Buying a vehicle does not have to be confusing. Whether you are purchasing your first car, trading in your current vehicle, or financing a different vehicle, understanding the process can make everything feel much more manageable.
This page is designed to walk you through the major steps of buying a car and help you understand what happens during and after the purchase. If you have questions at any point, our team is here to help.
Step 1: Choose the Right Vehicle
The first step is finding a vehicle that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When shopping, consider:
- How much space you need
- How many miles you drive
- Features that matter most to you
- Your monthly budget
- Whether a new or used vehicle makes the most sense
You can start by browsing our available inventory and narrowing down the options that fit your goals.
Step 2: Review Your Budget
Before completing a purchase, it helps to understand the full cost of ownership.
This includes:
- Vehicle price
- Down payment
- Monthly payment
- Insurance
- Sales tax
- Registration costs
- Dealership fees
Understanding these costs upfront helps avoid surprises and gives you a clearer picture of what works best for your situation.
Helpful resources:
Step 3: Explore Financing Options
Many customers choose to finance their vehicle purchase. Financing allows you to spread the cost of the vehicle over time rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Your financing terms may depend on:
- Credit history
- Down payment
- Vehicle price
- Loan term
- Lender approval
If you are unsure where to start, our finance team can help explain your options and guide you through the process.
Helpful resources:
Step 4: Consider a Trade-In
If you currently own a vehicle, trading it in may reduce the amount you need to finance and may also reduce the taxable amount of your purchase in Indiana.
A trade-in can help:
- Lower your down payment needs
- Reduce the purchase balance
- Simplify the transaction
If you plan to trade in a vehicle, let our team know early in the process so we can include it in your deal structure.
Step 5: Understand Taxes and Fees
It is important to know the difference between the price of the vehicle and the additional costs associated with a purchase.
At our dealership, we believe in being transparent about these costs.
Topics to understand:
- Indiana sales tax
- Taxable items on a vehicle purchase
- Trade-in tax benefit
- Document fee
- Indiana title fee
- New vehicle title fee
- Fees paid later at the BMV
Helpful resources:
Step 6: Complete the Paperwork
Once you have selected a vehicle and finalized the financial details, the purchase paperwork is completed.
This step may include:
- Buyer's order
- Financing documents
- Title paperwork
- Trade-in documentation
- Product or protection selections, if applicable
Our team will walk you through the paperwork so you understand what you are signing and what happens next.
Step 7: Title Processing
After the sale is completed, the title must be processed correctly.
For Indiana customers, we handle the title processing on your behalf. The Indiana title fee is collected as part of the transaction, and the title is mailed either to the customer or the lienholder depending on whether there is a loan on the vehicle.
Helpful resource:
Step 8: Registration and License Plate
After the title has been processed, the next step is registration.
This is an important distinction:
- We handle the title process
- You handle the registration process
Registration is completed through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, not at our dealership. Registration fees, local fees, and any applicable county charges are paid directly to the BMV.
Helpful resource:
Step 9: Know What to Expect After the Purchase
After buying your vehicle, there may still be a few final steps depending on your situation.
These may include:
- Waiting for title confirmation
- Visiting the BMV for registration
- Setting up loan payments
- Reviewing coverage with your insurance provider
Knowing the timeline and responsibilities after the sale helps make the experience smoother.
Helpful Car Buying Resources
To make the buying process easier, we have created additional pages that explain specific parts of the transaction in more detail:
- First-Time Car Buyer Guide
- Indiana Vehicle Sales Tax
- Dealership Fees
- Title Delivery After Vehicle Purchase
- Vehicle Registration in Indiana
Questions About the Car Buying Process?
If you have questions about financing, taxes, title work, fees, or what happens after you buy, our team is here to help.
Contact us today and we will be happy to walk you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to buying a car?
The basic steps include choosing a vehicle, reviewing your budget, exploring financing, considering a trade-in, understanding taxes and fees, completing paperwork, processing the title, and registering the vehicle.
Do you handle registration at the dealership?
No. We handle title processing for Indiana customers, but registration is completed by the customer at the BMV.
Do you handle title work?
Yes. For Indiana purchases, we process the title paperwork on your behalf.
What costs should I expect besides the vehicle price?
In addition to the vehicle price, you may also pay sales tax, dealership fees, title fees, registration fees, insurance, and any selected accessories or protection products.
Can I trade in my current vehicle?
Yes. If you have a vehicle to trade, it may reduce your purchase balance and lower the taxable amount of your deal.
Where can I learn more about taxes, title, and fees?
We have separate pages that explain Indiana vehicle sales tax, title delivery, dealership fees, registration, and first-time buyer questions in more detail.