&I manager will likely offer to sell you an extended warranty. But you don't have to buy it that day. You can purchase it any time before the standard factory warranty runs out.

Tip 5

When they're selling extended warranties with new cars, dealers often talk in terms of monthly payments. To really know what you're paying, ask for the cost of the warranty itself.