Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Buying a car is a serious financial commitment. According to Experian, the average auto loan was $22,612 in 2022.  You can save some money by choosing a used vehicle, but knowing what to look for and which questions you should ask is essential. Otherwise, you could get a damaged car or pay more than the vehicle is worth. Note below some questions you should ask when buying a used car.

Can I Inspect the Car?

Be mindful of certain minor features that stop working in older cars, such as a window that no longer opens. If the air conditioner or windshield wipers don’t work properly, however, this may present a major issue. Before you test-drive a used car, look carefully at the interior and exterior. Test the headlights, windows, speakers, and other features. Look for exterior scratches, dents, or rust. Check the tires, and look under the vehicle for leaks. A mismatched section of paint or an uneven body panel could mean that the car was in an accident and not repaired properly.

Take note of any defects or malfunctions you find, and point them out to the salesperson. You can use these issues to negotiate a lower price, or you might want to keep shopping for a vehicle in better condition.

Was It Serviced and Maintained Regularly?

Find out how often the previous owner changed the oil, rotated the tires, and performed other maintenance tasks. It’s a good idea to ask for a copy of the service records to make sure that the car was maintained well. If the vehicle is at a dealership, you can get this information from a vehicle history report. Cars in good condition with only one owner, called certified pre-owned vehicles, often have a history report.

Was It in Any Accidents?

Accidents usually appear on vehicle history reports, but often you can get more details about the damage and repairs if you ask the owner. This can give you a better idea of the condition of the car than a history report would. If a car was in an accident and it wasn’t repaired properly, it may not be reliable. It could even be dangerous to drive.

What Is Its Ownership History?

If a car is only a few years old and there are many past owners, they may not have been satisfied with the vehicle. Cars used for ride-sharing often have more wear and mileage than a personal vehicle. You’ll usually get a better deal when the seller has been the owner for a while and the car has low mileage. You can find out the number of past owners with a vehicle history report.

What Kind of Title Does It Have?

Vehicles with salvage titles have been declared total losses by an insurance company. Even though the vehicles sustained major damage, people sometimes resell them for less than market value. However, driving a car with a salvage title could be dangerous. These vehicles are also difficult to insure. A used vehicle with a clean title is likely to last longer than one with a salvage title. You can find details about the title with a vehicle history report. Knowing more about the title early can help you decide whether a car is worth buying.

Can I Take It for a Test Drive?

A test drive is one of the most important parts of shopping for a vehicle. You can find out whether you think the vehicle is fun to drive, comfortable, and maneuverable. Any blind spots will be easy to notice, and a test drive lets you find out how the seats feel, how effective the brakes are, and how the vehicle handles different types of terrain. If you enjoy your test drive, make an offer for the car. If in the end you aren’t satisfied, keep shopping for a vehicle that suits your needs.

Is the Price Negotiable?

If you’re getting serious about buying a used car, estimate the value with an online pricing guide, such as Kelley Blue Book. You can also check online ads for similar vehicles. If the price of the car you want is higher than similar ads or estimates, show the seller the information you found. You may be able to persuade them to lower the price of the vehicle you want.

Can I Get an Inspection Before Purchase?

While you take the test drive, get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. Many car dealerships allow this outright but it’s important to inform the dealership that you plan to do this before your test drive. Some dealerships might decide to send you with a salesperson for safety. That way, you can discover any mechanical problems that you may have missed and avoid paying too much for a car that needs some repairs.

How Much Would Insurance Premiums Be?

Sports cars usually have higher insurance premiums than SUVs or sedans. Vehicles with more safety and driver-assistance features often have lower premiums. Before you decide to purchase a car, get insurance quotes from several companies. They’ll help you estimate the total expense of the vehicle, including insurance.

Does It Have After-Market Modifications or Accessories?

Modifications and accessories often increase a vehicle’s value. However, some people would rather avoid unique paint colors, loud engines, and other modifications, which sometimes decrease gas mileage and make your vehicle more noticeable in traffic. But they can also give you a fun ride, be easy to find in a parking lot, provide a good investment, and make your vehicle more versatile and easier to drive.

Eskridge Lexus Can Answer Your Used Car Questions

At Eskridge Lexus, we can help you find a used car you love. Our experienced salespeople will answer your questions and give you the information you need to make your decision. Contact us to test-drive a car in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and decide whether it fits your needs. We offer luxurious vehicles and personalized service for our customers. Our L/Certified by Lexus cars receive a 161-point inspection. They also include LexusCare maintenance, Lexus warranty, and roadside assistance programs. Our sales department is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

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