Buying a new car can be an intimidating process, especially if you’re thinking about buying a used car or truck. But as the old saying goes, knowledge is power. Being prepared with insightful questions will help ease the process of working with a car dealership, and will also help you feel like you’re making a smart decision.
Here are three not-to-miss questions for when you walk onto the lot:
Do you have the service records?
If you’re looking at a used car and don’t want to gamble, the car you buy must have service records. These records are like a key to the puzzle of a car – you want one that’s had routine service, undergone any necessary work at major mileage milestones (50,000 and 100,000 miles) like new tires or belts, and preferably a car that’s been owned by just one previous owner. Learn more about the importance of researching a used vehicle’s history.
Do you know if these were highway or town miles?
When looking at a used car, it’s okay to consider a vehicle that has more than the recommended 10,000 miles per year if you know what kind of miles the vehicle logged. High mileage “fleet cars” are often good, cheaper choices because these miles are generally logged on interstates. Interstate driving, where a car is maintaining a constant speed, is easier on vehicles than surface road driving.
Do you have any comparable cars in the same price range?
Always look at more than one car, and preferably test drive at least two when shopping for used cars. This will give you some understanding of the different interior conditions, mileage readings and trim packages you can get for your money. If you drive two cars of the same make and model, you’ll also get an idea of any difference in driving performance that might help you make a decision, or at least notice any discrepancies.
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be hard. Working with a reputable dealership who will honestly answer your questions will go a long way in helping you make a good decision.
