Buying a car can be beneficial, but it can also be a disaster when you don’t know the basics. The experience can be overwhelming so you must equip yourself with the right questions to save money and time before closing a car deal with a Webster car dealership such as visionhyundaiwebster.com. When the car dealer does not answer the following questions, then it’s a red flag and you should probably consider other options.
- What does the purchase agreement contain?
When you’re buying a car, you must ask and study the purchase agreement before closing the deal. Instead of just signing immediately, let the car dealer show you the contract so you can review its contents. A purchase agreement should contain all vital information—apart from the dealerships’ name as the seller, and your name as the buyer—such as the following:
- Auto’s information – Actual mileage, VIN or vehicle identification number, year model, manufacturer, and make. Reviewing the car’s information is essential to check whether the data matches that of the actual vehicle you’ll be buying.
- Contract finance clauses – If you’re buying the car through a car loan or the dealership’s financing, then the contract must include such section. The interest rate, the total amount of loan, and other costs and fees must also be included. You should ask the car dealer about the total amount of loan offered to verify whether it coincides with what’s indicated on the contract.
- Agreements – You must also verify that your contract should include the dealer’s promise of miscellaneous services. These extra services must be specifically indicated on the contract; if not, then you should not immediately sign it. Ask your dealer to include these agreements.
- Miscellaneous costs – If there are costs or fees that your dealer is asking you to pay, such as rustproofing, fabric protection and the like, which must be included in your contract.
The purchase agreement contains all vital information with regards to the car you’re buying, so you must ask your dealer to explain it to you very clearly. If your dealer does not elaborate or just briefly explains, consider it a red flag as your contract may contain some hidden charges.
- How long is the warranty and what does it cover?
Buying a car is considered an investment, thus purchasing a long-lasting vehicle should be your priority. If you want to know whether the vehicle you want to buy is of high-quality, then ask your dealer about its warranty. When the warranty lasts for up to 10 years, however suitable it looks like, the car may have some problems with its makeup. Thirty-six thousand miles or three years is the average warranty of a car, so better ask your car dealer. You can also ask your dealer’s recommendation on warranty service companies that you can contact to extend your car’s warranty.
Although car warranties may vary depending on its make, you should ask your dealer about what the warranty covers. The following are some examples of what a car warranty may cover:
- Rust-through warranties – Surface rust is not included as it only covers corrosion that penetrates the vehicle.
- Powertrain warranties – Basically, powertrain warranties cover the entirety of the car except for its tires as it has a different manufacturer. Included herein are the lubricated internal parts, drive axles, transaxle or transmission, and engine.
- Emission warranties – Although this type of warranty differs from state to state, the basic warranty must be applied since there’s a mandated minimum working period regarding emission control equipment.
- Workmanship and component defects.
- How much will the maintenance costs be in the long run?
A free maintenance offered by many car manufacturers may be tempting, but you must ask your dealer what the costs will be after a specific mileage or years covered by the free service. It’s essential to know what these costs are since owning a car for a long time may cost you more than what you have actually purchased.
Although maintenance varies depending on its manufacturer, the essential car maintenance covers the following:
- Multipoint inspection – Should be done every visit so a professional can check on the inflation pressure, tire tread depth, battery, belts, air filters, hoses, and fluid levels.
- Oil and filter change – The basic rule is to change your oil after 3,000 miles or after every three months. But some modern cars can go from 5,000 to 7,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Tire rotation – To lengthen your vehicle’s lifespan, tire rotation is a must to prevent uneven wearing of your tires. Depending on your manufacturer’s recommendation, a tire rotation is recommended when you change your oil.
Conclusion
Asking a Webster car dealership the right questions can help you in the long run. Don’t be satisfied with what your car dealer offers and discusses. You should ask questions so you can have an idea of whether the car will be an investment or a liability. It’s always better to know more and learn the ropes of owning a vehicle before purchasing one.
