FAQ
1. About Global Trade Automotive
What does Global Trade Automotive do?
We help clients lease, buy, sell, and source vehicles without the normal dealership back-and-forth.
Tell us what you're looking for. We search the market, negotiate behind the scenes, handle the paperwork, and coordinate delivery. We work through our dealer network, franchise dealer relationships, buyer network, and industry contacts to make the process faster and more transparent.
Are you a dealership or a broker?
Both, in a sense. Global Trade Automotive is a licensed California auto dealer that operates as a private brokerage and automotive concierge.
We sell select pre-owned, luxury, exotic, and specialty vehicles directly. For most brand-new vehicles, we source and negotiate the deal, and the final sale or lease is completed through an authorized franchise dealer. Either way, you work with us from start to finish.
Do you have a showroom? Do I need an appointment?
We operate by appointment. There is no walk-in showroom.
Our business is built around sourcing, negotiation, delivery, and private client service instead of a traditional lot. For select vehicles, in-person viewing is available by appointment. Showings, pickups, and drop-offs are scheduled in advance.
What makes GTA different?
We shop every dealership so you don't have to.
You tell us the car. We find it, negotiate it, and deliver it. No sitting in a finance office, no back-and-forth, no pressure.
2. Finding and Buying a Vehicle
Who is the selling dealer, and do you own the cars?
It depends on the vehicle.
Some vehicles are owned and sold directly by Global Trade Automotive. Others are sourced through franchise dealers, third-party dealers, wholesalers, private sellers, auctions, or our buyer network.
Ownership, availability, selling dealer, pricing, and terms are all confirmed in writing before any paperwork is signed. The final paperwork will always show who the selling dealer is.
Do you sell brand-new cars?
Yes. We help clients lease, finance, or purchase brand-new vehicles through authorized franchise dealers.
We handle the search, the pricing, and the negotiation. Final paperwork, approvals, rebates, and delivery are typically handled by the selling dealer.
Can you get any car?
We can search for almost any make or model, including rare specs and hard-to-find builds. That's most of what we do.
Availability is a different question. Some vehicles are sold, in transit, limited production, marked up, or dealer-restricted by the time a client is ready to move. We'll tell you straight if something isn't realistic.
Is vehicle availability guaranteed?
Not until the vehicle is secured and confirmed in writing.
Inventory moves fast, especially on rare specs, exotics, discounted units, aged inventory, loaners, and high-demand vehicles. Once we lock a car in, you'll have it in writing.
Do I ever need to go to the dealership?
Most clients never set foot in one.
Occasionally a dealer, lender, DMV, bank, or manufacturer requires an in-person signature or identity verification. If that comes up, we'll tell you in advance.
3. Pricing, Fees, and Payments
Are prices and payments guaranteed?
Quotes are estimates until the deal is finalized in writing.
Final pricing depends on vehicle availability, lender approval, manufacturer incentives, taxes, registration, credit tier, and transport. Payments depend on money factor, interest rate, residual value, rebates, fees, down payment, mileage allowance, and lender programs.
Nothing is locked until the vehicle is secured, approvals are complete, and final paperwork is signed.
Do you guarantee the lowest price?
We don't make that promise, and we'd be skeptical of anyone who does.
What we offer is access, negotiation, sourcing, and time savings. We compare deals across our dealer network and negotiate on your behalf so you're not doing it alone. On most deals it costs you nothing to have us do it.
Do you charge a service fee?
Most of the time, no.
On brand-new vehicles, we're typically compensated by the selling dealer. That costs you nothing and doesn't change your price.
A client-paid fee applies on a limited basis, usually hypercars, allocation vehicles, very rare specs, and hard-to-get builds where the sourcing itself is the work. If a fee applies to your deal, you'll know the exact dollar amount in writing before you commit. Your brokering agreement also states whether we're being compensated by the selling dealer.
What if I back out after a vehicle is secured?
Once a vehicle has been secured, held, transported, or inspected, or paperwork has started, any deposits, fees, transport costs, inspection costs, or third-party charges may be non-refundable.
Some vehicles require a deposit to hold the car. Deposit and fee terms are always explained before you pay anything.
Who pays taxes, registration, and DMV fees?
Those are the client's responsibility unless stated otherwise in writing.
Final amounts vary by vehicle, state, county, lender, and dealer.
4. Financing and Leasing
Do you run my credit?
Not without your authorization.
We collect the information needed to submit a credit application to the appropriate dealer, lender, or finance department. Final approval is handled by the lender, bank, credit union, or selling dealer.
Do you guarantee financing or lease approval?
Approvals come from the lender, not from us.
Interest rates, money factors, residuals, lease terms, and payments are all subject to the lender, selling dealer, credit profile, income, and verification. We'll structure the strongest deal we can and be honest with you about where you stand.
Who reviews the final paperwork?
You do. Before signing, review the price, payment, taxes, fees, rebates, mileage allowance, payoff, warranty, vehicle details, and delivery terms.
We're happy to walk through any of it with you, but the final review is the client's responsibility.
5. Delivery, Transport, and Out-of-State
Do you deliver vehicles?
Yes. Most vehicles can be delivered to your home, office, or another approved location.
Availability depends on the dealer, location, paperwork, funding, transport, and scheduling.
Are delivery times guaranteed?
Delivery windows are estimates.
Weather, traffic, carrier availability, funding, DMV processing, and dealer delays can all move a date. We keep you updated as things change.
What if a vehicle is damaged during transport?
Transport is handled by third-party carriers, and damage claims go through the carrier or transport company. Delivery timelines, delays, and claims are subject to their terms.
We help coordinate the claim when possible, but Global Trade Automotive is not responsible for third-party carrier damage or delays.
Do you handle out-of-state deals?
Yes, and we do them regularly.
Out-of-state purchases involve extra steps including shipping, title work, taxes, registration, emissions rules, lender requirements, and DMV processing. We'll map out the timeline before you commit.
6. Used, Luxury, and Exotic Vehicles
Do you inspect used cars?
We review available photos, history, options, mileage, condition, and seller information on every vehicle.
For used, exotic, or specialty vehicles, we recommend an independent pre-purchase inspection. We'll help coordinate one.
Are used or exotic vehicles sold as-is?
Some pre-owned, exotic, wholesale, and specialty vehicles are sold as-is unless a written warranty, factory warranty, or service contract applies.
Warranty details are listed in the final paperwork.
Do you guarantee vehicle condition?
We provide the most accurate information we have, but final condition should be verified by the client or an inspection company.
Photos, descriptions, history reports, option lists, and window stickers don't always show every detail.
Are vehicle history reports and listings always accurate?
No. Carfax, AutoCheck, and service records are useful, but they don't catch everything. Prior paintwork, repairs, accidents, frame damage, glass replacement, and title issues may not appear immediately or at all.
The same goes for online listings, dealer descriptions, window stickers, and option breakdowns. Errors happen. Review the final vehicle and paperwork before signing.
Do modifications affect the deal?
They can. Aftermarket parts, tuning, wraps, wheels, exhaust, suspension, and paintwork may affect warranty, emissions, financing, registration, resale value, and buyer interest.
Disclose any known modifications so we can factor them in early.
7. Selling Your Vehicle
Do you buy cars from customers?
Yes. We buy select vehicles directly and also connect vehicles with buyers in our network.
How does the selling process work?
Send us your vehicle information, VIN, mileage, photos, payoff if any, and condition details.
We review the car, check current market data, and give you our best offer. If you accept, we verify title, payoff, ownership, condition, and paperwork before payment and pickup.
Is my offer final?
Offers are subject to final inspection and verification.
An offer can change if mileage is higher than reported, damage or title issues surface, the payoff differs, or there are undisclosed mechanical problems, warning lights, modifications, missing parts, or accident history. Accurate information up front means the offer holds.
What if I still owe money on my car?
Not a problem. We work with vehicles that have a loan or payoff.
Final purchase depends on lienholder verification, payoff amount, title status, and funding. Any negative equity is the seller's responsibility unless agreed otherwise in writing.
When do I get paid?
Payment timing depends on title status, lien payoff, bank verification, signed paperwork, and vehicle pickup.
Same-day payment is available in some cases but isn't guaranteed until everything is verified.
What do I need to sell my car?
Valid ID, title or payoff information, registration, keys, owner information, VIN, mileage, and signed sale documents.
Additional documents may be required depending on title status, lienholder, state, or business ownership.
What about personal items in the car?
Remove everything before pickup or delivery. Global Trade Automotive is not responsible for personal belongings left in the vehicle.
8. General
Do you work with dealers, wholesalers, and brokers?
Yes. Dealers, wholesalers, brokers, and repeat clients are welcome.
All transactions require proper paperwork, verified funds, and clear communication.
Do you provide legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice?
No. Speak with your own professional about taxes, deductions, insurance, titling, business purchases, or legal matters.
9. Disclaimer
All pricing, payments, approvals, offers, trade values, delivery timelines, vehicle availability, vehicle condition, taxes, fees, rebates, incentives, selling dealer information, and deal terms are subject to change until finalized in writing.
Global Trade Automotive may act as the selling dealer on certain vehicles and may also facilitate transactions through franchise dealers, third-party dealers, wholesalers, private sellers, lenders, transport companies, and other third parties.
Clients are responsible for reviewing all final paperwork, vehicle details, pricing, taxes, fees, warranty information, and terms before signing. For full terms, see our Terms and Conditions page.