Questions to ask when buying a car

When you buy a car, whether new or used, there are some important questions that you should always ask, as well as checking the car carefully. Choosing car that is right for you, and safe to drive, is essential, so ask a lot of questions. 

Some of these are questions you should ask private sellers or used car dealers, and some are for new car dealers, such as philwrightautoplex.com. The answers can help you to make an informed decision about the car you buy. 

ARE ALL THE DOCUMENTS IN ORDER?

If you’re buying a used car, it needs to have the appropriate registration documents, or you won’t be able to tax it. Check that the person selling the car is the registered keeper and that all the details match up, such as the registration plate, engine number, and color. A fake document might have spelling errors or signs of tampering. 

ANY SIGNS OF ACCIDENT DAMAGE?

Check that the paintwork has an even finish across the whole car. If there are any uneven or inconsistent areas, this could suggest that some repair work has been done, which you will need to know about before you buy. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSURE?

If you buy your car from a private seller, then you should ask them how much they pay for their insurance and ask them whether they are aware of any problems that might have affected their premium. A car’s safety rating, size, and age can all change how much you pay on insurance. 

CAN I TAKE I FOR A TEST DRIVE?

If a seller won’t let you take a car out for a test drive, this should ring an alarm bell. If you can’t test drive the car, then they are probably hiding something about the car, and you should walk away from the sale. If you can take the car for a test drive, you can get a feel for whether the car is right for you. Does it handle in a way that you like? More importantly, you can also check that all of the important things, like the warning lights, brakes, steering, handbrake, and indicators, all work as they should. 

DO ALL THE SYSTEMS WORK PROPERLY?

Test all of the controls for the different systems in the car. Check things like the heating, air-conditioning, radio, sat-nav, and so on. Does everything work?

HAVE YOU GOT ALL OF THE RIGHT KEYS?

Check the car’s handbook. The handbook will tell you which keys were provided when the car was new. You can use this list as an inventory to make sure all the keys are included. 

IS ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT INTACT?

Check the car for a spare wheel, a jack, and other tools that should be in the car. If they’re not there, find out why. 

By asking lots of questions, you can make sure you aren’t being scammed, and that you’re being sold a reliable car that you will enjoy driving. 

WHAT KIND OF CAR IS THIS?

Something you need to ask yourself is what kind of car it is. Don’t forget that the future of the automotive industry is changing, and full hybrid cars are currently the preferred type. However, more and more people are switching to electric now due to the environment.

If you are environmentally conscious, then one of these two options is going to be best for you rather than the traditional fuel vehicles. At the end of the day it’s up to you, but you need to think in the long-term rather than just a few months down the line.


Photo Credit: Newspress

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