Ten Questions You Should Ask Before Buying Any Vehicle

If we left it to the big dealers and their huge advertising budgets, the only thing they would want us to believe important when buying a pre-owned vehicle would be “how many miles” and “number of owners.”  Fact is, like real-estate where “location” is the single-most important issue, “condition” is where your thoughts need to be when car-shopping.  You can buy a low miles, one-owner car that’s been abused, neglected, and “horse-whipped” far more easily than you can buy a multiple-owner, on-the-road, loved-like-a-family-member vehicle.  Your senses won’t fool you.  Instead of “how many miles?” and “how many owners has it had?” consider asking the questions below.  Whether buying from a private party or a dealer, make certain you are satisfied with (and understand) the explanation or are adequately shown proof of what is being claimed.  Don’t settle for “aloof” answers.  Ask for details.  If you don’t like what you hear, consider moving on to another candidate – vehicle or sales rep.

1. Tell me about the mechanicals of this vehicle – the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and electrical systems – are they in proper working order?  Are there any warning lights illuminated while the vehicle is in operation?  Are there any fluid leaks left behind when the car is parked?
2. Tell me about the paintwork – is the clear coat intact?  Are there any dents, scratches, or blemishes that are clearly visible?  Have you found any repainted areas, paint lines, aftermarket panels, or tell-tail signs of aftermarket paintwork?  Is the windshield in need of repair or replacement?
3. Tell me about the interior – are there any tears, rips, or burns in the upholstery?  How does the car smell?
4. Tell me about the accessories – do the air conditioner, heater, stereo, power seats, and other accessories work the way they were designed to?  Are all the windows operable?  Do all the lights work? 
5. Tell me about any recent maintenance, service, or repair work – do you have receipts to help me understand what was done?
6. Did the prior owners modify the vehicle in anyway?  Are there aftermarket alarms, stereo/sound systems, window tint, tires, wheels, or trim pieces?
7. Tell me about items considered “wear and tear.”  Do you know the condition of the brake pads/shoes, belts, hoses, coolant, battery, oil, transmission fluid?  If the vehicle has a timing (camshaft) belt, has it been replaced and if so, do you have the record of when it was done?
8. Does the car rattle, squeak, vibrate, knock, clatter, or make any unusual noises while driving? 
9. What is the single-most issue you feel would need addressed on this vehicle in the next month or 3000 miles.
10. Tell me about the title disposition   Is the tile documents free of liens?  Has it been branded, i.e., salvage, flood, theft recovery, or a “total loss”?

Notice how these questions are focused on information gathering, rather than a single, one-word reply. Whether or not you choose a Benchmark Imports vehicle, by using this list of conversation-starting questions, you should have a very good foundation to build upon. These questions will help you sort out those who simply want to doff a troublesome vehicle, or even identify those dealers who simply chose the "wash and sell" method for their pre-owned inventory.

I would be honored if you brought this list with you when you pursue your next vehicle purchase at Benchmark Imports. Even if you don't find something suiting your tastes from my hand-selected inventory, you'll leave with a wealth of knowledge to help in finding your next vehicle.