Millions of Australians visit Holden dealers here in Auckland hoping for the best deals on a new set of wheels. The great news is that any person can avoid leaving money on the table at a dealership by simply asking the right question before they close a deal.
Whether you’re in the market for a car, truck or SUV, here are five essential questions to ask the dealer so you can make a wise investment.
Can You Produce the Purchase Agreement?
Ask to see a thorough purchase agreement for the car before making any decisions. You want to know the price of the vehicle and all fees and services that the final price includes. In some cases, you may find charges for items that you do not need or have not asked for included in the price of the car.
In particular, enquire about add-on expenses labelled “accessories.”
What are the Long-Term Maintenance Costs of this Vehicle?
Before purchasing a car, it pays to have a clear picture of the actual cost of owning it for the duration you plan to drive it. Your manufacturer will most likely provide some free maintenance for a particular number of years or mileage.
However, you want to know what it will cost you to maintain the car after that period or mileage expires. Keep in mind that the cost of maintaining a luxury car may significantly differ from that of owning an ordinary ride.
How Long is this Vehicle’s Warranty?
A car is a considerable investment, and you want that investment to go as far as possible. Ideally, you want to avoid drowning in repair costs. That is why it is crucial to understand your car’s warranty. It will give you a good idea of the amount of trust the manufacturer has when it comes to the quality of the vehicle they are selling.
Many top car manufacturers provide some excellent warranties. Generally, vehicle warranties last three years or 36,000 miles.
What Special Amenities Does the Car Come With?
Getting a car with many cool amenities is always great, as long as the car fits within your budget. To learn more about the vehicle, ask the dealer to tell you why you should purchase it. Your car dealer is an expert salesperson and will gout of their way to describe all the amenities that justify the price of the car.
Is this Your Best Price?
An excellent way to get a better price for your car is by negotiating with the dealer. Almost always, the dealer will be willing to lower the cost to fit better into your budget. This is especially true if you demonstrate that you’ve done your research and know what the market has to offer.
You may also want to negotiate the rates if you intend to use an auto loan to finance the car.
Purchasing a car is a huge decision, so you need to make sure that you have gotten everything right before signing the papers. The best way to go about it is by asking the dealer the right questions.