Buying a new car is a huge deal and pretty exciting. Whether you’re buying a brand new, luxury car, or something simple and second-hand to get you from place to place, the purchase is an important one and you want to make sure you make the right choice.
Doing your own research before buying a car is important, but there’s always going to be someone who knows more than you do. This is why there are car salesmen around to help you make your decision. They can point you in the right direction, and once you’ve made a decision they can answer any questions you might have.
Here are some of the most important things to ask a salesperson before you commit to buying a vehicle.
What is the Total Cost?
Remember that the price tag you see on the car isn’t all you’ll be paying. Alongside the car itself, you’ll be paying administrative fees, registration costs, legal documents and various other costs. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you’ll be paying overall.
You’ll also need to personally consider other expenses like insurance, routine maintenance, licensing and registration, fuel, washing your car, and other minor expenses that add up.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
If you’re buying a brand new car, it should typically come with a warranty. Find out what that warranty will cover in terms of repairs, damage, maintenance and other issues that might come up. Also, make sure you know how long that warranty lasts and when it will expire – this will help you to budget in the future.
You can also find out regarding an extended warranty and how much that might cost. For example, a Nissan extended warranty is a great benefit following the general 3-year expiration date.
What is the Mileage?
When you’re buying second-hand, there are more specific questions you need to ask, such as the mileage. Knowing the mileage on a used vehicle can tell you a little more regarding what owning it will be like.
It can indicate what the wear and tear on the car is, how old it might be, what the resale value might be in a few years, and other key information.
What About Extra Benefits?
Some cars, when purchased new, will come with added, extra benefits that might sway you because they make the cost of the car more worthwhile.
For example, you might get extra benefits such as a 2 or 3-year service plan or even roadside assistance when you buy a new car. Certain luxury brands like BMW even offer a concierge service and 24-hour emergency assistance.
Where Was the Car Sourced From?
When you’re buying a second-hand car, you’ll want to know where the dealership got the car, and whether they know anything regarding its history.
For example, if the car has been in an accident before, it might be more inclined to have issues and need repairs sooner than you’d want to deal with these expenses; the more you know regarding a car’s history, the better prepared you can be.
