So you have found the perfect used Toyota Sprinter on the local used car lot and now you want to buy it. Do not rush right into that sale. There are ten very important questions you need to ask the used car dealer so that you understand what type of car you are getting. It does not matter if you are purchasing a Sprinter for sale or a used Corona Premio, you do not want to sign one single piece of paper until you are sure the car is in good condition and for you. Make sure you ask the following question before you drive off the lot with your car.
1. Can I see the mechanic’s pre-certification inspection report?
If the car has been certified, you have the right to see the report and see what the shop has fixed on the car you are interested in. It is a very important piece of paper to hold onto as well in the event that something happens to the car.
2. Can you tell me where the vehicle was bought from?
Dealers selling used cars should have all of the maintenance records on the car if it came to them via a trade-in. They can let you see this report and they can black out the previous owners name so that you can see how the car was taken care of. If the car was bought at an auction, have a qualified mechanic inspect the car for you.
3. Who actually certified the used car?
If the certification on the car is not endorsed by the manufacturer and was a certified pre-owned car, do not buy it. Many of these other insurance back programs are not recommended.
4. How long can I take this car for a test drive?
Most used car dealers will let you take a used car for an extended test drive so that you can have it inspected by a mechanic. If you can, take the car overnight and give the dealer in writing your word.
5. Can I see a Car Fax report on the car?
Make sure the VIN number matches the one on the report just in case your dealer tried to fleece you by showing you a glowing report that belonged to some other car.
6. What is your return policy on the cars?
Most dealerships have no return policy on used vehicles. You need to make sure you understand your obligations as a used car owner and act accordingly.
7. If I offer you cash, how much is the car?
A good rule of thumb here is to establish a report with the dealer and be able to haggle. You could lose at least 5% off of the sticker price by paying cash.
8. What new equipment comes with the car as part of the purchasing agreement?
If you can, see if the dealer will throw in some tires or something new that goes under the hood, like a timing belt. You do not want the car to breakdown two seconds after you drive it from the lot.
9. Can I see the dealerships maintenance records?
You want to know exactly how they prepped the car for sale, from overhauls to oil changes, to determine whether or not the car is safe and worth the money the dealer is charging.
10. Do you take trade-ins?
If they do and you have a car to trade, by all means do so.