Gerald Jones Ford

What to Bring to Buy or Lease at Gerald Jones GMC

Buying or leasing a new GMC is an exciting adventure. Whether you choose the rugged GMC Sierra 1500 or the family-friendly GMC Acadia, there's a GMC vehicle for every unique lifestyle. At Gerald Jones GMC, we understand that once you find your perfect on-road companion, you can't wait to travel around Graniteville, SC, Evans, GA, and North Augusta, SC. That's why we've created this quick checklist on what to bring to buy or lease a car. If you’re wondering what do I need to buy a car, or looking for the specific documents needed to buy a car, this guide will help.

To ensure a smooth, quick, and easy checkout process, we recommend that all buyers and lessees gather the necessary information before heading to our dealership. Continue reading to learn more, and contact our team with any questions about what to bring to buy or lease a car and the documents needed to buy a car.

What You Should Bring to Buy or Lease a Car

Several documents are needed to buy a car, including a driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income. For a smooth checkout process, it's recommended to gather the following documentation to finalize your finance or lease application:

Driver's License
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Income
Acceptable Method of Payment
Trade-In Information and Documentation
Social Security Number
Applicant Information and Documentation

Have questions about the required documents needed to buy a car? Contact our team today! If you’re asking yourself, “what do I need to buy a car,” bring the items above so we can streamline your visit.

Common Buying Questions Answered

What do I need to buy a car?

To buy a car, you must gather all the essential papers, including driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income. These are the core documents needed to buy a car, and they’re exactly what to bring to buy or lease a car at our dealership.

What is the $3,000 rule for cars?

Many shoppers use an informal “$3,000 rule” as a budgeting guideline: plan for roughly $3,000 up front to cover typical drive-off costs such as first month’s payment, acquisition fee, documentation and registration fees, and any upfront taxes or cap cost reduction (down payment). This is not a requirement and your actual due-at-signing can be higher or lower based on credit, incentives, taxes, fees, and whether you choose to put money down.

Can I buy a car from Gerald Jones GMC if I'm an out-of-state buyer?

Absolutely! Sales taxes are paid in the state where the vehicle is registered. Be sure to bring all the above documentation for all parties on the loan or lease. All parties must be present to sign. If you’re unsure what to bring to buy or lease a car as an out-of-state shopper, our team can provide a checklist.

How do I qualify for a pre-approved car loan?

You can get pre-approved for a car loan fast, easy, and right from the comfort of your home. To get started, complete our secure online finance application.

What documents are needed to purchase or lease a vehicle for business?

To purchase or lease a vehicle for business, you must have the following:

Proof of address (i.e. utility bill)
Letter of authorization on company letterhead
Auto insurance under the business's name
Tax ID/EIN Number

What credit score is needed to buy a car in Graniteville, SC?

Experts like NerdWallet recommend a credit score of at least 661 to buy a car in Graniteville, SC.* This allows drivers to secure favorable credit rates.

If your credit score is lower, our finance experts can help you explore buying options, such as adding a co-applicant.

Common Leasing Questions Answered

What documents should I bring to lease a car?

To lease, bring the same items listed above for buying: driver’s license, proof of insurance, proof of income (such as pay stubs or employment letter), Social Security Number, acceptable method of payment for due-at-signing, and any trade-in documents. If applying with a co-applicant, bring their identification and income documents as well. For business leases, bring your Tax ID/EIN, proof of address, proof of business insurance, and a letter of authorization on company letterhead. These are the key documents needed to buy a car or lease one, and they summarize what to bring to buy or lease a car.

What is the 90% rule in leasing?

In consumer auto leasing, the “90% rule” is an accounting concept used to classify leases: if the present value of lease payments is approximately 90% or more of the asset’s value, it resembles a purchase (a finance or capital lease). For shoppers, this rule is a reminder that if your total lease cost gets very close to the vehicle’s price, you may want to compare leasing versus buying to see which offers better long-term value.

What is the biggest downside to leasing a car?

The biggest downside for many drivers is that you don’t build ownership equity and you’re limited by mileage and wear guidelines. Exceeding mileage limits or returning a vehicle with excessive wear can result in fees, and ending a lease early can be costly. However, leasing can provide lower monthly payments and the ability to drive a newer vehicle more often—our team can help you weigh the pros and cons for your situation.

car buying checklist

5 Essential documents needed to buy or lease

Driver's license

Valid driver's licence.

Proof of Insurance

Active valid insurance policy required to drive away.

Proof of income

Pay stubs are valid proof of income.

Trade-in Information

Title or payoff information, registration, and all sets of keys.

Payment method

Acceptable methods include cashier's check or a credit card if needed for down payment or other fees.

Buy or Lease a New GMC Today

At Gerald Jones GMC, our goal is to make your visit and checkout process as easy and convenient as possible. By preparing the documents needed to buy a car, we can get you in and out the door and onto the streets around Graniteville, SC, Evans, GA, and North Augusta, SC, as quickly as possible so you can enjoy the best part of getting into a new vehicle—getting behind the wheel. If you’re still wondering what do I need to buy a car, our experts will walk you through exactly what to bring to buy or lease a car.

Contact our team today to start the buying or leasing process today!

*Source: NerdWallet

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