When buying a car, everyone wants the best deal. But you can’t just walk into a dealership and expect them to give you "their best price". This is not the time to fall in love with the car and ask questions later. Fortunately, there are questions that you can ask that will tell you if this is a vehicle worth your time. Today, we'll share 5 questions that smart buyers ask. These can also help you figure out if the car you're interested in is a good deal and a solid investment.
1. What is the final price?
On top of the regular price, be aware of hidden fees. These can include taxes, add-ons, or extended warranties. Beyond that, it can be stressful once these fees start to add up.
That said, instead of asking "How much?", ask for both the final price and a full breakdown of that final price. This way, you can recieve the exact amount of what you'll be paying for.
2. How many miles does it have?
Car mileage matters. It impacts your vehicle's reliability and value. A car with high miles may need maintenance and repairs sooner rather than later.
We recommend choosing a vehicle with low mileage that fits your budget. For example, a 5-year-old car with 75,000 miles is normal, but any more, and it would be too high for the model year.
Smart buyers know that the less wear and tear there is, the better.
3. Was this car ever in an accident?
When a vehicle has been in an accident, it lowers the resale value and can say a lot about its reliability. These cars are typically priced lower and undergo inspection to show that they are safe to drive.
If you are looking to buy a used car, it's always smart to ask for the maintenance records.
At Kernersville Dodge, we are a Carfax top-rated dealer. CarFax lets you view vehicle maintenance records. These records show if the vehicle has been in an accident, has open recalls, is in need of maintenance, and more.
4. Is the car inspected and/or certified?
Whenever you go to buy a used car, you'll want to find out if it's certified.
To qualify as certified pre-owned, these vehicles have to meet certain criteria. So, they have a reputation for being extremely reliable.
And even if the vehicle isn't a certified pre-owned, ask for a pre-sale inspection anyway. This will ensure that your vehicle is road ready.
5. How long has it been on the lot?
Have you ever been car shopping online and noticed one that has been on the lot for a long time? This is not a coincidence.
A vehicle's price, condition, and popularity are all factors that go into how long it stays unsold. If the vehicle has been on the lot for longer than 60 days, there is always a distinct reason why. However, it's important to note that those reasons don't always have to do with vehicle condition.
Don't be afraid to ask the dealership why it's been on the lot for such a long time. That one small reason could be an opportunity to save big.
Asking these questions at the dealership are essential to becoming a smart buyer who knows how to get a good deal. Now that you know what questions to ask, check out our blog on 4 hidden car buying costs you've probably overlooked so that you know what to look out for when purchasing your next car.
