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Hi!

I am looking to buy a new 2009 Nissan Maxima. I found a dealer who was good to work with in my area, but he does not have inventory of the exact car that I want. He says the car I want is available with another dealership with whom he can do a dealer trade and get the car I want.

However, he is asking that I sign a sales contract/purchase order BEFORE he does the dealer trade. I am not comfortable in signing a document without seeing the ACTUAL car first. I am concerned that if for some reason the car he gets to his lot is not satisfactory to me I cannot get out of the deal. Is what the dealer is suggesting legal? Do I have any recourse? I heard from others that most dealers will just ask for a deposit to get the car and not a sales contract.

Any input is appreciated!  

We had done this once, and committing to the sale seems to be a requirement before they'll do a "find" of the car.  They have to transport it, etc, to the dealership so they aren't going to do that unless you're sure you are going to buy.

One thing I'd recommend, is look for the car yourself online, and make the trip to the dealership that has the exact car.  Most dealers list inventory online.  You might be able to get a better deal, and you never want to buy a car that you haven't driven.  Or at least driven something almost identical.

We had bought a Saturn once.  Test drove the 5 speed because its the only one they had on the lot, and bought an automatic because that is what the wife wanted.  We had to order it.  Let me tell you, the automatic was horrible compared to the 5 speed.  Worst car I ever owned.  Often times dealers will try to convince you that you don't need to drive the exact model, but don't listen.  Make the effort to drive to a dealer that has the car.  

You get it yet?

I've bought from dealerships and they're not that tough, the one thing they don't like to see is a contract of your own.

That's right, make up a brief contract on a piece of notebook paper stating the fact that if for any reason your unhappy with the car that the contract is null and void. If you put money down, list that it will be 100 percent refundable.

Now that, put the ball back in there court, if they won't agree then move on. Like the last guy said in his post, look it up online or ask the loser  where he found it.

Good Luck  

If you like the dealer you are already ahead of the game. The contract is not enforceable in the state of CA where I live until you take delivery. In fact, here you must leave the dealership's property with the car. It's hard for the dealer to trade with another dealer. If you go to the other dealer you will start the music all over. It is said that people do not shop for a car they shop for a salesman. If they are giving you a good deal then show the good faith. Make sure that your area also has a non-enforceable contract until you take delivery law. Then make your decision. This is not an uncommon practice.
AOC