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If you’re thinking about beginning to look for a new-to-you car, here are some questions you should think about asking the dealer as you go around, seeing what is out there and working out if your budget is adequate for the kind of car you want.
Finance questions
Firstly, establish any financial questions that might arise. If you’re looking for finance to be able to afford a better car, get this out of the way before you pick a car and potentially set yourself up for embarrassment or disappointment. Find out if there is any wiggle room on the sticker price, whether they offer easy terms, and ask about what additional fees or costs there might be. (And do fact check any extras you are told that you ‘must have’ – some unscrupulous dealers will charge for your services or products that should be included in the purchase price so they can drive their profits up a little more.
Is there a warranty?
Knowing if the car is under a warranty offers you peace of mind, so that as you get used to the second-hand car, you will be aware that if something goes wrong, you will be able to get it sorted out quickly and easily without having to pay out more money. Most reputable car dealers who sell used or second-hand cars as part of their day-to-day business do offer various warranties and guarantees, as they have learned that this is what customers want and expect.
Can I test drive it?
Try out the car – usually with the sales person in the passenger seat, but not always – and see how it feels under your hands. If anything doesn’t quite feel right, you can walk away without having committed to anything.
Has the engine been properly maintained?
If the vendor doesn’t instantly have these records to hand, take this as a sign that the car is perhaps not as well-looked after as is being claimed. Any car is only as good as the worst treatment it has been subjected to, so any gaps in the maintenance record should be taken as a negative.
Are you legally permitted to sell this vehicle?
The vendor might have acquired the car through dodgy means – or they might have been tricked themselves! Asking this question will allow you to find out if either of these situations apply – and perhaps give you an inkling that you should chase up the matter yourself! The DVLA should have a record of the legal owners of the vehicle over time, and will help you avoid a tricky legal situation which could leave you carless and penniless.
Are there any special features in the car?
Previous owners might have added extras that are not standard, such as heated seats, a better spec camera, or even fancy upholstery to the seats. While none of these items are necessary, they are nice to have and knowing what is included might help you narrow down your choices.
Why choose reputable used car dealers?
Choosing a reputable used car dealer KAP Motor Group ensures your financial safety – you will drive away with a good, clean car for a reasonable price, knowing that you have a warranty, that good after sales service is included as standard, and that all checks and inspections will have been completed long before you even saw the car. Peace of mind is always a good reason to choose a reliable vendor!
How old is the car?
You will need to know the age of the car for your insurance and also to see if it will need an MOT, and if so, when it will be due.
What mileage is the car sitting on?
Some old cars are lightly driven while some newer cars are driven hard and far – finding out the mileage and the age of the car can help you to ascertain where this particular example sits on that spectrum.
Has the car ever been written off? (And if so, why and how?)
This can be the last question you ask before making an offer on your chosen car, but it is a question that absolutely should be asked. Cars that have been written off and then patched up can be fine – but they can also hide a wealth of hidden damage that can unveil itself over time. If the vendor cannot detail exactly why the car was written off and what steps they have taken to remedy any internal damage, it might be best to cross that one off your list.
Once you’ve asked all these questions and been given honest answers to them, you can make your purchase with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you will be happily on the road for years to come.