What Is a Vehicle Purchase Agreement?

Geoff Cudd

The car buying process is extremely exciting and can make you feel eager to dash out as soon as you come to a negotiation.

But there's one more key document to review before driving off in your new car, the car purchase contract.

Here’s what you need to know about vehicle purchase agreements.

What Is a Vehicle Purchase Agreement?

Anytime you purchase a vehicle, there will be a vehicle purchase agreement. The vehicle purchase agreement, or vehicle contract, is a contract between the seller and buyer that outlines the purchase terms. Once you sign the agreement, you commit to the purchase, so it’s important to review it carefully.

There are different subtypes of vehicle purchase agreements based on the terms of the purchase. For example, if you will be financing the car, then the car sale agreement will include the terms for the loan.

What Is Included in a Vehicle Purchase Agreement?

Buyer Information

The vehicle purchase agreement includes key buyer information like the buyer’s name, address, birth date, and social security number.

Vehicle Information

The purchase agreement for a vehicle also describes the vehicle. The agreement will have the VIN stated on it and its year, make, and model. The odometer reading at the time of sale should also be marked.

Sales and Pricing Information

There will be an itemized list of the total price. The list will include the price of the vehicle, accessories, documentation fees, sales tax, advertising fees, and more. It will also list out a down payment. You’ll be able to see the total sale price for the purchase.

Financing Information

The agreement also lays out any financing information. It will have information about the Annual Percentage Rate you are charged each year, the finance charge, the total amount financed, the total payments, and the total sale price. If you traded in a vehicle as part of the transaction, the trade-in value will be noted here.

What to Look Out for in a Vehicle Purchase Agreement

Car sale contracts are rarely perfect. Before signing, it’s important to review the agreement carefully. Here are some common mistakes to look out for:

• Missing or Inaccurate Personal Information. Double-check that all of the information about you is correct. Incorrect personal information can lead to complications down the road.
• Extra Fees. Hidden fees are not always easy to spot, and they are commonly used. If any fees you were not expecting come up, you can inquire about them further or ask that they be removed.
• Charges for “Free” Add-ons. Many dealerships offer free add-ons for vehicles. To ensure you do not pay for add ons that were promised as free, the contract must state they cost $0.
• Loan Terms. The interest rate drastically impacts your total cost to finance. Review the interest rate to make sure it matches what you agreed on, and carefully review the loan terms.
• Down Payment. Make sure the down payment on the contract accurately reflects what you will pay. This ensures you pay the correct amount throughout the rest of the financing period.
• Trade-in Amount. If you trade in a vehicle as part of the transaction, make sure the correct value is noted on the agreement.

How to Write a Vehicle Purchase Agreement

Identify the Buyer and Seller

The beginning of the vehicle purchase agreement should state the legal names of the buyer and seller. It should also clarify that the contract is for buying a car. Also, list the buyer and seller’s addresses as well as their drivers’ license numbers.

Describe the Vehicle

Clearly identify the vehicle. Include the vehicles:

• Make and model
• Year
• Color
• Body type
• Interior color
• Unique features of the car
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Odometer reading

Describe the vehicle’s condition as well. If the seller sells the vehicle “as is” then the buyer is liable for any problems. Make sure any known issues of a used car are identified. For used cars, include details about warranties.

Review the Information

Review the information to ensure it’s correct. Any fraudulent claims will nullify the contract. The odometer reading should match what is on the contract.

Date of Sale and Purchase Price

Next, write out the date of sale and purchase price. Detail the method of purchase as well. Here is where you will include information about financing if the buyer is financing the car. Include all sales and price information as well as financing details.

Detail the Delivery Method

Next, you must indicate the delivery method if the car is not local. Clearly state the method and responsibility for delivery. The seller can deliver the vehicle, the buyer can pick it up, or the vehicle can be shipped. Indicate who is responsible for the delivery expense.

Title Status

Owners can only sell vehicles with clean titles. The contract should specify the status of the title, indicating it is free from liens and that the seller is the legal owner.

Sign and Date

After each party carefully reviews the contract, it’s time to sign it. If it is a private purchase, then ideally, a witness should sign as well. Both parties should retain a copy of the contract.

Taking your time to understand and review the vehicle purchase contract will ensure a smooth sales process. Doing your due diligence upfront can save you from costly mistakes. Investing time to inspect the vehicle purchase agreement carefully is essential for ensuring an accurate purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vehicle purchase agreement?

The vehicle purchase agreement is a contract that details the sale of a vehicle. It must identify the buyer and seller, the vehicle in question, the payment terms, and more.

Is a vehicle purchase agreement legally binding?

Yes, a purchase agreement is a legally binding document. As a contract, it becomes legally binding as soon as both parties sign it.

Is a vehicle purchase agreement the same as a bill of sale?

The vehicle purchase agreement is different from the bill of sale. The purchase is legally binding and signed by both parties. The bill of sale is given when the car is sold in a private sale, and you will need to bring the bill of sale to re-register the car and transfer the title.

What happens after you sign a vehicle purchase agreement?

After the purchase agreement is signed by both parties, the transaction of the vehicle is legally binding.

Can I back out of a vehicle purchase agreement after I sign it?

Most often, you cannot back out of a car purchase agreement once you’ve signed it. Car dealers do not have policies that allow this. The only way to attempt to get out of the agreement is in court. Most courts will only consider this if something in the agreement is fraudulent or misleading.

Can I write my own vehicle purchase agreement?

When purchasing from a dealer, the dealer will most often write the purchase agreement for you to review. For private purchases, you can draft your own vehicle purchase agreement using the steps outlined above. There are also many simple online templates for vehicle purchase agreements.