The process of buying a new or used car requires many steps from research to purchase. Once you have decided on the type of vehicle that best fits your budget, it’s time to find the best deal possible. In many cases, buying a used car gives you the best value in a 3-5 year window. Depending on how many miles you drive and the resale value of the car, you can save a significant amount of money on your upfront or down payments. While shopping for the best used car deal, ask your dealer the following questions. Asking the right questions will help you find a good car and negotiate the best price.
Do You Have A Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?
The certified pre-owed vehicle (CPO) deals are very popular because they are usually well maintained with great warranties. Many of these vehicles come off of lease deals from the same dealership. Dealerships might try to sell you on a non-certified vehicle. However, these vehicles may not receive the same level of inspection. This could lead to mechanical and services issues later on. If available, ask for the price of the CPO vehicle. At the minimum, it will give you some leverage to negotiate the price down. Or, it could give you a better deal on the same vehicle with peace of mind for less sophisticated car buyers.
Is There Warranty Coverage On The Vehicle?
Car buyers should understand the costs of maintaining the car in addition to buying it. Ask the sales representative to go over what is covered in the manufacturer warranty. For cars that are 2-5 years old, you might still have significant coverage for car repairs. Otherwise, the dealership might offer a warranty. According to Conklin car dealership, “We provide warranties with the cars we sell, knowing that you are getting the best car for your money.” However, if there is no coverage, request the representative to consider lowering the price. By learning about the existing warranty coverage on the vehicle, you can have the option of saving money in the long term or on the immediate purchase.
How Many Previous Owners Had The Vehicle?
Many reputable dealerships already know the history of the car. They should be able to tell you how many previous owners had the vehicle. If they are unable to provide you with clear information, you can look up the CarFax with the vehicle’s VIN number. In fact, many used car dealerships will provide the CarFax for free. Ideally, the car should have less owners with no major accidents. If you notice that the car has had several owners, it could be a red flag for issues in the future. Find out how many previous owners had the vehicle in order to find a great deal.
Can I Have The Vehicle Inspected By A Mechanic?
Once you have found a car that you’re serious about purchasing, ask about having the vehicle inspected. While some dealerships perform their own inspections, a third party mechanic can provide assurance about the condition of the vehicle. A trustworthy dealer should have no issues with having the vehicle checked. They might be willing to drive the vehicle to a nearby mechanic. Or, you can have your mechanic come to the seller’s location for the inspection. In either case, you can avoid man risks of buying a used car by doing an inspection before completing the purchase.
What Is Your Cash Discount For The Vehicle?
After negotiating on the value of the car, condition and dealership fees, inquire about the cash discount. Usually, dealerships are willing to offer a substantial discount if you are paying cash for the vehicle. You might be able to secure an additional 5% off the price of the vehicle. Moreover, you can remind the dealership that they don’t have to do any additional paperwork for approving and agreeing to financing terms. To save a little bit more on the vehicle, ask about the cash discount right before closing the sale.
These questions will reveal important information about the vehicle and give you leverage to negotiate a better deal. A CPO vehicle typically comes with a higher level of inspection and warranty. Meanwhile, you should find out the warranty details and ownership history. If possible, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to avoid any problems. Then, after negotiating the lowest price possible, ask for the cash discount. With these questions, you will have an easier time finding a reliable car at a great price.
