Whether you’re in the market for a new or used car, you’ll want to ask the right questions when visiting your dealership. Choosing the right car is an important decision that can affect both your lifestyle and wallet — and knowing what to ask beforehand can help you get it just right. From questions about price ranges, safety features, financing options, and more, here are some key questions that will ensure you’re making an informed purchase when buying your ideal car!
1. How Much Is the Car?
One of the most important questions you should ask your dealer when buying a car is how much it costs. This may seem like an obvious question, but it’s important to get a clear understanding of the total cost of the vehicle, including any fees or taxes. By asking this question upfront, you can avoid any surprises later on and make sure that you are getting a fair deal.
2. How Long is the Warranty & Does It Cover Any Maintenance?
When purchasing a car, it’s important to consider the warranty that comes with it. A car is a significant investment, and you want to ensure that you’re protected in case anything goes wrong. One of the most crucial questions to ask when buying a car is the length of the warranty and what kind of maintenance it covers, if any.
New cars typically come with free labor charges for the first few scheduled services so you don’t need to worry about the initial labor charges of servicing your car. A car warranty typically covers repairs for a certain period after purchase, which can vary depending on the manufacturer or dealership.
Warranty for Used Cars
While used cars typically don’t come with a warranty, you can ask the dealership if they have an extended warranty program. All CARSOME Certified cars come with a one-year Gold Warranty Plan as standard that covers the engine, transmission, and air conditioning. For even more protection, you can upgrade to the Platinum Plan to cover more components for extra peace of mind.
Read More: How to Claim Your 1-Year CARSOME Extended Warranty
3. What Are the Safety Features Available?
When it comes to buying a car, safety is one of the most important factors to consider. Fortunately, modern technology has made significant advancements in car safety features, providing drivers and passengers with added protection on the road. From airbags to lane departure warning, there are a variety of safety features available that can help prevent accidents and minimize injuries in the event of a collision.
Most modern cars come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that include autonomous assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and even parking assist. So be sure to find out the features that the car has before you settle on it.
4. What Other Features Does It Have?
We often focus on the main features like engine performance and safety. However, there are other features that can greatly enhance our experience while driving. For instance, smaller details such as the location and accessibility of the charging port or cup holder can make a big difference for you and your passengers.
Connectivity features such as wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, can help you easily control your navigation and music without fumbling with your phone. These seemingly minor features can actually make a big difference in the day-to-day use of your vehicle.
5. Can I Test-Drive the Car?
It’s important to make sure that the car you’re interested in is the right fit for you. One way to do this is by taking the car for a test drive and seeing if it feels comfortable and suits your needs. Fortunately, most dealerships offer the opportunity to take a test drive before making a purchase. This allows you to get behind the wheel, experience how the car handles on the road, and see if it meets your expectations.
During a test drive, you can ask questions about features and specifications that matter to you. If you’re buying a used car, this is the opportunity to find out if the car has any engine, mechanical, or handling problems as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for one – it could save you from making an expensive mistake down the road.
6. Do You Have the Car’s Maintenance History?
When it comes to purchasing a used car, one of the most important pieces of information to gather is the car’s maintenance history. This refers to the service records and repairs that have been performed on the vehicle throughout its lifetime. Having access to this information can provide valuable insights into the car’s overall condition and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it.
7. Has It Been in Any Accidents?
One of the most important questions to ask before buying a used car is whether or not it has been in any accidents. Accidents can cause damage to the car that may not be immediately visible, but can have long-lasting effects on its performance and safety. As a result, it’s important to find that out before making a purchase.
All cars sold on CARSOME have been thoroughly inspected by our qualified inspectors to rule out major accident, fire, and flood damage, so you can rest assured when you buy a CARSOME Certified car.
8. Does It Have Any Problems or Damages?
It’s normal for a car to encounter problems and damages over its lifetime. From minor paint damage to more serious mechanical issues, these are problems that can appear in a used car. When buying a used car, make sure you determine if it has any defects, and the severity of them, if any. A car with minor cosmetic damages such as small scratches or faded interior upholstery isn’t really a dealbreaker as these things don’t affect its safety and performance. In fact, they could be points to help you lower the car’s price.
Accessing the Inspection Report of CARSOME Cars
At CARSOME, all cars come with a comprehensive report covering the condition of 175 inspected points including critical mechanical components such as the brakes, engine, and steering. You can find this report on each of our listings or simply request our CARSOME Consultants to help you with it.
Example of the inspection report on CARSOME’s car listing page
9. What’s the Age & Mileage of the Car?
The age and mileage are two of the most important factors that determine a used car’s value. Its age and mileage can have a significant impact on its condition, performance, and overall worth. While some buyers may be hesitant to purchase a car with high mileage, others may see it as an opportunity to get a good deal.
While the age and mileage of a car are important considerations, they don’t make or break a car. As long as a car is properly maintained and driven responsibly, it can last for well over 100,000km and still serve you well. That’s why it’s important to view the car in person and take it out for a test drive. A test drive will allow you to evaluate the way it drives and notice things you wouldn’t if you just inspected the car without driving it.
Read More: 6 Car Inspection Industry Secrets Shared by CARSOME Inspectors
10. Do You Have Any Discounts or Promotions?
When it comes to purchasing a new car, every penny counts. That’s why car manufacturers and dealerships often offer a variety of promotions to help you with your purchase. Be sure to ask the dealer for any available discounts or promotions as you never know what’s the latest available deal.
If you’re looking for a used car from CARSOME, you can look out for the latest promotions on our website or app. You can also ask the CARSOME Consultant at our Experience Centers for available deals to get even more savings when you buy from us.
11. Are There Special Financing Terms?
Buying a car is a significant investment, and finding the right financing option can make all the difference. Fortunately, many car dealerships and lenders offer special financing terms to help you get behind the wheel of your dream car without breaking the bank.
Car financing deals can include promotions such as low-interest rates, cashback offers, or easier loan approvals. These can help you save money on your car loan and even help make it easier for you to secure a loan.
Shopping for the best car loan can be a tedious process. That’s why at CARSOME, our friendly consultants can help you handle all the paperwork for your loan application and let you know of any available financing promotions so you get the best deal possible.
12. Can You Deliver the Car to Me?
If you live far from a car dealership or don’t have the convenience of collecting your car in person, you can often ask the dealership to deliver the car to you. Be sure to ask them if that’s an option and if it comes with any cost. When you buy from CARSOME you can choose to collect your car in person at your chosen Experience Center or opt for a home delivery where we’ll deliver the car to your doorstep at absolutely no cost!
Experience the Trusted Way to Buy a Car at CARSOME
Buying a vehicle at CARSOME is more than just about choosing and booking your car online. When you walk into our Experience Centers (ECs), our CARSOME Consultants are always ready to assist and answer any questions you may have. Whether you need to know more about a particular car, available financing options, or how to complete your purchase, they’re always happy to help.
Our ECs are a one-stop center where you can get your car inspected before you sell it, browse available cars, go for a test drive, and of course, collect your next car. Appointments and walk-ins are available so do drop by for a free consultation whether you plan to sell your car or buy a new one.
So what are you waiting for, find your dream car on CARSOME or download our app today.
