Vital Questions to Ask at Car Dealerships

Purchasing a new vehicle is fun and exciting, but it’s also a big financial commitment that requires a lot of time and consideration to get right. Rushing to purchase a new car because of a time-limited deal or buying a used car because of its unusually low price is a mistake. Take your time to ensure the car you’re buying is going to fit your needs and ask the car dealership some pointed questions long before any money changes hands.

What Does the Warranty Cover?

If you’re at a new car dealership or at a used car dealership that offers a limited warranty on used vehicles, it pays to understand the warranty options open to you.
Most new cars come with a car warranty that lasts up to three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ask the dealership if there are separate warranties for different parts of the car, as this can often be the case. A “bumper to bumper” warranty covers virtually everything on the car, whereas a powertrain warranty only covers a subset of mechanical parts.
In some markets, manufacturers offer even longer standard warranties to both signify their confidence in their vehicles and lower customer hesitation at purchase. Still, it pays to do your own research into how often a brand has recalls and how much you’re likely to pay out of pocket for defects and issues that are not covered by the warranty.
Carefully consider extended warranty options. They can be a good deal if you plan on keeping the vehicle past the manufacturer’s warranty period, but they are also a place where some car dealerships will try to upsell a product you don’t need.

Where Was the Vehicle Sourced From?

Start by asking the dealership where they got the vehicle from. It will give you an idea of how much the salesperson really knows about the vehicle. It will also help you better paint a picture of the type of cars the dealership sources and how they make their profits from used vehicles.
A used car for sale at a dealership could come from a trade-in for a new vehicle, from an auction, from scouring the internet for bargains, from a life as a demo unit, from another used car dealership, or from a rental car fleet.
You might decide you don’t want a vehicle that has previously been used as a rental car, or at least expect a hefty discount. An ex-demo vehicle, on the other hand, can be a great way to get a nearly new car that’s been well looked after at a discount.

Does the Vehicle Have a CARFAX Report?

There are some things that a basic maintenance history report can’t tell you. For real peace of mind, you need a third-party vehicle history report such as a CARFAX report.
A third-party vehicle history report can show you title information, expected mileage, number of previous owners, accident and damage history, and recall information.
Unbeknownst to you, the vehicle could have had serious accident damage in the past. You might notice that a previous owner was a commercial company, suggesting the car has been through more wear and tear than initially thought.
If the mileage on the odometer is drastically different from the CARFAX report, you should reconsider the purchase.
Most reputable used car dealerships will offer you CARFAX reports on all of their vehicles for free. If they don’t offer this service, walk away.

What Are the Common Repairs Required for This Model?

Asking the salesperson outright what can go wrong with a model can be a good way to understand what you’re buying and who you’re buying it from.
Perform some research yourself beforehand so you know the general wear-and-tear issues people are reporting and see whether the dealership is forthright about potential issues.
Ask about the long-term costs of repairs and maintenance once any limited warranty has run out so you can be prepared for them and factor them into your calculations.

Does Anything Need to Be Repaired?

Check the repair report of the specific vehicle in question and see if you can identify any trends. If there’s something that looks like it could be an ongoing issue, walk away.
Take a close look at the vehicle yourself to identify any small issues like rips in the interior or scratches on the mirrors. You may be able to get a discount on the price or for the dealership to repair these issues free of charge.

Are There Any Additional Fees?

Sometimes used car dealerships will include additional fees not mentioned on the car price you agree. Before you agree on any price, ask about whether additional fees will be added for processing, cleaning, accessories, repairs, delivery, sales tax, etc. These can appear small compared to the overall price of the vehicle but a dollar is a dollar, so ensure you know what you’ll be paying from the get-go.