Best Practices for Purchasing a Vehicle in New Hampshire

Purchasing a vehicle is one of the most significant investments you'll make, and it should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. To ensure that, it's crucial to be well-informed as a consumer and make sure the dealer treats you fairly. This guide provides best practices to help you drive away with confidence in your decision.

1. Conduct Thorough Research

Start by researching the average price for the make, model, and year of the vehicle you're interested in. Tools like Kelley Blue Book and NADA can help you gauge what you should expect to pay. Walking into a dealership unprepared puts you at a disadvantage, so gather all necessary information beforehand. Consider bringing a friend or family member for support.

2. Inspect the Vehicle Carefully

A quick visual inspection can help identify any obvious defects. Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain a detailed report on the vehicle's history, including past accidents and title issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a free VIN lookup at nhtsa.org to check for recalls and more. For used vehicles, it’s wise to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car for hidden issues. Remember, a New Hampshire State Inspection covers specific registration, safety, and emission items but may not fully indicate the vehicle's reliability.

3. Verify Financing, Warranty, and Contract Details

If you're financing the vehicle, ensure you fully understand the loan terms and compare offers from multiple lenders. It’s often beneficial to secure financing from your local bank or credit union before visiting the dealership.

Be cautious of “Spot Deliveries”—where a dealership allows you to take the vehicle before financing is fully approved. While convenient, if the financing falls through, you might be required to return the vehicle or accept different loan terms. Always have a signed “Sale Contingent on Financing Approval” form in this situation.

For new vehicles, confirm the warranty details, including coverage and duration. For used vehicles, check if any existing warranty is transferable or if there’s an option to purchase an extended warranty or service contract. Be cautious with vehicles sold "As-Is"—this means the seller isn’t liable for any issues after the purchase.

Before signing or putting down a deposit, carefully read all terms and conditions in the purchase agreement. Ensure everything agreed upon is in writing, including promised repairs or extras.

If You’re Experiencing a Problem

1. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all interactions with the dealership, including dates, times, names of employees, and the content of your discussions. Save copies of emails, texts, letters, and other relevant documents.

2. Communicate Clearly and Calmly

When addressing concerns with the dealership, remain calm and clear. Explain the problem in detail and state the resolution you're seeking. Being polite but firm often leads to more productive conversations and quicker resolutions.

3. Understand Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with your rights as a consumer. This includes understanding the dealership's policies on returns, exchanges, and cash deposits. In New Hampshire, there is no “cooling off” period, meaning once you purchase a vehicle, you cannot return it for a refund. For more information on consumer laws, visit the DOJ Consumer Sourcebook online.

4. Escalate the Issue Internally

If your initial attempts to resolve the issue with the salesperson or service department are unsuccessful, escalate the matter to higher management. Contact the dealership’s general manager or owner, as they have more authority to address your complaint.

5. Seek External Help

If the issue remains unresolved, consider seeking help from external sources, such as consumer protection agencies or legal counsel. These organizations can offer guidance and support in escalating your complaint.