How common is it for a broker not to send you any paperwork until after you’ve paid the (excluding the broker fee) fees or signed the contract at delivery. I’m talking even the basics—no dealer “pencil,” no worksheet, nothing—just a monthly number and a promise the full contract will appear later. Even with the money factor and so on, all i want is a factory invoice,or that first-page lease breakdown so I can confirm the numbers. I understand they need to secure the vehicle, but surely they can get the VIN and papers before you sign the contract?
Is withholding that normal these days, or is it a red flag and I should walk?
are there any hackrs in the Northeast that will show the invoice well before signing the contract?
Not making excuses for anyone, but the big reason brokers are so protective/secretive is because they don’t want buyers to go behind their backs directly to the dealer and skip paying the broker fees. Some dealers will say nice try, and some may not even care
Just knowing the VIN and even the MSRP is a big clue to where the car is. But if you’ve paid the broker fee, they should be able to provide anything you’re looking for.
Bold move comparing yourself to a backstabber like Scar lol.
@gwcoug, that’s normal. If you noticed, most brokers do not post specific cars like @IAC does.
In my experience, it usually goes like this. 1. I call/text the broker and agree to price and terms. 2. Pay the broker. 3. Dealer contact is made so now you do the credit application and get window stickers. 4. Confirm numbers at the dealership while picking up the car.
We’ve had cases where brokers got killed in reviews for numbers not matching up whether it was a dealer/broker error or malice and most of the brokers on the forums don’t want that.
A broker is also promising you a term, payment and due at signing (if anything), they aren’t necessarily promising you HOW that number will be achieved. It’s possible that a rate bump and/or F&I product might be necessary in order for the dealer to do that number. Giving all that information in the format a dealer presents it can just overly complicate things. If you want to haggle you should deal with a dealer on your own. If you’re happy with the deal the broker is offering then the specifics shouldn’t really matter to you.
Brokers should be able to provide you with a spec sheet without VIN and the financial breakdown (or a LH calculator if from here) prior to paying the fee. That’s been my experience. If it’s a one off unique car or limited supply (i.e. some of the Porsche CPOs), that might/will be a different situation which is what IAC_Scott is most likely alluding to.
It is fair to expect a lease breakdown or dealer pencil before paying anything. While some brokers wait until delivery for full docs, no info at all is a red flag. Plenty of reputable brokers in the Northeast will share basic numbers and a VIN upfront.
Giving out the lease breakdown could lead to the buyer bypass the broker and going directly to the dealer. I think it is reasonable to only provide monthly and DAS before the broker fee, and then giving the rest of the numbers after the broker fee.
I doubt anyone shares a VIN till your completely signed up. If the payment and das is what you wanted, why do you need a whole breakdown or dealer pencil ahead of signing up ?
I’m in CA. Bought 2 cars from 2 different brokers. Everything / all the prices and numbers were on line. Did not sign anything. Honestly I literally drove home the car and asked the broker when do you want to get paid?
