A car is a pretty big investment. Not only is it going to cost you a decent chunk of Money, but if you opt for monthly repayments, that’s a big commitment for a long time – you need to make sure you’re choosing the right Vehicle when you buy one so that you feel the money is worth it and you don’t regret your costly mistake. 

That’s why it’s important to ask questions when you see a Dealer to buy a car (or ask those same questions of the private seller if that’s the route you’ve gone down). Only by asking questions and getting the answers can you really make an informed decision, and although your own research is always going to be important, those questions are crucial. With that in mind, read on to find out what kinds of things you should be asking.

What’s The Vehicle’s History? 

One great question to ask when you’re buying a used car (it’s not something that’s relevant when you buy a new one) is what the vehicle’s history is. Ask the current owner or the dealer if you can see the service book to check that it’s had regular services while it’s been on the road, and you’ll quickly see whether or not the vehicle has been taken care of. If it hasn’t, then it might be best to steer clear, just because you don’t know what could go wrong. 

You’ll also need to check online whether the car has been in any accidents. Although this doesn’t mean you have to walk away, it’s wise to get a gauge about how serious the damage was – you might be able to get the price reduced for one thing, and for another you might find the car isn’t actually meant to be driven, which would save you a lot of problems when you can to insure it. 

What Extras Come With The Car?

This question is one you can ask a dealer, as you might be able to get some nice extras thrown in to sweeten the deal. Remember, there are some things that are extras in some dealerships and for some makes and models and not in others, so do your research; there’s no point in asking for Hyundai roadside assistance, for example, if that already comes as standard.

Before you get to the dealership, make a list of all the extras you’d like to have so you’ve got some room to bargain when the time comes. You’re probably not going to get them all, but you might get some, and that’s better than nothing – you and the dealer can be happy with the result. 

What Are The Ownership Costs?

When you buy a car, the first and maybe only cost you’ll think about is the purchase price. That makes sense because you need to know the car is going to fit with your budget and if you’re borrowing the money to buy the vehicle, you need to know that you’ll be able to pay it back (and that you can get the funds in the first place). 

However, there are other costs to think about, such as how much fuel will cost each month, what the road tax is, how much parts and servicing is, and so on. Unless you know what these costs are, you’re not going to be entirely sure you can afford the car, so asking before you sign any contact is crucial.