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01
Configurator vs dealer inventory as the first decision
New-car shopping starts with two paths: order from the configurator on the manufacturer site (with the dealer placing the order) versus picking from the dealer's existing inventory. Configurator order delivers the spec the buyer wants with longer timelines (weeks to months); inventory pick delivers what the dealer has now with the dealer's spec choices. Match the path to your timing tolerance. Some manufacturers (Tesla, Rivian) operate direct sales without dealer inventory in the traditional sense.
02
Captive lender financing on a new car
Each manufacturer has a captive lender that handles the bulk of factory-program financing: Ford Credit for Ford, BMW Financial Services for BMW, MBFS for Mercedes, TFS for Toyota and Lexus, AHF for Honda and Acura, GM Financial for Chevrolet/GMC/Buick/Cadillac, and so on. The captive's program windows shift on regular cadences. Outside lender pre-approval gives the buyer a reference number against the captive's offer; CFPB guidance positions that comparison as the buyer's leverage.
03
Finance office discipline
The finance office at a new-car dealer is where the contract finalizes. Add-on products (extended warranty, gap coverage, paint protection, prepaid maintenance) are optional; each is priced separately. FTC truth-in-advertising rules apply to dealer claims about price, financing, and availability. Read every paragraph of the contract before signing. Decline any add-on that was not part of the negotiated quote. The discipline is willingness to walk if the contract does not match the quote.
04
California registration and post-purchase timing
New-car franchise dealers in California typically handle first registration as part of the purchase. The dealer files the paperwork with the California DMV; the buyer drives away with temporary plates pending permanent registration. California sales tax is collected on the financed purchase or on each lease payment depending on the path chosen. Smog certification on a new vehicle is generally not required at first registration. The post-purchase tasks are minimal when the dealer handles registration; the buyer's job is to receive permanent plates and registration documents within the expected window.
05
New car buying questions
Short answers to the questions California buyers ask during the new-car workflow.
06
Related new-car and dealer pages
The new-car evaluation guide covers when buying new makes sense over used. The dealer how-to guide covers franchise visit specifics. The new vs used comparison page covers the structural decision.
FAQ
Common Questions
Should I order from the configurator or buy from inventory?
Match path to timing tolerance and spec preference. Configurator delivers exactly the spec; inventory delivers what the dealer has now. For tight deadlines, inventory; for spec-flexible buyers with patience, configurator.
Can I bring outside financing to a new car dealer?
Yes, and you should. Pre-qualify with a bank or credit union for a reference number against the captive lender's offer. Sometimes the captive beats the outside number; sometimes not.
Are dealer add-ons negotiable?
Add-ons are optional. Decline any that were not part of the negotiated quote. The contract proceeds without them; the discipline is willingness to walk if the dealer insists.
Does the dealer handle California DMV registration on a new car?
Typically yes for new-car franchise sales. Confirm with the dealer; the buyer drives away with temporary plates pending permanent registration.
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Use this page as a decision support path, then move into a quote request when the vehicle, mileage, and payment structure are clear.