383 Milan Ave Norwalk, OH 44857 419-663-2277

I am Ready to Buy, Now What

I AM READY TO BUY A CAR…… Now what?

What do I need to bring to the dealership with me?

What will the salesperson ask me?

These questions and more will be answered in this blog.


Okay, so you are ready to buy a vehicle… so I bet you have some questions, not just the ones above but others. I am here to help!  So the first thing you are going to do when you get to our lot is come inside and fill out the credit application. This is a piece of paper that will need some specific information on it. It will need 2 years of address, 2 years of job history, how much money you make per hour or if you are salary how much you make per week, how much money you have down, what you will be trading in (and if you owe anything on your trade), who you bank with, how much you want your monthly payment to be, and of course your social security number. This is a vital piece of information for not only us as a dealership, but the banks that we submit your information to.  If anything is detailed wrong or you tell us you worked for 2 years and you have only been there 2 months, the lending banks will know and will want you to prove that you have been there 2 years.  If you cannot prove it you will be denied immediately.

Next, we will need a pay stub for you. This proves your income, that is all. We really don’t care what you make, we just need to see the numbers. We see so many pay-stubs a month, it is just another number to us.

One month’s worth of bank statements. This is not always required, but it is better safe than sorry, so please bring one that is printed off from the bank or one that you receive from a monthly mailing. We need to be able to see your name, address, and the name of the bank on these statements. It is not us that will ask for this, rather the lending bank. 

Once all of this information goes to our manager he will work his magic and come back with one of 2 things

  1. A yes or no on the vehicle you liked

  2. A magic number that you will be approved for.


Then it is time to go look at vehicles, I usually do this while the manager has the paperwork. It cuts up the time being in my office. We will go out on the lot and touch, smell, and see all the possibilities that you may like or want for the vehicle of your dreams! I am also very interested in what you are interested in because I can give you an idea of if it will fit in your wanted budget. If you only want to pay $250 a month with no money down and want an expensive truck, it probably won’t happen, Sorry. 

When the manager is done with the paperwork, he will call me back to his office. We will head back into my office and I will go talk to him about what is going on with your case. Then I will report back to you what he says.  From here, DATE:if you are approved, we will have some paperwork to do before you go to the finance office.  

The first thing that I will ask you for is proof of insurance, you will have to have insurance before you leave the lot with your vehicle, so if you do not have insurance already, please come here with some place in mind. Shop around and decide what is the best for your situation. This is sometimes the longest wait time that you will incur when buying a car.  I will also need you to provide personal references, anywhere from two to five. They cannot live in the same house as you, and they cannot live in the same house as each other. Please have your friends and family’s name, address, and phone numbers readily available and ready to write down. Once this paperwork is all done, I will pass you off to finance. In finance, you will sign all of the necessary paperwork that goes with purchasing the vehicle. 

I really hope this helps you out when coming to Smiley Automotive to purchase your new vehicle.  I hope your days are wonderful!


Why Buy A Used Car From Us

A Car Dealer You Can Count On!

If you’re in the market for a used car, look no further than our premier used car dealer. With an extensive inventory of reliable and high-quality vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction, we provide a hassle-free experience so you can easily find the perfect car for you or your family. We make it our mission to exceed expectations and provide each customer with personalized attention and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for something small and economic or luxurious, we are sure to have something within your budget as well as fitting all preferences. So if you need a great ride at an even better price, let us be your go-to used car dealership!

Need Auto Financing? We Can Help!

Are you ready to purchase a car but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Car financing can seem daunting and complex, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there that can help simplify the process so you can get your dream car with ease. Take advantage of our car loan calculator and make smart decisions when it comes to navigating the innovative world of cost-effective car financing!

Highly Rated Car Dealer

With so many car dealerships to choose from, it's important to know how to assess a dealership's reputation before you make a purchase. Not all car dealers are equally reputable and trustworthy; some may have unreliable customer service or wonky products that could leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed with your purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new set of wheels, read on for tips that can help you determine which dealer will provide the best value and experience as well as ensure an enjoyable buying experience.

Looking To Sell Your Car in? We Want It!

Are you thinking about selling your car? There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their vehicle, ranging from needing cash in a pinch to wanting a newer model. Selling your car can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with the right information and planning. Fill out our easy trade form and we will get you the best value for your vehicle. If you are looking for a new car we may not have in stock? Use our car finder and we will help get you into the perfect car.

Come See Us At Our Dealership

Stop by today and meet our staff and learn more about our dealership or feel free to send us a comment.

Front Wheel Drive VS. AWD What is the Difference

What is the difference between front wheel drive and all wheel drive?

When you are looking for a new car, one of the decisions you have to make is whether to get a front wheel drive (FWD) or all wheel drive (AWD) vehicle. Both options have their pros and cons, so which one should you choose? Here is a look at the pros and cons of each option:

How Do Front Wheel Drives Cars Work

Front wheel drive cars are powered by the front wheels, while the back wheels simply rotate and provide traction. This is different from rear wheel drive cars, which are powered by the back wheels. Front wheel drive cars are more stable and easier to control than rear wheel drive cars, making them a popular choice for many drivers.

Another way to explain it would be to say that a front wheel drive vehicle transfers power from the engine to the front wheels, while a rear wheel drive vehicle transfers power from the engine to the back wheels.

What are the pros of front wheel drive vehicles

  • Front wheel drive vehicles are better for fuel economy because only the front wheels are used to power the car. This means that less power is needed, and you will save on gas money.

  • Rear wheel drive vehicles are better for getting through tough terrain and handling curves. The weight of the engine is at the back of the car, which gives it more stability when driving on winding roads or in slippery conditions.

What are the cons of front wheel drive vehicles

Front wheel drive vehicles can sometimes be less stable than all wheel drive vehicles, especially when cornering or braking. This is because the weight of the engine is pushing down on the front wheels, which can cause them to lose traction. Additionally, front wheel drive vehicles can be more difficult to control in icy or snowy conditions.

How does all wheel drive work?

All wheel drive is a system that sends power to all four wheels of a vehicle. This can help improve traction and handling in slippery or challenging conditions. AWD systems vary in complexity, with some relying on sensors to detect when the car needs more traction and distributing power accordingly. Others use a center differential to split the power between the front and rear wheels.

Regardless of the system in use, all wheel drive can provide a safer and more sure-footed driving experience. If you're looking for a car that can handle any condition, consider an all wheel drive model.

What are the pros of all wheel drive vehicles

All wheel drive vehicles are better in slippery conditions because all four wheels are used to power the car. This gives you more traction and prevents you from slipping and sliding. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, an AWD car is a better option. They also provide more stability and control than FWD cars when driving on slick surfaces.

What are the con's of an all wheel drive car?

All wheel drive cars can be more expensive than front wheel drive cars. They also require more maintenance, as all of the components need to be working properly in order to distribute power evenly. AWD cars can also be less fuel-efficient than FWD cars, and they take up more space on the road.

So Which Type Of Car Car Should I Get?

That’s a question that can only be answered by you. Consider the pros and cons of both front wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles to see which option would be best for your needs. If you live in an area with lots of icy or snowy conditions, an all wheel drive vehicle might be a better option. But if you live in a warmer climate and don’t need the extra traction, a front wheel drive vehicle could be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision is up to you!


3 Key Things To Know Before You Buy A Car

What Is A Good Deal On A Car

Everyone wants to get the best deal on a car they can, It's human nature and makes financial sense. However, getting that deal isn't always up to the car dealership. Your budget, credit score and trade-in value all play significant factors in what you actually pay for your car.

Know Your Budget

Most people think a budget is what you can afford monthly, but it also determines what cars and the features will have. A car that you like may have several trim levels with different features, but they will come at a higher price. So know your budget and research cars and trim levels that fit in it.

Know Your Must Haves

If you've done your research then you probably have an idea of what you're looking for. But it's important to know your must-haves in a vehicle. For some people, it might be four-wheel drive or a sunroof, but for others, it might be heated seats and remote start.


Know Your Can Do With Outs

After you know your must haves, you can start looking at what you can do without. It all ties back into your budget and what you're willing to spend. If you're not worried about having the latest and greatest features, then you can probably get by with a base model vehicle.


With your budget, must have, and do with outs in mind, head to a dealership and have a conversation with the salesperson. They will be able to guide you to a vehicle that fits your needs best. You will then have a better understanding of what a good deal on a car looks like.

Are You Ready To Buy Your Next Used Car?

Buying a car can be stressful – but it doesn't have to be. Our team will work with you every step of the way to make sure the process goes smoothly. Call us today to get started.

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