Opel buying guide.
Need advice on buying or leasing a new Opel? Here you will find information about how to budget for your new car, how to pay for it and what to expect when you go to the dealership.
Financing
The first step is to decide what your budget is. Once you’ve done that, you can choose the Opel vehicle that fits within it. The next thing to think about is the different payment options.
There are usually three options when it comes to paying for your vehicle:
- Finance: Buy the vehicle over time.
- Pay cash: Buy the vehicle outright.
Buying vs. leasing: What you need to know?
Buying gives you:
- Complete ownership. The vehicle is titled to your name.
- No restraints on mileage limits or normal wear. Keep in mind that proper maintenance may affect your warranty coverage. A vehicle's condition can also affect the residual or trade-in value.
- A vehicle that's yours to sell or trade in at any time for another Opel car. You have the option to pay off your contract, or sell and trade your vehicle, at any time.
Calculate your affordability
Figure out what financing options work best for you. To do this you should consider the following points:
- Whether you have an old car to trade in, and how much it is worth,
- whether you can make a cash deposit,
- how much you can afford to repay per month,
- how long you want to extend the repayments for,
- and whether there are any incentives on offer.
Researching available financing incentives
Find out if there are any special financing rates on the vehicle, or if there are any lease incentives currently in place. Once you find out about any available incentives, you can choose between the following options:
- Special low Annual Percentage Rate (APR) financing
- Cash rebates
- Or sometimes a combination of both
If you are a private customer looking for credit on a new car or a home loan, a business customer searching for the right fleet service provider, or a dealer looking for a new reliable finance source, you are right in turning to GMSA Financial Services.
Other incentives and costs
Free or low cost insurance as a purchase incentive:
Insuring a car can be very expensive and so offers which involve either free or reduced-cost insurance can be very appealing. It’s really important to check the small print of offers like this to make sure that you are eligible and that you are not tied into expensive insurance once the offer period comes to an end.
Car tax, registration and license plates:
Remember that you may also need to factor in road tax, registration or license plate fees into the cost of your new car.
Ask your dealer about paying these fees in cash at delivery or if you can have the fees included in your finance contract or lease agreement. Remember though, if you choose to roll them into your agreement, your monthly payment will increase.
At the dealer …
There's no reason to be intimidated at the Dealership. Cover the basics before you buy.
What to expect at the Opel dealership
You know your budget and your financing options. You've done research on incentives and the vehicles that are right for you. Now, you're finally ready to visit the dealership.
Step-by-step guide
Here's an overview of what you should expect when you arrive:
- You'll be approached by an Opel sales associate.
- They'll ask what vehicle(s) you're interested in; and feel free to tell them what your budget and financing plans are, too.
- They may ask if you'd like to test drive a vehicle.
- You may spend time discussing colors, options, available and incentives.
When you feel you have enough information to make your decision, you'll sit down with your sales associate or finance department and:
- You'll complete a credit application; they may also request a credit report.
- If your credit application is approved and you agree with the dealer on the final terms and conditions, you're ready to buy or lease.
- If purchasing a vehicle, you'll sign an Finance Contract between you and the dealership.
- If your vehicle is on the lot, you may actually take delivery that very day.
Completing a credit application
Even if you're not 100% sure of the vehicle you want, you may be asked to complete a credit application. That means:
- The dealership will obtain a copy of your credit report.
- This will contain information about current and past credit obligations (like credit card balances and school loans), your payment record and data from public records.
It's always a good idea to know your budget and know your credit score before you visit a dealership. That way, you can you negotiate a rate that's best for you.
Dealer checklist
What should you bring to the dealer?
- Your current driver's license
- Your Identity Document
- Proof of Address
- Salary advise (payslip)
- Printed information on MSRP, cash rebates, and other incentives
Images may show optional equipment.