If you don’t know anything about cars, it can be tricky to know what to ask when buying one, especially with a car salesperson looking to make their commission. Do not worry, we’ve got you covered, and you can ask all the right questions when you’re buying a car thanks to this helpful guide.
Does it meet your needs?
The first thing you need to figure out when buying your car is what you’ll be using it for. Will it be your primary mode of transport to commute to work, or will it be a secondary car? Figure out how you want this car to make your life easier then let your dealer know, and they should fix you up with the perfect vehicle.
It’s worth asking your dealer if the car comes with four-wheel drive, especially if you live somewhere that gets snow in the winter. Four-wheel drive is the safest way to get around and ensure you stick to the roads, so if safety is a priority, make sure to ask for it.
What are the common repairs?
No car can go forever without needing some basic repairs, and the car you’re about to buy will be no different. It’s important to get an understanding of what’s going to cause your car to go into the repair shop from time to time. Ask the dealer what the common repairs are on the vehicle you’re looking at to see if you can afford the running costs of keeping it on the roads.
Check the warranty
With repairs in mind, make sure to check how long the warranty lasts on the car if you choose to buy it. Most manufacturers back their work, and some cars can come with warranties of up to seven years. You don’t want to buy your car only to have to spend twice as much in the next couple of years on repairs because the warranty has run out.
When asking how long the warranty is, you should ask what it covers. Some will cover any fault found in the car, while others will only cover the fundamental parts, like the engine. Anything that can be attributed to wear and tear can be excluded from your warranty.
Find out the miles per gallon
The biggest expense your new car comes with is the gas you put in it. You’re going to need to know how much putting the go juice in is going to cost, so make sure your dealer fills you in. Cars that don’t get many miles to the gallon are going to cost you a lot of money in the long run. If you’re trying to save as much money as possible, it’s important to find a car that’s going to make your cash go further in the long run.
These are the essentials you’ll need to ask at the dealership when buying a new car. If you need a little more time to make a decision, some dealerships will hold the vehicle for you overnight to allow you to sleep on it.
