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Questions to ask when buying a car Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make better financial choices by offering you interactive financial calculators and tools, publishing original and objective content. We also allow you to conduct research and compare data for free to help you make sound financial decisions. Bankrate has agreements with issuers such as, but not limited to American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money The deals that are displayed on this website are provided by companies that pay us. This compensation may impact how and when products are featured on the site, such as such things as the sequence in which they be listed within the categories of listing, except where prohibited by law. This applies to our mortgage and home equity products, as well as other home lending products. But this compensation does have no impact on the information we publish, or the reviews that you read on this site. We do not include the entire universe of businesses or financial offers that may be accessible to you.

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4 min read Published October 13, 2022

Authored by Rebecca Betterton Written by Auto Loans Reporter

Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She specializes in assisting readers with the ways and pitfalls of using loans to buy a car.

Editor: Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are passionate about helping readers feel confident to control their finances with clear, well-researched information that break down complex subjects into bite-sized pieces.

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The key to driving off the dealership happy with the purchase is to be able to identify the right questions to ask. To advocate for your wallet and your needs, you must prepare with a list of difficult questions and be ready to leave if you can’t get satisfying answers. Otherwise, you won’t receive the best price when buying a vehicle. There are questions to ask all dealers, whether you choose to purchase a brand new or used, there are three top general questions to ask your dealer before going to meet them for a handshake. Can I test drive the car? It’s difficult to tell if a vehicle is the right fit until you adjust the seat and feeling for the handling capabilities. Be sure to pay attention to the way the brakes feel, and also if you see the vehicle able to meet your requirements and daily routines. If you’re able then ask to take the vehicle to your garage or parking space to see if it fits the way you want it to. Some dealers will allow you to keep the vehicle for a night to check it out on your day-to-day routine. What is the warranty in the automobile, if there is one? Warranty covers certain damages that the vehicle suffers as well as wear and wear and tear. For new vehicles, manufacturer warranties cover the most serious problems but you’ll have to cover regular maintenance. Certain used vehicles might still be covered by their original warranty or new warranty when you opt to purchase certified pre-owned (CPO). If there is a warranty in place, you can save a significant amount on repairs in the future, based on how extensive it is. If there’s not any warranty, it’s worth looking into whether an extended warranty or gap insurance are options. However, these can be costly and often not needed, so consider your needs carefully before asking a salesperson about it. What are the additional costs associated with the purchase of this vehicle? No matter what vehicle you choose to buy make sure you are prepared to pay additional charges. In your state, you may be required to pay fee for transfer of title and other charges which aren’t negotiable. The dealership may also have some set fees that you’ll have to pay. Although it may be tempting to finance those fees — and sales tax to your loan, avoid it if you can. After all, you should be careful not to borrow more than the vehicle is worth. Fees and taxes should be settled in cash if you’re able. Things to consider when purchasing an automobile for the first time The car market continues to thrive, and prices remain at an ever-high. Even if you consider yourself a veteran when it comes to there are still a few key points to cover to ensure that you get the best deal. You must ensure that the dealer can answer these questions prior to signing off on . What are the available terms for financing? Check for the from outside lenders. If you have excellent to good credit, you’ll be able find the best deal with an institution like a credit union, bank or online lender. Make sure you compare prequalification offer with the dealer offers. Are there any available rebates or incentives? In certain instances you could qualify to receive a rebate or incentive when you purchase a new vehicle. This perk generally reduces your purchase price after taxes.These range from deals during certain times of the year to deals for specific categories, such as veterans or students. What is the documentation fee for this car? The documentation fee or “doc fee” is the cost that dealers charge to cover the costs of concluding the sale contract for you. Contrary to some of the fees associated with a new vehicle purchase the document fee cannot be bargained. Some states set a limit on how much dealers can charge. If you’re in a state that does not set a limit, you could be charged up to $600 . Questions to ask when buying a used car Despite the cost increases on used cars due to shortages of inventory, buying used does come with perks. However, it is more risky if you don’t know the background of the car. If you intend to inquire about the history of the vehicle, there are some questions you could ask to make sure that you’re buying a vehicle in good condition. Have you been involved in any accidents? There aren’t any accidents that can be traced in a car report. Therefore, you must ask whether your car was involved in any accidents and how it was later repaired. You should inquire about the time the accident occurred and if there have been any repairs after the accident. What number of owners has this car been through? Ideally, you want a used car that had two or more happy owners rather than a car which was given to several drivers. A car with a long ownership history is an indicator that the car has problems that need to be addressed. Also, you should inquire as to how the dealer acquired the vehicle. The trade-in vehicle may not have the full history attached, while an earlier rental has been regularly maintained — when it was driven more than a privately owned car. Do I need to have the vehicle checked with my mechanic? A request for an inspection is a fantastic final step in your questioning procedure, but make sure you only ask if you know you’d like to purchase the car pending the outcome of the inspection. It can assist you in determining the confidence of the dealer in the vehicle and having an experienced pair of eyes to examine the vehicle over can assure you that you’re getting what you are paying for. The bottom line Aside from conducting your own research about the kind of car you’re looking for and comparing for the best deal on financing, it’s essential to know the right questions to ask before heading to the dealership. Arrive at the dealership with a concrete plan and a list of the best concerns to inquire about. Also, you’ll have the information needed to make an informed decision whether you’re signing the contract or deciding to walk away to search for an alternative that is more affordable. Learn more

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Authored by Auto Loans Reporter

Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She has a specialization in helping readers to navigate the ways and pitfalls of using loans to buy a car.

Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate from late 2021. They are dedicated to helping readers gain confidence to take control of their finances through providing precise, well-studied data that breaks otherwise complicated topics into bite-sized pieces.

Auto loans editor

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