Along with the loan agreement, the car purchase order is one of the most important documents in the car buying process. It is your agreement with the dealer on the final cost of the vehicle. Going through the items line by line ensures that you agree with the final figure, which will be the amount you will pay in cash or financials.

Purchase orders to buy your car typically show your personal information at the top and the various dollar amounts that are added and subtracted from the vehicle’s sales price in a linear, top-to-bottom format. The top figure is usually the sale price of the car. The following are the most common items you’ll see added or subtracted:

• Refunds

• Discounts

• Commercial assignment

• Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)

• Extended warranty

• Additional protection (eg paint, tires, etc.)

• Any additional equipment or custom parts added to the vehicle

• Distributor fee

• Taxes

• Registration and title fees

• Exchange payment

• Deposit

Before getting involved with the details of the purchase or financing of the vehicle, review the purchase order and verify that no additional products or services were added. Have those items removed and a new car purchase order printed.

This would also be the last chance for you to negotiate a better trade allowance, rebate and discount – give it a try. You never know. Dealer, registration and title fees are generally non-negotiable. The reward for the exchange is not either. Again, any changes must result in a new printed purchase order.

Remember, take the time to review and fully understand what constitutes the end result. Once you are satisfied with the purchase order, sign it and proceed with the purchase or financing of the vehicle.