11 Questions To Ask When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but there are certain questions that you should ask about the vehicle before you purchase it. The following questions, suggested by our expert team at Performance Kings Honda, will help ensure that you get the best used car to suit your needs, avoiding vehicles with bad histories, faulty parts, and other issues.

How Old Is the Vehicle?

Question mark sign by Colin Kinner is licensed with CC BY 2.0

This is a big one. The older a vehicle is, the more frequently the need for repairs is likely to pop up. If you want a classic used car, you should be careful to check the availability of parts for the vehicle you have in mind. Manufacturers may discontinue some older parts, they may be more expensive due to low supply, or you may have to get them shipped long distances.

What Is the Mileage on the Vehicle?

This question is just as important, if not more so, than the one above. A 10-year-old vehicle that was almost never driven may be a better choice than a newer vehicle with 200,000 miles on the engine. You should ask what percentage of that driving time was spent off-road or on the highway, as these kinds of driving can wear down parts more easily.

How Many Owners Has the Vehicle Had?

A vehicle that has switched hands many times may have an issue that you need to know about or that you’d rather avoid. Some sellers may not know the full history of a used vehicle, but some companies do offer history reports covering that information. Most dealerships offer comprehensive vehicle history reports so prospective buyers know of every owner and every accident in the used vehicle’s history.

What Repairs Need To Be Made to the Vehicle?

Used vehicles that are sold at particularly low prices may have something wrong with them that you’ll need to address. Any component could be the problem part, so repair costs will vary wildly. A vehicle in need of a new engine block or transmission will be far more expensive to restore than one that needs an alternator or battery, for instance. Some sellers may be willing to cover the cost of the repairs prior to the sale, so you should always check this out.

How New Are the Most Regularly Replaced Parts?

You’ll need to replace tires, filters, fluids, and brake pads and discs most often out of all vehicle parts. The best used vehicle sellers will have replaced all of these with new versions prior to sale, but it’s always wise to ask. Used vehicles with worn or heavily used parts will soon require maintenance.

Is the Vehicle Still Covered by a Warranty?

This question can make a massive difference when buying a used vehicle. It may not matter that a used vehicle has worn parts or has run for a long time if it’s still covered by a warranty. This is because the service granted by the warranty will cover the replacement of any part tied to it in full or in part. It’s important to ask what kinds of warranties still apply, what they cover, and how much longer they’ll last.

You can find extended warranties for our used vehicles through our finance center. Honda extended warranties are only sold by Honda dealerships. Anyone else offering to sell a Honda extended warranty is not offering a valid product.

May I Have a Mechanic Inspect the Vehicle?

A vehicle inspection can go a long way toward minimizing costs down the road. The inspector may find faulty or worn-down components that need replacing. If an independent seller refuses an inspection, they may be hiding something wrong with the vehicle. Our service professionals at our dealership in Cincinnati, Ohio, inspect our used vehicles regularly and will gladly reinspect any vehicle you’re interested, just to make sure everything is in order. We have absolute faith in the professional work of our service pros, so we also welcome independent inspections.

What Insurance Considerations Are Tied to This Vehicle?

Some vehicles are far more affordable to insure than others. Sports cars and off-road vehicles cost more to insure than standard sedans or vans, for instance. This is because their parts are more heavily taxed, and their uses involve higher risk. Contrary to popular belief, vehicle color doesn’t impact insurance costs. The vehicle’s age, repair history, location, accident history, and other factors are what matter.

Do Any Special Keys or Accessories Come With the Vehicle?

Most modern vehicles come with some sort of key fob. Some of these have special features, such as remote keyless entry, remote start, or power hatch or trunk activation. These keys can cost upwards of $500 to replace, so it’s important that you don’t forget to ask about them. Some drivers love to kit out their vehicles with all sorts of handy accessories. Used vehicles with many of these included will be worth more than those without. Accessories that you have no use for may be removable, reducing the vehicle’s price.

May I Return the Vehicle if I End Up Disliking It?

First impressions aren’t everything, and your opinion of a vehicle may change with some use. It’s best to lean toward sellers who answer this question with a yes in order to eliminate the possibility of irreversible purchase regret. It’s vital that an inspection is done if the answer is no since there’ll be no turning back after the purchase.

Why Is This Car Being Sold?

You’ll likely run into a wide range of answers but the answer will always reveal something significant about the will always reveal something significant about the car. The reason may have to do with an odd quirk of that particular vehicle or of the model year in general.

You’ll find a fantastic range of used vehicles at Performance Kings Honda in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our experienced team will gladly answer any questions you might have about our current inventory, including all the ones listed above. Feel free to reach out to us to make an appointment or come in at your convenience to see what we have to offer.