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Don’t be intimidated when buying a used car from a used car dealer. Make sure you have done your homework ahead of time and know about the used car price and then use these Questions To Ask a Used Car Dealer.
1. If the car is certified, can I see the mechanic’s certification inspection?
Every certified car has to go through an inspection before it can be certified. Ask to see that paperwork to find out what was fixed. It’s a good piece of paper to hold onto for future problems.
2. Who was the vehicle bought from?
If it was a trade-in to that dealer, ask to see the maintenance records. Tell them they can cover the owner’s name and address. If it was bought at auction, make sure it is gone over with a fine-tooth comb by a mechanic who specializes in inspecting used cars.
3. Who certified a used car that is called certified?
The only certification that means anything is a manufacturer certified pre-owned car.
4. How long of a test drive can I take?
The used car market is somewhat cold. See if the dealer will let you take the car overnight for an extended test drive. Put it in writing that you won’t put more than 100 miles on the clock, prove you have insurance, and you’ll bring it back with a full tank (if you leave with a full tank).
5. Is a motorcheck report provided before purchase?
A reputable dealer will have no problem with this. A disreputable dealer might, or worse yet, might present a doctored report. Make sure the report’s vehicle identification number matches the VIN on the used car you’re looking at.
6. What is the dealers return policy?
High-pressure dealer will probably laugh at this question. However, a consumer friendly dealer may give you time to rethink the purchase and at least provide you equal value. No dealer is going to offer you cash back.
7. What is your best cash price for this used car?
Cash is king, even at used car dealers. Dealers try to make money off financing, but in any market, cash should get you a lower price. Figure to cut 5% off the price. Point out to the dealer it eliminates a lot of work on their end when you put cash on the table.
8. What new equipment comes as part of the purchase?
See if you can get the dealer to throw in a set of new tyres. A timing belt might be a nice touch, too, if the used cars mileage is approaching 100,000.
9. What service has the dealer performed on the used car since buying it
This helps you determine what value you’re getting for your money. Complete overhauls mean you won’t be dealing with service repairs anytime soon after buying the car.
10. Do you take trade-ins?
Excellent points you make there, as most of us will look at the vehicle and see its clean has good tyres NCT and overall looks pretty good, A lot of people wont ask the questions above and they are most important. Thanks