Our sales process: what to expect when you’re buying a car from us

If you’ve never purchased a car before, you’re not alone. Making an investment in something this expensive will feel daunting for just about anyone! There’s nothing particularly mysterious about the sales process, but we’ve put together an overview of what to expect when you’re buying a car with ST Auto. The process will vary slightly depending on your sales rep, and whether you’re buying new or used. But what’s most important is that we’re here to help you make the best decision for your circumstances!

Important: find a car that suits your height!

1. Browse and test drive

So you want to buy a car. Maybe you want a secondhand car, or maybe you’re a shorter driver and need a car that fits you (no shame, we’re not the tallest folks around). Perhaps you’ve done your research and already have a car in mind––or you don’t know what you want yet, but you have a budget to work with. The first step is to drop by the ST Auto dealership and talk to one of our sales staff.

If you’re unsure of what you want, our sales staff will be delighted to help you choose a car based on your budget and needs, like whether you need something that’s good for longer road trips or everyday urban driving. They’ll also accompany you on a test drive, with all the usual pandemic safety protocols.

If you’re looking for a used car, be sure to examine it thoroughly! Check out our guide on what you should look for when shopping for a secondhand car.

2. Negotiations, discussions, decisions

You’ve picked a car, and now you have to pay for it. 💸 It’s time to discuss money with our sales rep! There are a number of factors to consider, such as how to get a COE (if it’s a new car), financing options (how much you’re able to pay on a monthly or yearly basis), and insurance packages.

Unless you’re really flush, payment won’t be completed on the same day. You’ll most likely need to look into financing options (here’s our guide on the subject) to pay for the car, which basically means deciding on which bank to take a loan from. Don’t forget to compare interest rates between the banks. Our sales rep will also walk you through insurance packages.

Don’t forget to chat to the salesperson about all available options––add-ons, or any possible upgrades or services they can throw in. This is Singapore, and we expect all our customers to negotiate a little! That’s all part of the process.

Once you’ve covered those subjects, you’re done for the day. The sales staff will spend some time talking to the banks and putting together the quotes for you, and send it to you via WhatsApp (or other preferred mode of communication). If you’re financing the car through a bank loan with one of our partners, your paperwork commitment is minimal, e.g. providing a copy of your ID and proof of work.

3, Pick up your car, and don’t forget to pay your taxes

When you’ve agreed to a quote, it’s time to lock down your purchase! We’ll arrange a date for you to come to our dealership, sign the required documents, and pick up your car. That’s it! Don’t forget to pay your road tax.

What if I’m leasing a car?

The sale process is fairly similar to the above, and payment is even simpler. You’ll only be making monthly payments to use the car, so bank financing isn’t necessary. Insurance is included in any leasing package, too. You’ll discuss the intended length of your lease, sign a contract, and drive away into the sunset.

Of course, you’ll need to bring the car in for servicing on the appointed dates, but these are all covered by the package unless there’s some serious damage. Our sales staff will be happy to walk you through the terms and conditions so you won’t have any nasty surprises.

Buying your first car? We’d love to help you out. Head on over to ST Auto for a chat and test drive with our friendly sales staff! Call +65 6464 9098 or email us at enquiry@stauto.com.sg