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Related guides and tools
Continue through supporting guides, tools, or comparison pages.
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Step 1: Configuration choice
Pick model, variant, trim, options, and color before any dealer contact. Use the manufacturer configurator on the brand's site. The configuration becomes the reference for all subsequent dealer comparisons. Two dealers selling the same configuration at different prices is a real comparison; two dealers selling different configurations is not.
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Step 2: Outside lender pre-qualification
Pre-qualify with a bank or credit union for outside financing. Per CFPB guidance, the outside pre-approval is your reference number against the captive lender's offer at the dealer. Compress hard pulls into a focused window for credit-scoring purposes. Soft-pull pre-qualification at multiple lenders is the lower-friction path.
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Step 3: Dealer outreach and written quotes
Contact two or three dealers within a reasonable California radius. Request an itemized written quote on the specific configuration, term, and incentive eligibility. The itemized quote breaks cap cost (gross capitalized cost and any reduction), residual percentage, money factor, fees, taxes, and the broken-down monthly. FTC truth-in-advertising rules apply to dealer claims; the written quote is the document you negotiate against.
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Step 4: Visit, contract review, and registration
Visit the dealer with the written quote. Confirm the configuration matches. Take the test drive. Move to the finance office. Read every paragraph of the contract; verify it matches the quote. Decline any add-on that was not part of the quote. New-car franchise dealers in California typically handle first registration as part of the purchase; the buyer drives away with temporary plates pending permanent registration.
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New car how-to questions
Short answers to the questions California buyers ask while working through the new-car process.
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Related new and dealer pages
The new buying overview guide covers the workflow at higher level. The new evaluation guide covers when new makes sense. The dealer how-to guide covers the visit specifics in more depth.
FAQ
Common Questions
How many dealers should I contact for new-car quotes?
At least two, ideally three within a reasonable California radius. The comparison gives leverage; one quote alone does not.
Is configurator order or in-stock purchase better?
Match path to timing tolerance. Configurator delivers exactly the spec with longer timelines; in-stock delivers what the dealer has now. Neither is universally better; the household's situation decides.
Should I trade in my current vehicle at the new-car dealer?
Trade-in convenience versus private-party sale price; trade-in is faster but typically lower value. Get a separate trade-in offer to compare; do not let the trade-in transaction obscure the new-car negotiation.
What documents do I receive at signing?
Signed contract, itemized invoice, proof of insurance documentation, temporary plates and registration paperwork, owner's manual, and any disclosure documents. Keep a copy of every document signed.
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021 Auto Leasing
request a lease quote
Use this page as a decision support path, then move into a quote request when the vehicle, mileage, and payment structure are clear.