Purchasing a car isn’t something one should take lightly. If you want to find a vehicle that actually suits your lifestyle and one that won’t leave you pinching pennies after your monthly payments go through, check out this list of handy questions to ask before you make a purchase. Plus, see our bonus list of used car buying tips at the bottom of the page.
What is my spending limit?
Not just monthly either, but for the total amount you’ll spend paying for a car during your finance term.
Is my credit going to negatively impact my interest rate?
If you have a low credit score, it may be worth taking a little time to work on raising it. Various tips from reputable sources are available online, some of which offer advice regarding how you can raise your credit score quickly.
Are the cars I’m looking at still under warranty?
If you’re purchasing a used car, investing in an extended warranty is highly recommended, such as MPP’s Platinum Vehicle Coverage which is available through our dealership. Contact us for details.
Am I going to have to pay more for insurance?
To make sure you don’t encounter any unexpected surprises, it’s best to contact your car insurance company before you buy. This way you can find out ahead of time if there will be a change in your rate based on your prospective car’s make, model, year and features. If you’re looking for the cheapest car to own, a spike in your rate may alert you to change your buying decision.
Will I be traveling long distances regularly?
If you love to take road trips or have a rather long commute to work, a car or SUV with good fuel economy should be high on your list. In addition, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a car that offers comfort for long rides; features like lumbar support should be considered.
Will my children’s car seats fit in the backseat easily?
There are many car seat reviews which grade cars based on how easily they can fit child safety seats. KBB.com offers graded reviews, for example. You can even bring a car seat along for your test drive to try it out for yourself.
Will I hit my head every time I enter the car or have trouble seeing over the dashboard?
Basically, is the car you’re looking at right for someone of your physical stature? It’s important to choose a car that offers comfort and safety whether you’re above or below average on the height scale. For example, shorter folks may want a car with a driver’s seat that can move up and down height wise, while taller folks may want to look at cars with plenty of leg and headroom.
BASIC USED CAR BUYING TIPS
In addition to asking yourself the questions above, make sure you follow these tips when looking for used cars, trucks or SUVs.
- Don’t play the radio on your test drive. You need to listen for audible warning signs that could mean the car needs to be repaired.
- Don’t buy a car that you haven’t test driven. Some experts even recommend test driving a car twice to make sure it’s right for you.
- Do check out Carfax reports to see if there are any known issues with the car, such as structural damage.
- Do pay close attention on your test drive and take notes that you can refer to later.
- Try out various buttons and systems. For example, run the AC, check to make sure the power windows work, pop the hood and so on.
