When you look for a used car, you're likely to have some questions for the dealer.
Of course, some used car sales representatives would rather you not ask certain questions. But if you want a good car that helps you avoid wasting money , you might have to ask them anyway.
Here are a few questions you should consider asking.
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1. What's the best price I can get?
You will probably have to negotiate with a salesperson, and at some point, it’s fine to simply ask for the best price you can get.
Before doing so, it’s a good idea to check sites such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get a general idea of what the market will bear.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. What can you tell me about the car's history?
It’s important to know about the good and bad in a car’s history before you buy it. You want to know how the car was treated by previous owners.
A salesperson may be willing to disclose whether the previous owner was careful about oil changes and tire rotations. However, they might be less forthcoming if the car had issues that could stop you from buying it.
3. What is my trade-in's real value?
It’s a good idea to consider a trade-in if you want to get some additional credit toward the purchase of your next car.
Salespeople may not want to give you the true value of your vehicle, or they could lowball you. That’s why it’s good to check sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for an estimate of the value of your car.
Just remember that trade-in value will likely be less than what you find in these guides.
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4. Has this car been wrecked?
Car crashes can cause either superficial damage or more serious issues that could affect the longevity of the vehicle.
Of course, dealers know that you might hesitate to buy a car that has been in a crash. That’s why they don’t like this question.
5. Has this car been stolen?
Buying a vehicle that once was reported stolen can cause you headaches after you purchase it.
It’s important to ask if the vehicle has been previously stolen and to make sure the title is “clean” and has not been given a salvage title.
6. Can you provide me with the vehicle history report?
A vehicle’s history report can tell you a lot about the car when it comes to repairs, maintenance, and other issues.
You can request a history report using the vehicle identification number. Carfax and AutoCheck can help.
However, a dealer should also have this report available for potential buyers. If they're hesitant to give it to you, you should probably consider it a red flag.
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Sometimes, a vehicle is on a used car lot because it has issues the previous owner didn’t want to deal with, such as a major repair or costly maintenance milestone.
A car dealer should be transparent when you ask about car issues. You can also ask about having an independent inspection if you don’t feel comfortable with simply taking the dealer’s word for it.
8. What service work did you perform on the car?
A used vehicle should have some basic work before being handed off to a potential new owner. Be wary of a dealer that doesn’t want to disclose any work it has completed before making the car available.
Work can include everything from a thorough cleaning to maintenance that’s due or even repairs.
9. Why are your prices so high?
It’s a good idea to comparison shop when you are buying a new car and check on prices for similar models at different dealers.
There may be a good reason for a car costing more at one place than another. Or, there could be a less justifiable reason why a used car salesperson may not want to explain the difference.
This is a question you might not want to ask the dealer directly, but instead ask it quietly to yourself.
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10. Are you charging me hidden fees?
Hidden fees frustrate used car buyers. Ask the salesperson for a breakdown of the vehicle's costs, including any fees.
Dealers might not like disclosing such fees, but they're obligated to do so.
11. Can you match other financing offers?
Dealers not only make money when they sell you the car, but they can also make a little extra by getting you to finance the vehicle through them.
It’s a good idea to check on other financing offers before you go to a dealer. You may be surprised by better options you can find through your bank or another financial institution.
12. Can I return the car if I don't like it?
Some dealers may actually allow you to return a vehicle if you don’t like it as long as you do so within a certain amount of time. Others may let you take the vehicle home for an overnight test drive.
Of course, testing out the car before the deal is done or bringing it back could also mean the sale doesn’t go through. That is why salespeople hope you don’t ask this question.
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Bottom line
It’s important to know exactly what you want to ask before going to a used car dealership to look for a vehicle.
Also, consider other ways to cut costs, such as shopping around so you save on car insurance or calculating maintenance costs and gas when deciding whether you can afford a particular vehicle.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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