When you buy a used car instead of a new one, you let someone else take the hit on depreciation during the vehicle’s first few years. That means you can pay a whole lot less for a used model and get more value for your money. One of the best tips for buying a used car is simply to ask the right questions.
When it’s time to start shopping for your next car, make sure you know what questions to ask at the dealership. Here are five critical questions you should always ask before buying a used car from a dealership.
1. Do you take trade-ins?
If you have a car or truck, you’re willing to trade, doing so could significantly reduce your purchase price if the dealership accepts trade-ins. You can get a better cost to own, and you don’t have to worry about selling your vehicle on your own.
2. Can I test drive the car?
Once you find a car you like, and before you talk about cost, ask if you can test drive the car. Any reputable used car dealership should be happy to let you take it for a spin. You get to check out the car to see how it fits, and you get assurance the dealership is providing reliable vehicles.
3. Where did you get the car from?
Used cars can originate as trade-ins, demos, auctions, rental fleets, and other sources. While finding an affordable, dependable car you enjoy driving is your first priority, knowing where your car came from is a nice plus.
Knowing some history of a car can help you make a better-informed decision and help in obtaining an accurate maintenance history.
4. Have you done any repairs or maintenance since you’ve had the vehicle?
Used cars can sometimes be up for sale for months, so the dealership may have performed repairs or maintenance. This information is essential because it can indicate less maintenance and repairs coming out of your pocket.
5. Do you offer in-house financing?
Some established, reputable used car dealerships are able to provide in-house financing. Commonly referred to as Buy Here, Pay Here dealerships, these businesses feature the convenience of buying and financing your used car from a single source.
That means no wondering if you’ll get approved at another lender, just a simple, streamlined process that gets you into a car you love quickly.
