Buying a car is sometimes hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing exactly what you want and doing some research is half the battle. There are some questions you should ask not only yourself but the dealership when in the process of buying a car. Think about it hard (and give yourself time) before signing those papers and you’ll make sure you are happy.
Where is the nearest authorized repair center to my house?
This can be an easy or complicated question. Sometimes the dealership is a great place to take your car in to get it serviced but isn’t always the closest. Do your research when you pick the make of your car so you know before bringing it home. for instance, for our most recent purchase, there are only 2 authorized repair centers in Columbus. It is good to know before buying.
Can I have a test drive?
Don’t always rely on reviews that you’ve read to know about the car. It is best to try it out yourself before signing on the dotted line. Yes, you may love the way it looks but you have to drive it to make sure there aren’t any weird things that could take the fun away.
What is the length of the loan and what is the interest rate?
Whether you have financing for the car before you head in or you will be financing in the dealership, you’ll need to know how long you’ll be paying for the car and what the interest rate is. It is very important since both control how much you’ll be paying.
Has the car been damaged?
This isn’t always a “no” even if the car is brand new. Always ask and always check so you are aware before taking the car off the lot. You can also check the car facts before purchasing to make sure you are told everything you need to know.
What’s the warranty coverage?
You’ll want to know this just in case something happens to your car. It tells you whether or not if your car breaks down, if it is covered, or you’ll have to pay. Which is very important for your budget. The more you know, the better you can prepare.
How much is the car?
Simple question right? But important. Just as the interest rate and term change your payment, so does the price. Check deals before heading to the dealership so you can make sure you have the best deal. You may be able to lower the price just by asking.
Does this car make me happy?
A very important question to ask yourself before leaving the lot. Even if you are buying the car because you have to (maybe you need one right now), you’ll want to make sure this car is going to make you happy. If you aren’t happy with the car, you aren’t going to have fun owning it.
So, before you head off to the dealership to pick out that perfect Jeep Cherokee you’ve had your eye on, think about these questions to ask the dealership and yourself.
