Purchasing a vehicle is a significant investment. Whether you're buying a new or used vehicle, you want to make sure you're getting a good deal. This involves asking the right questions to gather the information you need to be able to make an informed decision. In this article, we review some of the most important questions you should ask when purchasing a used vehicle from a dealership.
Are Service Records for the Vehicle Available?
Knowing a vehicle's service history is essential when purchasing a used car from a dealership. It can help you determine whether the car has consistently received proper maintenance and how often the previous owner had it serviced. It also gives you an idea of how well the previous owner cared for the vehicle, which can be important in determining its overall condition. Dealerships usually have access to service records, especially if they're selling a used car from their own inventory.
Can I Get a Vehicle History Report?
A vehicle history report is a critical document to ask for when purchasing a used car. The report provides essential information about the car's past that can help you determine whether it's a good investment or whether there are any potential issues you should be aware of. These details include:
- Accidents and other incidents.
- Vehicle service history.
- Title information.
- Odometer readings.
- Ownership history.
- Lemon law buybacks.
- Recall information.
It's important to note that not all dealers provide a vehicle history report, but reputable dealerships should have no problem doing so. At Sioux Falls Ford, for instance, we run a CarFax vehicle history report as part of our inspection process before giving a used car a clean bill of health and a Blue or Gold Certified designation. You can ask our staff to provide you with a copy of the report for any used vehicle you're interested in buying from us.
What Services Did You Perform on the Vehicle?
Asking a dealership about the services they performed on the used car you're considering purchasing will give you an idea of how well the previous owners maintained it and what kind of repairs might be needed in the future. This information can help you determine whether the car is worth its asking price to allow you to try to negotiate a better deal if you feel it's necessary.
We at Sioux Falls Ford in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, understand the importance of transparency and trust when it comes to our customers making a significant investment. Our used cars for sale have all undergone a comprehensive inspection, and our service center technicians have performed all the necessary maintenance and repairs to ensure they're in top condition. Our knowledgeable team can answer all your questions about any vehicle in our inventory and address any concerns you may have.
What Items Are Included in the Sale?
When you purchase a used car, it's important to understand exactly what you're getting. That's why asking the dealership what items are included with the vehicle is crucial. These can include accessories that may have been installed or came with the car originally, such as:
- Spare key.
- Remote key fobs.
- Winter tires and wheels.
- Luggage covers.
- Roof rack crossbars.
- Floor mats.
An important item to check on is the owner's manual. This provides essential information about the car that can help you with its maintenance and repairs. It will also give you insights into its specifications and technologies that can be valuable when using the vehicle. Make sure to ask the dealership if the car comes with the owner's manual, and if not, ask whether they can provide you with one.
Can I Take the Vehicle for a Test Drive?
Test driving a used car can give you a better idea of how it handles on the road, its overall condition, and any potential issues. Be sure to take it on different types of roads, including the highway if possible, and ask to drive it for at least 30 minutes. This will help you determine whether the vehicle's a good fit for you in terms of driving comfort and performance.
During the test drive, pay attention to any strange noises, vibrations, or other issues that might indicate problems with the car. It's also a good idea to test things such as the air conditioning and heating, as well as any electronic features, such as the audio system or navigation. If you're in Sioux Falls or nearby areas, you can visit us to check out our cars for sale and take them out for a test drive. You can also schedule one online by contacting us or filling out the "Drive" form on the details page of the car you're interested in.
Does the Car Come With a Warranty?
A warranty is an important consideration when purchasing a used car from a dealership. It offers a level of protection in case something goes wrong with the vehicle shortly after purchase. Some dealerships may offer a limited warranty, which covers specific parts and systems of the car for a certain period. Others may offer an extended warranty, which covers more parts and for a longer period.
At our dealership in Sioux Falls, we offer several types of warranties, depending on the used vehicle you choose. For example, a car from our Nice Care inventory comes with a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty at no additional cost, while a Blue Certified vehicle comes with a 90-day or 4,000-mile limited warranty. And if you buy a Gold Certified unit, you can enjoy coverage similar to a Nice Care car while also receiving an additional seven-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
When it comes to buying a used car from a dealership, it's important to do your due diligence and ask the right questions. From service history to included items and warranties, there are many factors to consider before making a purchase. You can ensure you're making the right investment by asking these questions. At Sioux Falls Ford, we pride ourselves on transparency and honesty, and our team is always available to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your needs and budget.