3 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
Buying a car is a big, exciting and important purchase. For those who are looking to buy a starter car, stay budget savvy or have a less-than-perfect credit score, a pre-owned vehicle is a great option.
When you’re at the stage where you’re ready to start seriously looking for a car and going for a test drive, you’ve probably already done your research on the model and features you want. But there are a few things you should look into before signing the papers. Make sure to ask questions and cover your bases! A few questions could help you recognize red flags and ultimately save money down the road.
The following three questions can help ensure you’re getting the best value on a pre-owned vehicle:
What’s the Car’s History?
Knowing your future car’s history is important. Used cars are typically from trade-ins, but can also come from auctions or other dealerships. Birchwood can readily provide a maintenance record. Whereas if you’re purchasing from a private seller, you might not get a complete picture of the maintenance and repairs the car has had.
It’s definitely worthwhile to see a vehicle’s record to help you decided if it’s the right investment for you. For example, a complete record will tell you if the car has ever been in an accident or recently had repairs. If the car is older and has never had repairs, you may want to consider another option.
Major repairs could potentially break your budget for several months. Ensure you get the full picture of the car to assess whether it’s a smart choice for your transportation needs and financial situation.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
Ensure you know what the warranty covers. Help avoid any unexpected costs later down the road by going through the warranty policy. At Birchwood Credit Solutions we’re here to make sure you not only get into a great car, but also to help you make the most of your purchase.
Take time to sit down and go through the warranty to see exactly what’s covered and what’s not. It’s important to go through your warranty carefully as they vary greatly depending on the make, model and year of the car. Once you’ve gone through the warranty, you’ll have a rough idea of how much maintenance might be needed in the future and budget accordingly.
Lastly, if you buy from a private seller not a dealership, the car will likely not come with a warranty. You’ll be 100% on the hook for any maintenance and repairs.
Am I Getting the Best Deal Available?
Before you visit Birchwood, it’s helpful to do some basic research and find out the price range of your ideal car. As Manitoba’s largest dealership, we have competitive pricing and want to make sure you get the best value.
On your journey to your first car or if your credit is less than perfect, Birchwood Credit Solutions is here to help every step of the way. Our knowledgeable and friendly brokers can answer your questions about pre-owned vehicles and help you find the right auto financing plan to get you into a Birchwood vehicle.
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