7 Questions Before Buying a Car

7 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Car
What to know before you head to a dealership, and what to ask once you’re there.

With the average new car selling for more than $50,000 for the first time ever, according to Kelley Blue Book, finding the right car and then negotiating the best price can be a whirlwind experience.

“It’s more important than ever to do your homework before purchasing a car or truck. With record prices, people are holding on to their cars longer than ever, so the decision you make should be one you’re going to be happy with.”
Prepare you for anything that might come your way the next time you want to buy a car. Ready to gain some car-buying superpowers? Read on.
What to Find Out Before You Go to a Dealership.

Which Safety Systems Are Included.


Why it’s important: Even though active safety systems prevent crashes, they aren’t always included as standard equipment. Some may be grouped into different option packages.

Steps to Take
Start your research online. Click on the models page to find out which vehicles have systems you’re interested in and whether they’re standard or optional. Then go to automaker websites to build and price the option packages and trim levels you’ll need to get the safety features you want.
Double-check once you find the exact car you want. “Call us and ask a salesperson which features are on the specific car you plan to buy. Then cross-check the window sticker to make sure the features you want are listed.”

Plan for a safety test drive.
Write down a list of the safety-related questions that matter to you so that you remember to get answers once you’re at the showroom. Does the car have automatic emergency braking? How clear is the backup camera image? What kind of alert do you get if you engage the turn signal when a car is in your blind spot? Can you customize the sensitivity of these systems?

Whether Your Next Car Will Be Gas-Only, Hybrid, or Electric.
Why it’s important: Though hybrids and EVs cost more up front, “the higher purchase price can often be offset by lower operating costs. As you budget how much you can afford to pay for a new vehicle, it can help to know what your savings on operating costs might look like.
Key Considerations.
Hybrids can earn back their higher cost in as little as two years. “For many, the monthly fuel savings can offset a slightly higher monthly payment, saving money from Day 1.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles save the most if you take short trips. That’s because they have an electric-only range that’s usually between 40 and 60 Km. Beyond that, the gas engine­­­­ kicks in. So check the window sticker to see what kind of fuel economy you’ll be getting when the car is in hybrid mode.
In addition to their other benefits, electric vehicles can offer serious savings. How much (if any) depends on what kind of car you’re purchasing and where you live.
For several reasons, leasing an EV may be a better option than buying one. You don’t have to worry about volatile prices on new EVs or getting stuck with outdated technology. But be aware that any savings over a hybrid may evaporate if you rely on pricey public fast charging stations instead of plugging at home.

Whether It Has Essential ‘Extras’
Why it’s important: Some vehicles are specifically designed to do certain tasks, such as towing a camper or driving off-road. You need to know what the car you plan to buy is capable of before you head to a dealership or you could make an expensive mistake. Paying extra for capabilities you don’t need is a waste of money.
Steps to Take
Know how much it can tow. Even vehicles that look exactly the same on the outside can have a towing capacity that varies by thousands of pounds. Much depends on option packages, trim levels, and engine choices. Calculate how much you need to tow before you buy, and make sure the vehicle you’re choosing will be up to the task. Check the car’s manual and ask a salesperson to help you.

Think about the road conditions you’ll encounter.
Rugged four-wheel-drive trucks and SUVs are impressive machines great for taking off the beaten path. But if it’s just inclement weather you’re worried about, you probably don’t need such a robust vehicle—or its added weight and lower gas mileage. An all-wheel-drive system—or even a front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicle with winter tires for cold weather and snow—should do the trick depending on your situation.

What to Know About Used Cars
Because every used car is different, buyers face more potential pitfalls than they do when purchasing a new vehicle. Here are three things to keep in mind during your search.
The length of the warranty: Ask if there’s any original warranty coverage left on the car and, if so, how long it will last and for which components.

If it needs new tires:
Are the tires the right size, speed rating, and load rating for the vehicle? (including the spare)

Find This Out at the Dealership
How Much Maintenance Will Cost
Why it’s important: Not all of new cars come with some complimentary maintenance. You’ll need to factor in the cost of keeping your new car on the road.
Steps to Take
Get it in writing. Find out what—if anything—is free. Are oil changes covered? Tire rotations? Are there limits to how many times you can bring your car in? How long is the coverage?
Get the recommended maintenance schedule.
You can find it in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. “Newer cars need these services less often. But it’s just as or even more important to do these maintenance tasks on time.”

Whether There’s Enough Seating and Storage
Why it’s important: Automakers love to boast about how many cubic feet of passenger and cargo space a vehicle has. But numbers won’t tell you whether a car’s sloping roofline will cramp rear passengers’ headroom or if a small trunk opening will make it hard to load your gear.
Steps to Take
Check out the rear seats by sitting in them. See how easy they are to get into and out of, and whether there are any obvious problems with headroom and legroom. If there’s a third row, find out whether it’s big enough for the passengers you expect to sit back there.
Try out the trunk. If there’s a specific item you absolutely need to fit—say, a folding wheelchair, an empty pet carrier, or a stroller—take the item to the dealership with you and try it for yourself. Is it easy to lift and load?

Be smart about child car seats.
If you have young children, take your car seats with you to see how easy they are to install securely, and how well the rest of your family fits with them. Some second rows can fit three car seats across, but in others, a single child car seat might impinge on the neighboring passenger’s space. You also want to make sure that you and your front passenger have enough room in front of the car seats to adjust your seat comfortably. “All car seats are different, so the best way to find out what fits is to bring your own.

How the Infotainment Tech Works for You
Why it’s important: As cars become more technologically advanced, drivers face a greater learning curve to master various systems. Don’t get stuck with a system that’s frustrating to use. Get familiar with the tech on your test drive.
Steps to Take
Check the basics. Can you figure out the buttons, menus, and settings? “Systems that are easy to learn in the beginning tend to be less frustrating in the long run.”
Don’t make any assumptions about the car’s technology. Each year fewer models have CD players, older-style USB-A charging ports, etc.

Double-check the options list on the car you’re buying.
Because of supply constraints, some automakers are deleting features that usually come on certain cars, such as satellite radio and parking assistance. “You can’t always rely on a website or brochure to know what will be included anymore. If a feature is important to you, confirm that it’s listed on the window sticker.” You might not be able to add it later.
If you have questions later, will someone be there to help you? Yes, all of our team can help you pair your phone and do other tech tasks.

Whether to Wait for What You Want
Why it’s important: Do you like the car you test-drove but wish it had different options, more safety features, or a different exterior color? It might be worth it to wait for a custom order or expand your search radius.

What You Should Know About the Finance Office
You might think that the hard part is over after you’ve agreed on a price. But now it’s time to sign the official paperwork. That usually takes place in the finance and insurance (F&I) office, even if you’re not taking a loan. It’s also where you can buy extras, which add to the cost of your vehicle. Be prepared on your needs and the extras you require.
Ask your salesperson to itemize these numbers clearly from the start, so you can keep track of what you’re paying and get the best deal.
Do your own math. Before you sign anything, check the numbers. Make sure it relates to your budgets.