Buying a new car or truck is a very exciting time. You have a make and model in mind, and it seems everywhere you go you see it. You can’t wait until you’re at the dealership and sitting inside of one, taking a test drive, or driving off the dealership’s property in your own new model.
But this is a major investment you’re about to make. You don’t want to rush in unprepared and make an impulse buy that you’ll later regret. In light of that, here are seven questions you should ask the dealership when you’re in the buying mode.
1. Do you have the vehicle I want? Even though you’ve had your heart set on driving away in your new car or truck, you don’t want to settle on another model just because the dealership doesn’t have what you want on the lot. Bear in mind that they can get one from another dealership to show you, usually within a day or two. Don’t rush, be patient and wait until they have what you want. You’re going to have your new vehicle for years, it’s worth it to wait a couple of days and get what you came for.
2. What’s the actual cost of the car? This may very well be the most nerve-racking question you’ll have to ask. Many dealerships are willing to show you what they paid for the car or truck so you’ll know what the markup is. You may want to buy the vehicle for less than they paid for it but bear in mind that they have to make a fair profit so they can stay in business to service your vehicle. You don’t have to pay the sticker price but don’t set unrealistic expectations on price.
3. What aftermarket features have been added to the vehicle? You may not want the deluxe interior package that comes with the vehicle that the dealership has in stock. Tell your sales representative what you will and won’t pay for and let them either adjust the price accordingly or get you a car or truck that meets your specifications. A good dealership wants you to drive away happy so you’ll tell others about how well you were treated. They know this won’t happen if they push unwanted options on you.
4. What’s the mileage on the car I want? You may not mind buying a new vehicle that has been used by the dealership owner and has a few hundred miles on it, or you may prefer a vehicle that rolled off the truck and has been sitting there waiting for you with only 2 miles on it. Either way, find out what the mileage is and get what you want. Cars or trucks with some demo miles on them can sell at a discount and are no worse for the wear than an undriven vehicle. In fact, they may be broken in a bit for you.
5. What are my payment terms? There are a few questions to ask yourself when you are going to finance a new vehicle. What is the maximum monthly payment my budget will allow? What is the interest rate of the loan? Will the dealership finance me if I have poor or no credit? If you’re going to buy a new car and make payments, you’ll likely be meeting with the finance department. Let them know what your objectives and concerns are. Their job is to help you buy the car you want at a price you can afford.
6. What’s the warranty? In all of the excitement of buying a new vehicle, this is a question that many buyers don’t ask. Be sure to drive away knowing what the warranty is on the car, and what is and isn’t covered under warranty. You don’t want any surprises down the road if something malfunctions and you need repairs.
7. What are the service department’s hours and how do I make an appointment? There’s going to come a time when you’ll need to get your oil changed or need new tires. Find out in advance what days and hours the service department is open so you’ll have an idea of how that fits into your schedule. Many dealerships now allow you to schedule appointments online, or you can give the service department a call and they’ll schedule a convenient day and time for you.
At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet we take the stress out of buying a new vehicle. We’re going to answer every question you have and not pressure you into buying. And our service department, with our certified technicians, will treat you with the same respect as our sales department does. That’s the Taylor & Sons difference.