Should I Pay Before or When Picking Up the Car?
2 Answers
When buying a car, a deposit is usually paid first. When picking up the car, inspect and test drive it first. After confirming that the car is indeed free of issues, pay the remaining balance. Below is an extended introduction: 1. General car pickup process: Typically, the car pickup process involves inspecting the car first. Do not rush to pay before thoroughly checking the new car, because once payment is made, it means all procedures are basically completed, effectively handing over the initiative to the dealer. If issues are found after inspecting the vehicle, with the money in their hands, returning or exchanging the car may become inconvenient. 2. Vehicle inspection: 1) Exterior: Check if the car's paint is intact, verify the production date on the vehicle's nameplate, check the production date of the window glass, see if the tires have severe wear, ensure the engine compartment is clean, and confirm the trunk is tidy and clean, etc. 2) Interior: Check if the doors open and close smoothly, inspect the interior for any damage or severe stains, test the vehicle's lights, air conditioning, wipers, windows, dashboard, audio system, and other functions to ensure they operate normally.
Last year when I bought my car, I made the payment on the day of pickup, and the whole process went smoothly. Usually after agreeing on the price, I would first pay a small deposit, like a few thousand yuan, to ensure the dealer reserves the car, then prepare the funds or arrange a loan. On the pickup day, the salesperson took me to inspect the car, confirming there were no scratches on the interior or exterior and that the engine started normally, before I paid the remaining balance with my bank card. Paying the full amount in advance can lead to issues, such as the car not being ready or having defects, making it hard to seek recourse. For financed cars, the bank would directly transfer the money, but I still had to be present to sign. Also, before rushing to pay, always inspect carefully, including checking if the tires and lights are in good condition—taking this time can prevent future troubles. In short, paying the full amount at pickup after a deposit is the most reliable method, safe and worry-free.
