First-Time Buyer Checklist in Merced

Before you visit: documents to bring

Bring these if you have them, and ask us if you are missing one. Do not let a missing paper stop you from starting the conversation:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs
  • Proof of residence, such as a bill or lease in your name
  • Insurance information, or a plan to get a quote
  • Your down payment plan, and how you will pay it
  • If you have a trade-in: title and registration for that vehicle
  • If you are applying with a co-signer: that person should come with you, with their ID and income information

Before you visit: questions to answer for yourself

  • What monthly payment can I actually afford after gas, insurance, and maintenance?
  • What is my down payment, without emptying my savings?
  • Do I need a co-signer, and have we talked it through?
  • Have I gotten pre-approved, or do I need to apply first? mercedar.com/finance/apply-for-financing/

At the dealership: test drive checklist

  • Drive in town and at highway speed
  • Check steering, braking, acceleration, and visibility
  • Test air conditioning, windows, locks, lights, and infotainment
  • Check tires, brakes, and any warning lights
  • Ask about inspections, vehicle history, and what is covered after purchase, in writing

At the dealership: numbers checklist

Ask for, in writing:

  • Total price: vehicle price plus $85 doc fee and $35 e-filing fee, before taxes and DMV fees
  • Monthly payment, loan term, and total interest
  • Insurance cost for that exact car, quoted before you sign if possible
  • Any fees beyond tax, DMV, doc, and e-filing

Red flags for a first-time buyer

Slow down if:

  • You are rushed to sign without seeing the full numbers
  • The payment is quoted without the term or total interest
  • A fee appears that was not explained
  • You are told not to get an insurance quote first

A clear purchase should feel understandable, not pressured.

After you buy: first-time buyer basics

  • Keep your payment on time. That is how a first loan builds credit.
  • Keep up with oil, tires, and brakes. Small maintenance now avoids big bills later.
  • Keep insurance active and know what your policy covers.
  • Keep your loan paperwork, registration, and insurance together.

Start here

Read the first-time buyer pillar guide, then the financing guide, then browse first-time buyer Camry and Accord pages.

Merced AR, 1799 Yosemite Pkwy, Merced, CA 95340, (209) 267-2865, Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 10am–7pm.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to bring to buy my first car?

Bring a valid photo ID, proof of income such as recent pay stubs, proof of residence such as a bill or lease, insurance information or a plan to get a quote, and your down payment plan. If you have a trade-in, bring its title and registration. If you are applying with a co-signer, bring that person with their ID and income information.

What should I check on the test drive?

Drive in town and at highway speed. Check steering, braking, acceleration, and visibility. Test the air conditioning, windows, locks, lights, and infotainment. Check tires, brakes, and any warning lights, and ask about inspections, vehicle history, and what is covered after purchase, in writing.

What numbers should I ask for before I sign?

Ask for the total price — vehicle price plus $85 doc fee and $35 e-filing fee, before taxes and DMV fees — plus the monthly payment, loan term, and total interest, and any fees beyond tax, DMV, doc, and e-filing. Get them in writing.

Do I need insurance before I buy the car?

You need insurance to drive the car home, and you should get a quote on the exact car before you sign, if possible. For a first-time driver, insurance can be a big part of the monthly cost, and it varies by car, year, and coverage.

What are red flags for a first-time buyer?

Slow down if you are rushed to sign without seeing the full numbers, if the payment is quoted without the term or total interest, if a fee appears that was not explained, or if you are told not to get an insurance quote first. A clear purchase should feel understandable, not pressured.