When it comes to transactions, the individual with the most information wins. That is particularly evident when you’re looking for a vehicle! So if you’re considering purchasing a Honda Civic, you need to learn all that you can about–you got it–Honda Civics. And what’s the quickest way to learn about a car? You ask! Ask your friend at work who owns a Civic. Ask the car salesperson at the dealership. Then, you’ll get all the answers to your questions.
Are you wondering what kind of questions you should ask? We are glad we have the answers to your questions! Here are top-notch questions for you to ask the salesperson (and yourself) before you decide whether or not to purchase their used car. Then, you can drive off the lot, knowing you’ve found a reliable set of wheels.
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What to Do Before Buying a Used Car?
Before buying a pre-owned car from a private individual or a dealer, you should:
- Test drive the vehicle under varied road conditions–on hills, highways, and unpredictable traffic.
- Request the vehicle’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or mechanic’s shop.
- Determine the value of the vehicle before you negotiate the purchase.
- Examine the maintenance costs for models you’re interested in, including the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs.
- Check the vehicle using an inspection checklist. You can find checklists in magazines, books, and on websites that deal with used cars.
- See if there are any unrepaired recalls on a vehicle.
What Questions to Ask?
At first, buying a used car can seem like a daunting experience. But if you know the right questions to ask and have the correct information at your disposal, you can navigate the process almost and with confidence.
1. Why are you selling the car?
Asking this is a good way to get to know the seller and understand the reason for their desire to sell the car. They may have had a life change, like having their first child, and need an SUV instead of that two-door car–in which case their loss is your gain! But if they become evasive or quickly change the subject, small red flags should start waving wildly in your mind. They may be trying to cut their losses with a car that has been giving them headaches.
2. How old is the car?
Due to depreciation, most new cars lose 60% of their value after five years. You can use the car’s age–and how that particular make and model loses value over time–to your advantage when you’re negotiating for a better price.
3. How long have you owned the car?
The longer someone owns a car, the more they can tell you about it. If the seller has been driving their car for a while without many issues, it could be a sign that the car is quite reliable! But if someone is trying to sell a car after owning it for only a year or less, they’re probably not satisfied with the car for some reason.
4. What is the car’s current condition?
You’ll want to inspect the car yourself, but pay attention to what the seller says. This is the seller’s opportunity to disclose any problems they’ve had in the past, any current issues, or defects in the appearance. You want to:
- Look out for scratches, dents, and rust on the exterior of the car.
- Check if there are cracks on the windshield. Do the headlights seem hazy or discolored? Are the rearview and side view mirrors clear and functioning correctly? Check each wheel for scratches and make sure they are not bent. Inspect the tires as well to ensure they don’t need replacement before you purchase the car.
- Get a free review of a car’s history. Consider hiring a professional mechanic to inspect the car.
5. What is its mileage?
Mileage is important. Once you know how old the car is and how many miles are on it, you can figure out soon if the seller has been pushing their set of wheels too hard.
6. Is the car under warranty?
When a private seller is selling a car with no warranty, that means there’s no guarantee on the car. Once you drive it off the lot, you’re responsible for dealing with any defects or malfunctions that need fixing.
7. May I inspect the interior of the car?
Now it’s time to step inside and take a look. You will spend a lot of time in the driver’s seat! Check if there are tears from the family pet or coffee stains on the seats. Does it smell like a giant ashtray? Are there food wrappers littering the floor? These are all things to consider and will reveal how well or poorly the car has been maintained.
8. Does it have mechanical issues?
The engine is the main thing you want to look at. Check the engine compartment to make sure it’s clean with no leaking fluids. You’ll also want to ensure the car will pass a smog and safety inspection that many states require.
9. Can I request an independent inspection from a mechanic?
Take the car to a professional mechanic to make sure everything is in working order. If the seller is hesitant to allow your mechanic to do an inspection, chances are they’re trying to hide something serious.
10. Do you have the car title?
Whether you’re buying from a private seller or a dealership, never drive off the lot or pay a single dime without having the vehicle’s title on hand. No title, no deal! It’s a small inconvenience, but you can have the bank directly transfer the title to you if you buy the car. And be sure to review the title as well before agreeing to purchase the car.
Why Buy a Used Car?
There is an ongoing debate about buying a brand-new or a used car. If your goal is utility and savings, you should buy a used car for much greater reasons. Here’s why!
1. Cut Back on Depreciation
Brand-new cars typically depreciate around 20% when they are driven off the lot. Most cars will lose another 10% in value during the first year. That’s a 30% loss in value during the initial year of ownership. A $30,000 car generally loses $9,000 in value during that period. You can avoid that hit by buying a one-year-old used car.
2. Minimize Insurance Expenses
A significant factor in determining the cost of auto insurance is the value of the car. Since a used car has less value than a newer model, the cost of insurance should be less. More money can be saved because certain components of car insurance can be dropped.
3. Cut Down Registration Costs
Just like with car insurance, the fee that states charge to register a vehicle is often based on the vehicle’s trade-in value. And many states are increasing registration costs in an effort to generate more revenue. Buying a used car is an effective way to stunt those increases.
How Do Used Cars Affect Insurance Premiums?
When you switch vehicles, don’t overlook what it may mean for your car insurance bill! If you’re trading in your car for a much newer model, your insurance costs will likely go up. Ask the seller if they are willing to share how much they are paying for car insurance so you can learn about how much it’ll cost to insure the car. However, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to reach out to an independent insurance agent before buying a used car.
Paying in Full Versus Financing
You have two options: paying all the funds upfront or financing over the long term. Financing increases the overall cost of the car when you also account for loan charges, such as interest and other fees. Consider the amount you will put down, the monthly payment, the term (like four years), and the annual percentage rate (APR). The rates are higher, and the financing terms on used cars are more limited than new models.
Final Thoughts
By asking the seller these inquiries, you’ll acquire knowledge of what’s occurred over the lifetime of your next possible vehicle and what kind of speculation you’ll need to make in the years to come. Outfitting yourself with this data will help you settle on a confident and educated choice about whether the vehicle you’re taking a gander at is the correct one for you.