What Are The Best Questions To Ask When Buying A Car?
At Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood, we know that there is no shortage of questions that need to be asked when shoppers are in the market for a vehicle. Once you have saved up enough money to make this sort of purchase, you will want to know that you are making the best possible decision.
By taking the time to ask the following questions before making a final choice, you are able to sidestep the usual issues that tend to come up during this process. Be sure to read on and learn more about the most essential questions to ask:
1. What Amenities Are Available?
Every driver is different and we all have our desired amenities that would help to sell us on a vehicle. However, this is not a question that should wait until the very end of the decision making process. This is how we end up with a vehicle that does not suit our actual needs because it has a fancy cup holder. Don't be afraid to put your sales representative on the spot. Ask them why the amenities will make or break your purchase.
2. What's The Gas Mileage Looking Like?
After all, no one wants to buy a vehicle that is going to cost them an arm and a leg over its lifespan because of the poor gas mileage. This is a key component when it comes to figuring out the amount that you are willing to pay. The idea of splurging on a more expensive vehicle does not make very much sense when the gas mileage is low. Don't make the mistake of overspending on a gas guzzler that will only cost more money over the long haul.
3. Are There Any Additional Fees To Consider?
Many first time Chevrolet buyers are unaware of the fact that they are going to be paying for additional fees outside of the vehicle itself. These fees can add up quickly when the shopper does not ask the dealer the necessary questions. Sales tax, documentation and registry fees are all standard so don't start haggling over them. If the fees are not discussed during the initial negotiation, it is more than fair to ask about them.
4. What Repairs Should I Expect?
No automobile is going to be completely infallible. That means that you need to be asking about the most common repairs that you should be expecting when it comes to your vehicle. This does not mean that you are being sold a lemon by any stretch of the imagination. Before you decide to head to the dealership, you must start the research process on your own. There's no reason to depend strictly on the dealership for this sort of information. If you notice certain repair related trends, ask yourself if you are going to be ready for the costs.
5. What Is Actually Covered By My Warranty?
Many buyers will assume that they have total and complete warranty coverage but that is not always true. That's why it behooves a buyer to make sure that they are having this discussion at the dealership....not afterward. There is nothing wrong with asking about the warranty before finalizing a decision. Once you have signed on the dotted line, there is no turning back. Basic warranties are great but power train warranties are even better. This is a basic rule of thumb that you are going to want to follow.
6. How Long Will The Warranty Last?
These are not short term investments. When shoppers open their wallets for a new or used Chevrolet, they want to know that their investment is going to hold up over the long haul. Otherwise, you are going to end up with more repair bills than you know what to do wait and a vehicle that won't last the test of time. The average warranty should last for at least three years. While a ten-year warranty probably sounds great on paper, this usually means that the vehicle has underlying issues.
7. Is Four Wheel Drive Available?
This question will depend on where the motorist resides. If you are someone who resides in a snowy climate, you are going to need to make sure that you have access to four-wheel drive. However, these are the safest vehicles that can be purchased in any climate. Even if you are someone who resides where it is a bit warmer and you do not have the same amount of snow to deal with, foul wheel drive can still be a lifesaver.
8. Does The Car Meet My Needs?
This is arguably the most important question that needs to be asked during the shopping process. Many shoppers focus their attention on aspects that have very little to do with the vehicle itself. Is this going to be your primary vehicle or a secondary one? Will the vehicle be used for work purposes? Once you have zeroed in on your own needs, be sure to ask the right questions at their dealership. Don't get hung up on relatively minor details.
