1. Home
2. Blogs

Know the deal before you seal the deal: Top questions to ask your dealer

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Published on May 20, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Buying a car may be an adrenaline rush, but it is, by no means, an easy decision. It involves a lot of research, and more often than not, you are caught up in a whirlwind of information available to you. But how do you sift through the layers of information on car types, models and trims, features, price range, and customize it to your need? Well, the art lies in asking the right questions before you sign the deal!

So, next time, before you step into your preferred dealership, ask the following questions to make sure you walk out with the vehicle of your dreams that won’t become a nightmare down the road.

Questions to ask when for a new car purchase:

About the car

1. Is the car on the lot? Is the specific model and trim available?

2. How economical is the car? What is the mileage?

3. What are the safety features available in the car? What is the safety rating of the car?

4. What are the other features that I should know about which I might have missed reading?

5. Is an updated model or upgrade launching soon? If so, in how much time? And which variant/trim/model be more beneficial?

6. Are there any accessories, equipment or new parts that will be included?

About the pricing of the car

7. What is the on-road price of the car?

8. What is the cost of ownership of the car?

9. What is the price of a new car against the old car in case of a car swap?

10. Are there any incentives that the dealer can provide on the final car price?

11. Are there any manufacturer rebates that the dealer can provide on the final car price?

12. Is the price on the paperwork the best the dealer can provide? Is there a way to bring it down?

13. Is there a dealer fee in the final price of the car?

14. What is the cost of various car parts such as headlights, bumper etc.?

15. What is covered under warranty, and how long is it? What are the maintenance intervals and cost per service?

About the maintenance of the car

16. Are the car parts for the chosen car readily available?

17. Who are the authorized spare parts partners? Where are they located?

18. Where is the nearest service centre?

19. What is the maintenance cost for the smooth functioning of the car post the warranty period?

About the financing of the car

20. What are the finance options available on the car, and what are the acceptable payment terms?

21. Do you provide in-house financing?

22. Which banks or financial services is the dealership collaborating with?

23. What are the loan terms?

24. Is there a discount if the payment is made in cash?

About the ownership procedure of the car

25. What are the paperwork/documents required in purchasing the car?

26. Can the purchase agreement be read and understood before signing the deal?

27. How soon will the car’s registration and number plate arrive?

28. Is it safe to drive on ‘applied for’ (AF) status? In case of an accident, can I claim the insurance on AF status?

29. Do I have to get car insurance from the dealership, or can I buy it independently? What are the benefits?

30. How soon can the car be delivered? If a specific car model needs to be arranged from another dealership (within or out of state), are they going to be additional charges?

Other questions about the car

31. How much time can I take to make up my mind?

32. Can you hold the car while I make up my mind?

33. Is a test drive available on the car model and trim? How much time do you allow for it?

34. Has the car been used as a demo car for test drives?

35. What will the market value of the car after a few years?

This was an exhaustive list of questions for a new car buyer, but purchasing a second-hand car is a whole new ballgame altogether. Within the second-hand car market segment, there is a marked difference between a certified pre-owned car and a used car. Typically, used cars aren’t well inspected and purchasing an unverified car could spell doom for you. However, in addition to the above questions, you can learn a lot about the used vehicle with the following questions before you agree to any paperwork.

Questions to ask when for a used car purchase:

1. What is the source of the car? Is it a trade-in or a demo from another dealer?

2. What is the ownership history of the car? How many previous owners?

3. What are the reasons for the previous owner to sell the car?

4. What is the service/maintenance history of the car?

5. What is the current mileage of the car?

6. What is the return policy of the dealer?

7. How many kilometres have been clocked in on the car?

8. How has the car been maintained?

9. Is the car repainted, or is this the original paintwork?

10. Is this a certified pre-owned vehicle?

11. Is this car certified by the manufacturer or the dealer?

12. Can I take this car to my mechanic for an inspection?

13. Can I check under the hood of the car?

14. Can I take the car for an extended test drive?

15. When did the car last go through safety and emissions testing? Did it pass?

We, at HDFC ERGO, urge our patrons to avoid buyer’s remorse and ask the right questions. Be it about purchasing a car or car insurance. No matter your choice of car, ensure that your car is insured with at least third party insurance to avoid legal and financial liability. But, we also advise you to go the extra mile to protect your car from unforeseen damages. When you purchase comprehensive insurance policy, your car, as well as your finances, remain protected from accidents, thefts, natural disasters, fires and explosions. Car experts, too, advise choosing comprehensive car insurance policy with crucial add-on covers for long worry-free relation with your car!

Conclusion

Purchasing a new car is an exciting decision, but it is not without difficulty. You might end up with a car that causes you more stress than it does convenience if you do not do your homework and plan ahead of time. Thus, we suggest you ask the right questions, and you shall be set for years of driving pleasure with no nasty surprises in-between. Happy car purchasing!

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by:

S. Gopalakrishnan | Motor Insurance Expert | 40+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in insurance industry, S. Gopalakrishnan is a name to reckon with in the field of reinsurance; he has headed the Reinsurance department and has rich experience in other fields of motor insurance. He loves to share his opinion on the latest topics in the insurance industry and how he can help people in safeguarding their assets using insurance products.

---

Few Other Articles:

• Does your car pass the test? Top things you should know about your purchase

• Confused between sedan & SUV? Let your car insurance premium decide the David vs. Goliath battle

• Sports car vs. normal car - Decoding car insurance

• IDV in Car Insurance - Important Things to Know

• Car Insurance Background Check: Why and How is it Done?

---

• 
• 
• 
•