5 Questions to Ask a Dealer About a Used Car

Purchasing a new car can be a tall order, especially if it is used. There is a lot of information you will need to know, and the dealer should be able to answer any questions you have. Here are five questions to ask a dealer about a used car.

What’s the vehicle’s accident history?

Knowing the vehicle’s history before you purchase the car is incredibly important. This will give you an idea of any work that needs to go into it, which plays into how much you can afford to pay for it. The amount of work that it needs can dictate the price too, lowering it if there’s a lot to be done. Also, consider what you can get repaired on your own. For instance, if you are looking at an Acura and there is a scratch on it, you can get Acura touch up paint and repair it on your own.

Is financing available?

A vehicle may seem high price-wise, but it can be far more affordable if you opt for a financing option. This means you can pay a certain amount per month as opposed to all at once. However, you have to take interest into account, which can bump the price a bit. The point is to know your options, so you can take care of it financially. It may be cheaper if you offer cash, so ask about that as well.

Is there a trade-in option?

It’s important to know how much you can get for the car you already own. Trading it in can make the whole process a lot easier. That is why one of your questions should be whether you can trade it in to the dealer. This way, you can get some money taken off your purchase.

How long can a test drive be?

You also want to take the vehicle for a drive, so you can see if you even like driving it. This also allows you to find out if there is anything else wrong with the vehicle. Dealerships should let you test drive the vehicle. Ask how much time they will allow you to give it a drive; this can potentially be overnight if you want extra time with it.

Is there anything included?

You should always ask if there is anything included with the purchase. This comes during negotiations, but there is a chance the dealer can include new tires or other equipment with the purchase if you notice that it is needed. This way, you can get the best deal possible.