Top Five Questions To Ask Car Dealerships
One of the most expensive shopping trips you will ever take, shopping for a new car is something most of us do every few years.
In fact, about 55 million Americans purchased a new or secondhand vehicle in 2014.
That's about one-fifth of the total U.
S.
population! But, as common as the activity may be, most of us still make mistakes when we browse for a new set of wheels.
With that in mind, here are five questions you should always ask when you shop at local car dealerships.
1.
What Other Fees Will I Be Charged? While sales tax and registration fees are expected, many dealers also assess fees for performing their duties.
For example, many will add documentation fees to cover the cost of filing sales contracts and assorted paperwork.
If you believe you got a good deal, it may be best to let this fee slide.
But if you feel the price is still too high, you may want to ask the seller to waive this often negligible fee (usually less than $100).
2.
Can You Deliver The Vehicle? If you purchase an automobile from a seller in a different state, you may not have the time or the transportation to pick it up.
As a result, some car dealerships will deliver your new wheels for free, or for a small fee.
You can also make the deal contingent upon delivery.
3.
Can You Explain The Warranty? While it is true that most manufacturer warranties include the same buyer protections, it is important to understand thoroughly the coverage provided before you buy.
Therefore, you should not feel the least bit embarrassed about asking the seller to explain the document to you in layperson's terms.
4.
How Many Miles Are On The Odometer? With more and more shoppers buying vehicles online, the question of how many miles are on the car infrequently comes up because most sellers list the approximate number of miles.
Unfortunately, they rarely update those numbers.
So, when an Internet buyer receives their new ride, it could have far more miles on the odometer than was reflected in the approximation.
That is why you should always ask precisely how many miles are on the odometer before you agree to anything.
If that number is over 300, make you sure you negotiate a lower price.
5.
Where Is The Nearest Authorized Repair/Service Center? Even if the vehicle is brand new, it is important to have it serviced by trained professionals.
This may be more challenging if you purchase a less popular brand or buy from out-of-state car dealerships.
The good news is that most sellers will be happy to locate a reputable service station in your area if you ask them before you seal the deal.
Because they'll do just about anything to make you happy, finding a good repair shop near you shouldn't be a problem.
These five simple questions should help you get a better, more transparent deal the next time you stop at a few local car dealerships.
In fact, about 55 million Americans purchased a new or secondhand vehicle in 2014.
That's about one-fifth of the total U.
S.
population! But, as common as the activity may be, most of us still make mistakes when we browse for a new set of wheels.
With that in mind, here are five questions you should always ask when you shop at local car dealerships.
1.
What Other Fees Will I Be Charged? While sales tax and registration fees are expected, many dealers also assess fees for performing their duties.
For example, many will add documentation fees to cover the cost of filing sales contracts and assorted paperwork.
If you believe you got a good deal, it may be best to let this fee slide.
But if you feel the price is still too high, you may want to ask the seller to waive this often negligible fee (usually less than $100).
2.
Can You Deliver The Vehicle? If you purchase an automobile from a seller in a different state, you may not have the time or the transportation to pick it up.
As a result, some car dealerships will deliver your new wheels for free, or for a small fee.
You can also make the deal contingent upon delivery.
3.
Can You Explain The Warranty? While it is true that most manufacturer warranties include the same buyer protections, it is important to understand thoroughly the coverage provided before you buy.
Therefore, you should not feel the least bit embarrassed about asking the seller to explain the document to you in layperson's terms.
4.
How Many Miles Are On The Odometer? With more and more shoppers buying vehicles online, the question of how many miles are on the car infrequently comes up because most sellers list the approximate number of miles.
Unfortunately, they rarely update those numbers.
So, when an Internet buyer receives their new ride, it could have far more miles on the odometer than was reflected in the approximation.
That is why you should always ask precisely how many miles are on the odometer before you agree to anything.
If that number is over 300, make you sure you negotiate a lower price.
5.
Where Is The Nearest Authorized Repair/Service Center? Even if the vehicle is brand new, it is important to have it serviced by trained professionals.
This may be more challenging if you purchase a less popular brand or buy from out-of-state car dealerships.
The good news is that most sellers will be happy to locate a reputable service station in your area if you ask them before you seal the deal.
Because they'll do just about anything to make you happy, finding a good repair shop near you shouldn't be a problem.
These five simple questions should help you get a better, more transparent deal the next time you stop at a few local car dealerships.
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