10 Questions To Ask Before Buying Your Next Car

When purchasing a car, you want to know all about it, including its features, safety standards, fuel efficiency, reliability, maintenance needs, payment options, and much more. This is because buying a vehicle is a commitment that can take significant time, effort, and, of course, costs. 

Below we’ve listed for you the most important questions to ask before buying a car. 

1. What Vehicle Best Fits My Lifestyle?

Consider Your Daily Driving Habits

The most important question to ask when purchasing a car is, "What are your needs?" and “What is your lifestyle like?” This includes looking at your daily driving habits. Because what you need day to day is a good indication of which car you need. For example, if your daily driving involves a grueling highway commute, a fuel-efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid, is ideal. On the other hand, if you need a car with towing power or regularly face tough weather, a robust SUV or truck will work wonders. 

Think About Passenger and Cargo Space

Second, think about how many members you have that’ll also use the car regularly. For example, for a family with kids, you want a vehicle with multi-row seating and generous cargo space to fit all the baggage for road trips. Similarly, if what you do involves hauling sports gear or large grocery hauls, you want a car with a spacious trunk.  On the other hand, if you’re a single young professional, a compact yet premium sedan or SUV will be sufficient. 

Consider Future Needs

It's a good idea to plan for the future in addition to your current needs. Let us say in the next three to five years.  If you and your partner intend to start a family in the future, this is an example of a future consideration. Another example is changing careers that require more long-distance driving, or considering taking up a new hobby that requires more space. 

2. What Safety Features Does This Vehicle Include?

Driver-Assist Technology

With ever-evolving technology, your new vehicle should have the standard modern features. This includes driver-assist technology. Having this tool helps you drive your car safely and more conveniently. So when browsing your potential new car, ask about this particular feature. Because whatever your needs are, a car should help you drive with less stress, more manageability, and greater enjoyment. 

Crash Safety Ratings

A non-negotiable aspect of owning a vehicle is its safety ratings. This is certainly a question that you want to ask. Check the vehicle’s crash safety ratings, as they indicate how well the car protects occupants in an accident. Look for industry-standard benchmarks, such as the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. 

3. What Is the Total Cost of Ownership?

Beyond the Purchase Price

Upfront cost is one thing. However, owning a car will cost you more than just short-term expenses. You’ll need to pay for things like maintenance, repairs, insurance, fuel, monthly premiums, among many others. Taking this question of price is crucial in knowing what the total cost of owning a car is, beyond the price you pay to purchase it. 

Long-Term Reliability

If cost is a major concern, you want to choose a vehicle that offers long-term reliability. Because those cars that are less dependable will mean more money for trips to the repair shops. Also keep in mind that reliable cars more often than not can hold their resale value better, so by choosing a dependable vehicle you may save thousands of dollars. 

4. Should I Buy New or Pre-Owned?

Benefits of Buying New

We all know that buying a brand new car offers an unmatched benefit, and that is: fresh condition and the newest features. Therefore, you cut out the worry about hidden vehicle history. However, one downside would be the cost. Buying a car of your liking that’s brand new will cost more than buying a used one.  

Benefits of Buying Pre-Owned

The obvious advantage of buying pre-owned cars is undoubtedly the cost. First, the price of purchasing it will be lower since it has gone through that initial depreciation hit. Second, premium and registration fees are generally going to be lower as well. A disadvantage of buying used is the potential wear and tear from the past owner.

Certified Pre-Owned Options

A CPO vehicle becomes a middle ground between new and pre-owned cars. CPO vehicles backed by the manufacturer generally come with a multi-point inspection and may offer extra warranty coverage or other benefits. They tend to be less expensive than comparable new vehicles, but may be more expensive than traditional used cars.

5. What Financing Options Are Available?

Loan Terms

In general, you have three options: from the dealership, a bank, or a local credit union. Inquire about their loan terms and compare their offers to determine which ones provide the most competitive interest rates. 

Trade-In Value

Some dealerships offer a trade-in as a way to purchase a car. In this method, you’ll get a price for your vehicle and use that money towards your next buy, such as reducing a loan amount. You can come to the dealership to ask for a trade-in value, or go to the website, which offers some, and use the online tools to get a quick estimate value of your vehicle.  

Down Payment Considerations

To protect yourself further, aim for a solid down payment. A common rule-of-thumb is to put down twenty percent on a new car—which secures better interest rates, keeps your monthly bills manageable, and prevents you from owing more than the vehicle is worth. However, of course, the right down payment will depend on your budget and future goals. So always come back to your budget and pay the down payment that makes the most sense to you. 

6. Can I Take a Test Drive?

What to Pay Attention To

You can read multiple resources or hear someone else's feedback, both of which are extremely beneficial.  However, the best way to get a true feel for a car is to test drive it yourself. Pay close attention to its comfort, ergonomics, visibility, and how the features convey a sense of suitability.

Drive in Different Conditions

Next, you want to try riding the car in different situations – over bumpy roads, in a tight parking lot, and at high speed on the highway – so that you get a real feel for the car’s acceleration, braking, cabin noise, and suspension comfort. Taking the car for a drive in real situations helps you be sure the vehicle truly fits your lifestyle before you make a commitment.

7. What Warranty Coverage Comes With the Vehicle?

Factory Warranty

Next on the list of questions to ask before buying a car is about the factory warranty. You want to understand the specific vehicle warranty that comes with your purchase. This is to make sure that you know who will pay for any unexpected repairs down the road. For example, every new vehicle comes with a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty that protects almost all components from defects for the first three years or 36,000 miles.

Powertrain Coverage

Powertrain coverage is a crucial warranty to have because it covers the most expensive components in a car that are responsible for keeping the vehicle moving, such as the engine, transmission, and driveshafts. Making sure your purchase includes this particular coverage can help shield your wallet from major mechanical failures.

Extended Protection Plans

These plans are typically optional safety nets after your original coverage expires, and can be purchased directly from the dealership. Before you make your decision on buying the vehicle you want, it’s also a good idea to inquire about extended protection plans. Ask about the pricing, policy exclusions, and whether repairs can be done only at the dealership or other locations. 

8. What Technology Features Are Included?

Smartphone Integration

Smartphone integration is a must-have feature. This allows you to connect your smartphone operations to the car's system seamlessly. So, for example, you can listen to music on your phone while driving, and your contacts are synced to the car, so when you get a phone call, you can simply answer it using voice recognition, which keeps you connected without diverting your attention from the road. 

Infotainment Systems

What is the built-in infotainment system in the car? How will they benefit me as a driver? Those are some questions to ask before buying your next car. Your infotainment system is your digital command center for managing and controlling your vehicle. Some examples are Touchscreen displays that can connect to your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation and hands-free communication. High-quality systems also provide intuitive menu layouts, responsive voice commands, and software updates to keep your navigation maps and apps running smoothly.  

Driver Convenience Features

Nowadays, a vehicle must have modern technology that allows drivers to focus on the road while also making the experience more enjoyable. Features like automatic climate control, heated steering wheels, and multiple USB-C fast-charging ports keep everyone comfortable and connected on long road trips.

9. What Maintenance Will This Vehicle Need?

Routine Service Schedule

Learn the car's maintenance requirements and how often they should be performed. This is because if you want to maintain performance and achieve longevity, you have to keep the car in good condition, just as you would with any other machine.

Tire Maintenance

Tire checks should be part of regular maintenance as they maintain the safety of your car’s traction on the road. Tire maintenance includes checking tire pressure on a monthly basis and getting a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for even tread wear on all four wheels. This can help extend the life of your tires and keep your traction balanced in case of a sudden stop or wet weather.

Oil Changes

Oil serves as a lubricant for moving parts, which helps reduce heat and prevent the formation of sludge inside the engine block. Depending on whether your car uses conventional or full synthetic oil, you will have to schedule an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. Ask about the specifics on oil needs and changes to the dealership, and follow your owner’s manual to keep your factory warranty valid.

Service Availability

When purchasing a vehicle, service availability is one factor to consider. When you buy a vehicle with easily accessible servicing options, you save time, stress, and money. As a result, make sure to inquire about this particular service with your dealership. If so, ensure that they are authorized to handle the car brand, so you can be confident that your vehicle is being operated by technicians who have the proper training and tools.

Why Buy From C. Harper Auto Group?

Multiple Dealerships, One Trusted Name

C. Harper Auto Group is a reputable family-owned company with multiple dealerships in convenient locations. We carry a wide range of world-class automakers, including Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR). With these massive selections and our user-friendly website that provides every comprehensive service imaginable, we make car buying simple and stress-free from beginning to end. 

Friendly, Knowledgeable Team

Not only are we a team of expert individuals, but we also provide service from our hearts. Why is that? Because we are passionate about what we do and understand that customer service is more than just providing a complete service. It’s also important to make our customers feel comfortable and confident when they choose us. Rest assured that our team will help you in a professional and friendly manner.  

Financing Solutions

We have a dedicated finance team to help you buy your new car. We can help you create a custom loan and lease plan that works with your budget and build customized payment structures. What's more, our online pre-approval tools allow you to complete the process securely in the comfort of your home. 

Ongoing Vehicle Service

We provide comprehensive services beyond sales as part of our commitment to assisting you with all of your vehicle's needs, fostering long-term relationships and trust. Whether you need a simple repair or routine maintenance, you can count on us to provide excellent service.  

Call our team today; we'll be more than happy to help you with any of your needs.