Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Car

Buying a car can be stressful. It is a huge investment and you want to make sure you get a good vehicle and a good value! Average auto loan amounts have steadily increased in the past decade, reaching $41,665 for new vehicles and $28,506 for used vehicles in the third quarter of 2022, according to Experian. 

Here are some top items to consider and research when purchasing a new or used vehicle:

• What is the fuel economy of the car?
• What is the car’s safety rating?
• What is the car’s insurance cost?
• What is the Kelley Blue Book Value of this vehicle?

Here are some questions to ask when purchasing a new or used vehicle:

• What is the car’s warranty coverage?
• What is the car’s history and maintenance records?
• What is the car’s mileage?
• What is the car’s current condition, have you done an inspection or recent repairs, and any potential repairs needed?
• What is the price of the car, and is it negotiable?
• How many previous owners?
• How are the wear & tear items like tires, brakes, fluid, filters, oil, etc.?
• Does the vehicle have any noticeable damage to the exterior or interior?
• Can you provide a CarFax or AutoCheck report?
• Are you aware of any accidents that vehicle may have been involved in?
• Does the vehicle have a clean title?
• Can I take a test drive of the vehicle on normal roadways and highway?
• Can I take the vehicle to my service center of choice for an independent inspection?
• Are there any additional items included with the sale of the vehicle (tinting, clear bra, etc)?
• Is the vehicle returnable within a certain mileage or time frame in case it does not meet my needs?

Additionally, if from a private seller:

• Why are they selling the vehicle?

At the end of the day, you want to make sure the vehicle, price, and all other factors meet your needs! So don’t let yourself get pressured into buying before you have researched and you feel confident in your purchase.