What You Should Be Asking To Get the Best Deal at the Used Dealership

While in the market for a pre-owned car, it is important to come prepared. Preparation means doing research into what make and model suits your needs, what you are willing and able to spend, and where you will obtain financing. It also means being prepared with questions and being ready to negotiate or walk away from a dealership if the dealer can not provide what you are looking for. A lot of times, these negotiations should start out with questions to help you figure out whether or not a deal is possible and if buying the car is the best move. Since you are visiting our own used car dealership in Independence, Missouri, feel free to come prepared with a handful of questions that you would like our staff to answer.

1. Where Did the Car Come From?

Whenever buying a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to understand where the car came from. For reputable used car dealerships like Auto Now, we tend to either buy our cars from trusted buyers at auto auctions or get them as trade-ins from our customers. We also thoroughly inspect every single used car we get before we put them out on the lot so that you know you are getting a reliable vehicle. However, some used cars on the market were wrecked, flooded, or otherwise damaged before being repaired and put up for sale as a salvage title.

2. Will the Dealer Supply a CARFAX Report for the Used Vehicle?

A CARFAX report is basically the entire recorded history of the vehicle, from where it was first sold down to the oil changes and other maintenance performed. Having a CARFAX report will not only help identify the age, number of owners, and condition of the car, it will also let you know if there have been any recurring repairs made to a particular component or aspect of the vehicle. Buying a car without a CARFAX report is essentially going into the process blind, but any reputable dealership will provide you with the full report for free.

3. Has the Dealer Done Any Service on the Vehicle?

Along with the CARFAX report, it can be useful to know the scope of the work done after the dealership purchased the car. Sometimes it could be minimal cosmetic work to get the vehicle back up to speed and on the road. Other times, it could include new tires or other parts that will save you money down the road. However, any good dealership will have given every used car they sell a detailed overhaul and will have performed all the necessary maintenance.

4. What Was the Result of the Inspection?

Dealerships should always inspect their vehicles after acquisition. Here at Auto Now, all of the pre-owned vehicles on our used car lot are checked and put through a thorough inspection by the skilled technicians at our service center. With an inventory of over several hundred used vehicles at our locations across Kansas and Missouri, you will be sure to find a reliable model at an affordable price. However, not every dealership gives the same attention to the used vehicles that they sell, so it can be good to ask.

5. What Is the Benefit of Buy Here Pay Here Financing?

Traditional financing usually relies on third-party lenders such as banks and credit unions. To obtain a loan, these establishments rely almost entirely on a credit score and require near-perfect credit. For people who do not necessarily fit into that very specific and often unforgiving mold, buy here pay here financing allows access to a loan directly through the dealership.

What that means is that sales and financing is under one roof, cutting out the third party entirely. By not trying to make money purely off loans, buy here pay here financing fills a gap in the market and provides people with an often much-needed second chance from prior financial hardships. Our Independence dealership is only one of our six Auto Now locations that offer buy here pay here financing across Missouri and Kansas. We believe that everyone should have access to an affordable and reliable vehicle, and we do our best to make that possible.

6. Will You Accept a Trade-In?

Getting good value for your old car can be a huge help and make the car-buying process easier. Not only will a trade-in help lower your monthly payment and the overall loan amount on your new purchase, but having a dealership take your trade-in saves you the time and headache of having to sell your old car yourself. Trying to set up a private sale can be a real headache, so finding a dealership that will give you a good value on your trade-in is important.

7. What Else Is Included in the Deal?

If you’re buying a car, you most likely are spending a fair amount on the investment. That is why you should ask if there is anything else that will be included with your new purchase. Even if it is just a free tank of gas, dealership offers can help you save a bit more money on your purchase. Many dealerships will even offer limited warranties on their used cars, giving you a bit more peace of mind that your new car will provide you with the reliable service that you require.

8. How Long Can I Test Drive the Car For?

This can vary from place to place, but some dealerships will allow an extended test drive. Whether it means driving around for a few hours or even taking the car home for the night, an extended test drive can be a great way to figure out if a car you are interested in will really fit your lifestyle. The benefits of this are putting the car into the context of your life, allowing you to really understand all the features of the vehicle.

9. Will You Match Another Dealer’s Price?

This can be tough, and you need to be prepared for a rebuttal that all cars are not equal. However, should you find a vehicle with the exact same specifications, down to the trim and any additional accessories, asking a dealership if they will match the quote of another dealership can sometimes work out in your favor. But be prepared to give the exact specifics and maybe even the VIN number of the vehicle in question.

Get Ready To Buy Your Next Car

Wherever you go to find a used car, it is important that you go prepared and with a wealth of research. Prior research will give you the confidence as well as the background to help you find the best car for your budget and your needs. When you are ready to visit a dealership, Auto Now in Independence is a perfect place to stop and check out our inventory of several hundred reliable used vehicles. Our team works hard to find reliable and affordable cars for people every day, and we are ready to help answer any questions you have about our vehicles or the car-buying process in general.