The dealer told me he needed info for "Homeland Security" WTF?
He handed me a credit application. I filled out my name, address and employer info and that is it. I did not sign the document. I didn't authorize a credit check or any of that bu*****t the form asks for.
They took my personal check on Sunday and delivered the car on Monday.
When it comes to filling out the paperwork, don't devulge and don't sign.
there is such a provision, but it deals with large sums of cash money. you get the same scrutiny when you arrive into the US when you fill out the customs form or when you open a new bank account with a large cash deposit. however, it does NOT apply to purchases of new vehicles. that's horse****e. i bought 2 cars in January. never saw such a document nor have i ever.
Thank you all for your swift replies in support of my point. I don't think that any of this information is anyones business if I am not seeking financing. Furthermore, some of it should not be required for financing.
Just to be clear because I may have been confusing when I first posted this message, I am not really talking about a cash purchase as in greenbacks. I am not planning on taking actual cash to the dealer as in 160, 100 dollar bills. so the irs form for cash purchases over $10000 really is not at issue either.
I should have stated that I am not seeking financing. I will either write a personal check or cashiers check for the purchase. When I explained this to the sales person he did not back down. I can't find anything on the internet about a dealer requiring my mother's maiden name to purchase a car. Not to mention that they want 2 references. Am I applying for a job or the right to drive a car?
I am still confused as to why the dealer needs this information.
Here is his response
Yes, unfortunately whether or not you provide me with the info ahead of time, you will have to before we can complete your delivery. I like to get as much filled in ahead of time so that it makes the delivery quick and easy when you arrive. Otherwise I have to spend time inputting it while your here waiting. And yes, this is the standard for any car purchase whether or not you are applying for finance with us. The DMV needs most of the information for registration purposes and after 9-11 the government has gotten much more strict when purchasing anything large like a car.
I had the same thing with the last two cars I purchased. My smart at Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills and my Prius at a Toyota dealer. Filled out the credit app. even though I was paying by check in full. In the case of the Toyota I was negotiating the deal, using dealer credit usually helps in getting about 1% back since they get back points from financing. After getting the price, I tell them how I'm going to pay. In the case of the smart they new up front that I was paying by personal check.
They both ran credit reports on me. I don't think that's too awful since I am leaving them with a piece of paper that's a promise to pay and isn't turned into real money for about a week. If the check bounces, then I just financed a car with their bank.
The first 5 and # 22, if they need to run a credit check a SS# will be used. But have fun with the rest of the answers,
How much can we put on a credit card when buying a smart? I am sure the MB dealer has done auto repair work that has cost close to the price of my smart, and I have always paid my repairs on credit cards.
How much can we put on a credit card when buying a smart? I am sure the MB dealer has done auto repair work that has cost close to the price of my smart, and I have always paid my repairs on credit cards.
$5000 was the max at Mercedes Beverly Hills, $3000 max at the Toyota dealer. I asked, since I have a line to cover the whole thing, no way, they said. At BH Benz you could imagine the rich and famous pulling out the Black Amex card for their Maybach!
How much can we put on a credit card when buying a smart? I am sure the MB dealer has done auto repair work that has cost close to the price of my smart, and I have always paid my repairs on credit cards.
Most dealers limit the credit card to $4,000 or $5,000 as they want to avoid the bank fee. That might be a good way to do a doc fee charge back, put the max on your credit card and then mail the check to the credit card company as soon as you get home.
They are probably setting you up for financing. The dealers make a significant profit when they sell you their finance plan. This way they can run a TRW on you and be ready to go with the full court press when you are handed over to the guy selling credit life, disability,rustproofing,paint glaze, etc..... It's a profit thing.
I'd be asking them to show you exactly which law it is that requires that info. Sounds like the guy at the dealership is just doing what he always does... getting the financing info ready. If he has a problem with it, go up the management chain until you get to the owner of the dealership.
I have found that many, MANY people are using 9/11 as an excuse for a lot of rules and policies.
I'm frankly sick of it. I have caught so many people doing this it is ridiculous. Sometimes it is laughable....when it is....I just make things up.
I just bought a new car with a personal check and they didn't need any of this extra info....and they did not run a credit check...I would know if they did.
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