Five Important Questions To Ask A Used Car Dealer

Many people still consider buying a used car to be something of a crapshoot. They roll the dice, and maybe they get lucky. While it is true that some degree of uncertainty always exists in these transactions, there are ways to minimize the risk of getting stuck with a lemon. With that in mind, here are five questions you should always ask a car dealer before you buy a secondhand ride.

1. Where Did You Get It?

When a dealership accepts a trade-in, they almost always have it inspected beforehand. But when they buy vehicles at auction, they don't have the same luxury. As such, it is generally riskier to purchase a used car from a seller who bought it at auction. Knowing where they acquired the automobile can therefore help you reduce the risk of unseen automotive issues.

2. Do You Have Service Records?

When a vehicle is properly serviced and maintained, the risk of major mechanical issues is quite low. It is no wonder secondhand rides that come with full sets of service records often cost considerably more than those that lack them. Examining these records before you buy may also give you insight into recurring maintenance issues. Perhaps, for example, the car has brake problems that require regular attention. For obvious reasons, that would be something you would want to know before you shook on the deal.

3. Can I See The Vehicle History Report?

Asking a car dealer if a particular automobile has been in an accident is notoriously unreliable. For one thing, the seller may not have that information; and for another, he or she may be reluctant to divulge that info unless absolutely necessary. To get around this sometimes touchy subject, simply ask for the vehicle history report. If the seller cannot or will not provide one, it's probably best to walk away.

4. Can I Take An Extended Test Drive?

While a short, twenty-minute spin may be sufficient for a new vehicle, it is not long enough to get to know a used one. In addition to a thorough inspection, you will want to take the vehicle on an extended test drive that includes several different road types and surfaces. Taking these trips with a salesman by your side can be distracting. In order to focus all of your attention on the automobile, it's often a good idea to request an extended, overnight test drive. As long as you provide proof of insurance and a copy of your driver's license, the dealer may let you take the vehicle overnight.

5. What's Your Best Price?

Instead of trying to negotiate down from the asking price, you might simply ask the car dealer to give you his/her best price up front. Because shoppers rarely take this expedient approach, salesmen are sometimes unprepared for how to deal with it. They might even offer you a rock-bottom figure to keep negotiations brief. But even if they offer a price you aren't comfortable with, you can always negotiate for a better one. In other words, you don't lose anything by asking this question at the outset.

Use these simple, straightforward questions to get a good deal on pre-owned autos.