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When purchasing a used car, buyers have to ensure that they are getting their money’s worth. Therefore, before selecting a vehicle, filing the paperwork with the dealership and applying for used car loans, one should ask their dealer these five questions.
Can I see maintenance history?
Even after seeing the maintenance history of a vehicle, you can’t really know every fender but you will still be able to figure out a lot of things from the records. Therefore, it’s the topmost question in our used car checklist to be asked a dealership.
What service have you performed on the vehicle since acquiring it?
With this query, you can find out the value for your purchase. For example, complete overhauls suggest that you will not be going for service repairs right after buying it.
Where was the car purchased from?
If the said car was a trade-in to that used car dealership, simply ask for the maintenance records without the owner’s name and address, if the dealership insists on it. And in case the car was purchased at an auction, our used car guide recommends you to let a mechanic with expertise in used cars’ inspection checks it thoroughly.
Can my mechanic take a look at this?
It’s the most important question in your used car checklist to get the best deal. The seller might say that he has got it checked from an authorised mechanic and push the paperwork to you, but you should insist on getting the car looked at by an expert you trust. That’s the only way to really figure out the rights and wrongs with the vehicle.
Can I take it for a test drive?
Test driving is the best way to find out the not-so-visible issues in a used car. By taking the car for a test run, you will find out if it can handle the damaged roads, the synchromesh in second gear is worn out, or the engine makes horrifying sounds. And if the dealer is reluctant to let you take the car out, you should just walk away.