What Are Good Questions to Ask When Buying a Car From a Dealership?

Buying a car, whether it’s your first or your tenth, can be an exciting but daunting process. It’s a significant investment, so asking the right questions at the dealership is essential to ensure you get the best deal and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important questions to ask when buying a car from a dealership, helping you make an informed decision with confidence.

Why Asking Questions Is Crucial at a Car Dealership

The car-buying process involves more than just picking a vehicle you like and signing on the dotted line. By asking the right questions, you not only uncover hidden costs but also get a clearer picture of the vehicle’s condition, history, and long-term costs. It also helps you gauge the dealership’s transparency. After all, a reputable dealership will welcome questions and provide detailed answers to help you make an informed choice.

If you’re ever in a situation where you believe a car has serious issues post-purchase, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car.

What Is the Total Cost of the Car?

One of the first and most important questions you should ask is: “What is the total cost of the car?” The price you see on the car’s sticker is rarely the final amount you’ll pay. There are often hidden costs, such as VAT, registration fees, dealer preparation charges, and additional extras like extended warranties or service packages.

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying a new car, but clarifying the full cost upfront ensures there are no surprises when you reach the payment stage. This way, you can avoid feeling blindsided by unexpected expenses and walk away with a clear idea of what the car will actually cost.

For more details on the best way to handle payments, check out our guide on how to pay for a car at a dealership.

Can I See the Car’s Full Service History? (For Used Cars)

If you’re considering a used car, this is a vital question. The car’s service history can reveal a lot about its past life – whether it’s been regularly maintained or if it’s experienced significant issues, such as major repairs or accidents. Ask to see the full service record to understand how well the car has been looked after.

Be wary of cars that have gaps in their service history or have been through multiple owners in a short space of time. These could be red flags for potential future problems. It’s always better to walk away from a deal that feels uncertain than to regret the purchase later on.

Are you looking to buy a new used car? Contact us today and we can help you