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4 min read Published October 13, 2022
Written by Rebecca Betterton Written by Auto Loans Reporter

Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She is a specialist in helping readers to navigate the ins and outs of securely taking out loans to buy a car.







The edit was done by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are dedicated to helping their readers feel confident to take control of their finances by providing concise, well-studied and well-researched content that break down complex subjects into bite-sized pieces.









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The best way to leave the car lot pleased with the purchase is to know the best concerns to inquire about. In order to protect your wallet and requirements, prepare with a list of tough questions -- and be prepared to walk away if you can't get satisfying answers. Otherwise, you won't receive the best price when purchasing a car. Questions you should ask all dealers, whether you are buying a either used or new, there are three main questions to ask your dealer before you go to meet them for a handshake. Do I have the opportunity to test drive the car? It's difficult to tell if a vehicle is a good fit unless you alter the seat and get a sense of the handling abilities. Take note of the way the brakes feel, and see if the vehicle fitting all your needs and day-to-day routines. If you're able to, ask the dealer if you are able to take it in your garage in a parking spot to see if it fits right. Some dealerships may even allow you to store the vehicle overnight to test it through your daily schedule. What warranty is on the vehicle, if there is one? Warranty covers certain damages caused by the vehicle and wear and tear. For new cars, manufacturer warranties cover the bigger issues -- though you will still need to pay for regular maintenance. Certain newer models could still come with their original warranty or new warranty when you opt to buy certified pre-owned (CPO). If there's a warranty present, you could save money on repairs in the future, based on how long it's. Even if there's no warranty any warranty, it's worth looking into whether extended warranties or gap insurance is an option. However, these can be costly -- and frequently not required, so consider your needs carefully before speaking with a salesperson about it. What are additional charges associated with the purchase of this vehicle? No matter what vehicle you choose to buy, you should be prepared to pay additional fees. The state you live in may require fee for transfer of title and other costs that are non-negotiable. The dealership may also have certain fees you must pay. While it might be tempting to just add these costs and sales tax to your loan, avoid it if possible. After all, you should be careful not to borrow more than the vehicle is worth. Taxes and fees must be paid in cash, if you are able. Things to consider when purchasing an automobile for the first time The automobile market is still thriving, and prices remain at an ever-high. Therefore, even if feel like a seasoned veteran in the field of buying a car, there are some essential points to be aware of to ensure that you receive the best price. You must ensure that the dealer can answer these questions before signing off on . What are the current terms for financing? Check for the from outside lenders. It is likely that if you have excellent to good credit, you'll be able to get an even better rate through a bank, credit union or online lender. Be sure to check the prequalification deals with what the dealer offers. Are there any available incentives or rebates? In some instances you could qualify for incentives when you buy a brand new car. This will generally reduce your purchase price after taxes.These vary from discounts offered during certain seasons to special offers for certain groups, like veterans or students. What is the documentation cost for this vehicle? The documentation fee or "doc fee" is the cost that dealers charge to cover the costs of signing the contract for you. Contrary to some of the fees associated when you purchase a brand new car, the documentation fee cannot be negotiated. Certain states have a limit on the amount that dealers may charge. If you're in a state that doesn't allow this, you could end up paying as much as $600 . What questions should you ask before buying a used car Despite the price increases for used cars because of shortages in inventory, buying used does come with perks. Still, it can be more risky when you aren't aware of the history of the vehicle. If you intend to inquire about the history of the vehicle, there are some questions you should ask to ensure that you're getting an excellent vehicle. Was this car involved in any accident? The cause of all accidents cannot be found in a vehicle history report, so you should ask outright if your potential car has been involved in accidents and how it was later repaired. You should inquire about the time the accident occurred and if there was any subsequent repairs related to it. How many owners has this vehicle had? Ideally, you'd like a pre-owned car with two or more happy owners rather than a car which was given to several drivers. A car with a long ownership history is a major red flag that the vehicle is in need of repair. unresolved issues. It is also important to inquire about which dealer purchased the vehicle. A trade-in may not have an extensive background, whereas the previous rental may have been regularly serviced , especially if driven harder than a privately owned vehicle. Can I get the car inspected with my mechanic? A request for an inspection is a great last step in the questioning process , but you should only ask if you know you'd like to purchase the car pending the inspection results. It will aid in determining the confidence of the dealer in the car and having an experienced pair of eyes to examine the vehicle will assure you that you're getting the best you pay for. The main point is that aside from researching the type of vehicle you're looking for and comparing to get the best price on financing, you must know what questions to ask before heading to the dealership. Arrive at the dealership with a specific plan as well as a list of most pertinent concerns to inquire about. Also, you'll have the information needed for making an educated choice to sign on the contract or deciding to walk away in search of a better deal elsewhere. Learn more


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Written by Auto Loans Reporter

Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She is a specialist in helping readers with the ways and pitfalls of borrowing money to purchase an automobile.



Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate from late 2021. They are dedicated to helping readers gain the confidence to manage their finances through providing concise, well-researched and well-constructed information that breaks down complex subjects into digestible pieces.






Auto loans editor




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