Questions To Ask a Used Car Dealer

Buying a used car is beneficial if you’re on a budget and want to lower your auto insurance premium. Additionally, pre-owned vehicles are associated with lower registration fees. You also get more options because used car dealerships offer various vehicle makes, models, and types ranging from sedans to trucks and SUVs. While there are plenty of upsides to purchasing a used car, you want to ensure you get a good deal before handing over the cash.

Used Cars for Sale

Important Questions To Ask a Used Car Dealer

Before you purchase a used car in Marion, Illinois, there are some essential things you should know about it to ensure it’s worth the price and avoid getting stuck with junk. An informed purchase decision is best. At Ike Honda, we strive to assist you through the whole car-buying process. Browse our extensive used car inventory online and call our knowledgeable sales team at 618-422-9020 to ask the following questions.

What’s the Car’s Mileage?

Mileage is essential to determining a car’s value and remaining life span. Used cars with high mileage depreciate in value, so the price tag should be low. If the car is expensive and has many miles on the clock, you’re not getting a good deal. While some vehicles may last 200,000 to 300,000 miles, the higher the mileage, the more you’ll have to pay for repair and maintenance costs. Consider this question when consulting with a used car dealer to ensure you get a car with little wear and tear and great mileage, considering its model year.

Has the Car Been in Any Accidents?

If the answer is yes, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Certified collision centers have state-of-the-art tools and equipment to fix damage to a car caused by a minor auto accident. Used cars for sale at a reputable dealership undergo an extensive inspection to ensure everything on the vehicle is restored to its original shape. At Ike Honda, our certified service technicians ensure every element of your used car functions properly.

If you decide to buy from a private seller, you risk not knowing the whole story. The seller might present damages from a major accident as less significant than they are. In this case, avoiding purchasing a car involved in any collision is best.

Is There a Maintenance Record for the Vehicle?

A good used car will be ready for you to drive off the lot, not directly into an auto service center. It should be free of mechanical problems, such as squeaky brakes and weird sounds.

If you’re car savvy, you can open the hood and inspect the mechanical elements yourself. But, if you’re still learning about cars, ask for a maintenance record of the used vehicle to know when it was last serviced. If you notice the car is due for an oil change or new tires, ask the dealer if their technicians can complete the services before you leave. If you’re unfamiliar with the car’s recommended service schedule, see if their certified mechanics will inspect it before you take it home.

Is There a Vehicle History Report Available?

It’s hard to hide issues a used car may have when a vehicle history report is involved. It’s best to ask your used car dealer for this report to review important information about the vehicle. A vehicle history report includes details about the used car’s accidents, recalls, and previous owners. You’ll get more information on the vehicle’s service history, including significant repairs and replacements, such as the engine or transmission.

You can obtain a free report online using the car’s vehicle identification number. However, a trustworthy used car dealership will provide the report for you. At Ike Honda, each of our used vehicles features a CARFAX history report. Feel free to ask us to clarify any details on the report. We’re happy to help.

How Do I Apply For Used Car Financing?

Although used cars are usually affordable, there are additional fees you might not expect, such as sales tax and dealer fees. If the final price exceeds your budget, ask your used car dealer if they offer financing. They typically have car loans and work with you to create a repayment program that fits your budget. Consider making a down payment on the used car to increase your chances of getting the best interest rate for loan repayment.

Another helpful tip is to ask about available discounts, incentives, or rebates. The dealership might offer a limited-time offer or have a unique inventory of used cars under $20,000. If you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle for something better, ask your used car dealer if they offer a vehicle trade-in program.

What Do I Need To Bring With Me To Purchase a Used Car?

Each used car dealership has its own requirements on what you should bring to purchase a used auto, so it’s wise to ask before arriving. Typically, you’ll need to present important legal documents to the dealer, such as your driver’s license. Depending on where you live, your state may require you to carry proof of insurance before driving the vehicle off the dealer’s lot.

Did you find a used car you like and are ready to buy it? Remember to bring a valid form of payment to the dealership so you can complete the transaction. Ask your dealer which payment they accept so you’re prepared.

Buy a Pre-Owned Car From Ike Honda

Looking to buy a used car in Marion, Illinois? Visit Ike Honda at 4407 W. DeYoung St. We carry a wide variety of certified pre-owned vehicles with low mileage and affordable prices. Our HondaTrue Certified Pre-Owned Program guarantees you’ll get a quality vehicle because it must pass a 112- to 182-point inspection before it’s sold. We ensure your satisfaction as each used car in this program comes with a limited warranty and a three-day exchange policy to swap it for another vehicle in our inventory.

Honda dealership sign by Yonkers Honda is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED