Questions to ask a used car dealer
A few direct questions, asked before you visit, save a wasted trip and give you a clear, comparable price. On CARZyro, the contact button on any car's page has the first one ready to send.
Before you visit
- "Is it still available?" Good cars sell fast; confirm before you drive over.
- "What's the out-the-door price?" Ask for the total with every fee, tax and charge included, in writing. The advertised price rarely includes the dealer's documentation fee, title and registration fees, or sales tax.
- "Can you send me the history report and service records?" Many dealers already have a report for the car.
About the car
- "Has it been in an accident, or had paint or body work?"
- "Are there any open recalls, and have past recalls been done?" You can also check yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- "How many keys come with it?" A replacement smart key can be expensive.
- "How did you get the car?" A local trade-in with records is usually a better bet than an auction car from far away.
About the deal
- "Is it sold with a warranty, or as is?" Dealers must post a Buyers Guide in the window of every used car they sell (a rule from the Federal Trade Commission). It says whether the car comes with a warranty or is sold "as is", which means you pay for any repairs after the sale. Read it, and keep a copy.
- "Can I take it to my own mechanic for an inspection?" A dealer confident in the car will say yes.
- "Are any add-ons already on the price?" Things like window etching, paint protection or service contracts are often optional; ask to see the price without them.
- "Do I have to use your financing?" You can usually arrange a loan with your own bank or credit union and compare.
Get it in writing
Before you sign, check that the final numbers match the out-the-door price you were given, and don't sign anything with blank spaces. Our test drive checklist helps with the next step.
This guide is general information to help you shop, not legal or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so check the official source linked above before you rely on them.