Topic: "writing up an offer"

[locutusx]

Hey guys,

with regards to the phrase "writing up an offer" -- is that something that *I* am supposed to do, or the salesperson?

Is it ok if I come up with a little template in Excel and use that to write up my offers that I provide to the dealers?

or maybe someone knows of a template already existing on the net

Basically I want to make sure it is some sort of written contract-like form which indicates how much exactly I am willing to pay him, but should also indicate that the sale is CONTINGENT on a clean Carfax/Carproof/PPI. the usual stuff.

(By saying the sale is contingent on passing carfax/PPI allows me to make an offer on my first visit to the dealer... it seems like I'll save time this way. any comments?)

[sterling]

with regards to the phrase "writing up an offer" -- is that something that *I* am supposed to do, or the salesperson?

The dealership will have nice neat forms already made up for this purpose. They include space for all the pertinent information to form a bill of sale - VIN, mileage, seller info, buyer info, price, conditions, etc.

Bring in your own little form if you want, but most likely the information on it will just be rewritten onto the dealership's forms anyway. As long as you make sure their form says exactly what you want it to say before you sign it everything should be fine. Making the sale subject to an inspection or carfax is pretty standard stuff.

[articsteve]

What province?

[locutusx]

Steve,

Center-of-universe, Ontario.


Sterling,

thanks, i'll have a look at the dealer forms when I get to that stage. maybe i'll just write one up myself for my own records and so i don't forget anything.

re: carfax, it's funny, the last 2 dealers i called who i asked for VIN #'s responded back with "why the hell do you need that?" and "sorry, we can't give VIN numbers over the phone, it's a multi-billion dollar scam industry..." (!)

[articsteve]

Firstly, I don't see dealers giving out VINs over the phone.

As Sterling noted there will be a section in the Vehicle Purchase Agreement that will allow you to enter your conditions (have dealer type them in).

sale is CONTINGENT on a clean Carfax/Carproof/PPI

You will need to be very specific on what "clean" means.  You will also need to refer to your deposit by the amount and that not only the sale is contingent upon a "clean" report, but the deposit is refundable as well.

Normal ppl would assume the deposit is automatically refunded upon the deal being voided, but you need to spell it out word for word in the agreement.

AND I should mention that on the reverse side of any Vehicle Purchase Agreement there are "Additional Terms".  These are almost never read or seen by the buyer before they sign.  These terms are purposely printed in very light font and favour the dealer.

[Panzer]

 

Most excellent points....

[Giant Dwarf]

Locutusx, a friend of mine goes into car negotiations with his own thorough spreadsheet on his laptop so that he can plug in numbers and come up with real figures before the salesperson most of the time.  It certainly leaves no room for confusion when seeing what features, payment plans, leases, finances, etc. affect what.  Just another way to be up-front, honest and quick in the dealership.  More up-front prep work on the consumers' part, means less time wasted in the dealership for them and the dealer staff. 

Hell for me last time, I went in, drove the cars I was interested in (after months of research... well, it's pretty much constant when you're on here anyway) and after plugging all their "best offer" prices into my own spreadsheet at home, called the salesperson up, made my best offer... it was accepted, I went in that night and signed the papers.  Nice n' easy on everyone's part.  (now actually getting my car to arrive with snow tires for delivery... that was another story!).

[locutusx]

thanks all. it seems like a training course is almost necessary to buy used cars properly

(CarTalkCanada 101)

[The Mighty Duck]

Hmm...  perhaps we can start a college?  And air bad commercials during daytime TV?

[Panzer]

I like that!  Then we could have freebies, like Carfax checks, coffee mugs and tote bags with our logo on 'em!