What is the entire process of buying a car?
2 Answers
The complete steps for buying a car are as follows: 1. Test drive: Based on the selected model, personally drive it to see how it performs. If everything is satisfactory, you can proceed to place an order; 2. Waiting period: Depending on the dealer, the waiting time can range from one week to six months. Once the new car arrives, it's time for inspection to check if the vehicle is in good condition, whether the mileage is within the standard range, and if there are any scratches on the exterior; 3. Vehicle inspection: After the new car arrives, inspect it to ensure the vehicle's condition is good, the mileage is within standard limits, and there are no exterior damages. Then, proceed with the necessary procedures, including paying the purchase tax, obtaining the vehicle license, and purchasing compulsory traffic insurance. Insurance can be handled by yourself or through the 4S store for an additional fee. Finally, go to the vehicle management office to complete the license plate registration. Note that each person only has one chance to select a license plate number. Once the license plate is registered, the entire car purchase process is completed.
When I bought my first car in life last time, the process was intimidating but I learned a lot. Setting a budget upfront was crucial—calculating monthly car payments and insurance to avoid overspending. Then, I spent weeks browsing online car reviews and forums, comparing fuel efficiency and reliability to narrow down the candidates. Test-driving at dealerships was so important; I tried four or five models before finding one with a comfortable feel. The negotiation phase was tense: the salesperson kept pushing for a higher price, but I held firm with competitor quotes and managed to save over a thousand bucks. Next came handling the loan—getting pre-approved helped avoid delays. When signing the pile of paperwork, I read every clause carefully. Insurance had to be sorted immediately, or I couldn’t drive off. The happiest moment was pickup day, but registering required a trip to the DMV for plates. My advice: bring an experienced friend to help spot pitfalls and save time throughout the process.