When should I pay?

Speaking from recent experience, you should be able to hold that car through delivery with your existing deposit. If the dealership is gets cranky about it, then chances are they're doing so to meet some deadlines or monthly sales goals.

For example, I ordered a '08 six weeks ago and it made it through trans-Pacific shipping, re-route from NM to Colorado, and train to Denver with a $1000 deposit (refundable even). Once the car was at the dealership, I confirmed the model, options, took it for a drive, etc. Once I confirmed that it was indeed the car I wanted, I did the paperwork, but did not sign the "letter of credit" from my bank until they completed dealer prep, additional goodies, as well as other things. The dealer was able to hold the "letter of credit", but it was meaningless to them until the car was finished.

I've done car purchases this way for years with many different dealers and have never had trouble. In fact, they like the easy-pay method when I handle the finance piece outside of their processes.

Don't give them any signed paperwork until that car is in front of you and it's exactly what you ordered. It can get messy otherwise I would think.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

Pay after you have inspected the car and it is ready for you to take home.

 

Normally you pay when you pick up the car.

Tom

 

And what is the name of the dealer that wants you to pay for it two weeks in advance sight unseen? Please share with us locals.

 

There's no way I'd pay in full for a car I hadn't seen yet. Trade the cheque for the keys only after you're sure it's what you ordered. Car dealers are notoriously shifty, and this sounds like a highly questionable move on their part.

 

I agree with the above comments. The salesdroid I dealt with said that he didn't get paid until I paid for the car. Sounds like your salesperson just wants an early pay-day.

 

it is normal to require a deposit upfront and in some cases a rather large one at that. but i have never heard of paying for a car or signing paperwork other than a promise to buy before delivery.

looking at the time of year, i think it has to do with closing the books early on MY2007

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fojae @ Oct 9 2007, 03:28 PM) [snapback]523235[/snapback]</div>

I just picked up my 08 Prius, and my deposit held it. I did not pay until I picked it up.

Do NOT pay for a car you haven't seen.