The process of buying a used car gets a bad reputation, with most thinking the salesperson is just out to get your money. And while it is important for a sales agent to give you the right information while making a sale, it is also important for a seller to ask the right questions.

Questions to Ask Your Used Car Salesman

If you have been researching a used car to buy and have finally narrowed it down to a few, give this list from Oils RGV a read, or even take it with you, to help you get started with some of the right questions to ask when dealing with a used car salesperson.

Who Was the Previous Owner?

How quickly they respond can tell you whether they are using a standard line or telling you the truth. If they have to look into it, it's likely they are providing real information. If, however, they immediately tell you that an elderly person was the sole owner, something may not be accurate.

What Was the Car Used For?

Even if the previous owner was an elderly person, that doesn't necessarily stop them from driving thousands of miles through the city or cross country. Learn about the history of the vehicle's usage. If it was a city based car then you can expect the transmission to have seen a bit of usage. If, however, it was only used for small irregular shopping trips, the internals is likely to be in better condition.

How Well Was the Vehicle Maintained?

If the previous owner kept on top of regular maintenance, then the vehicle likely comes with a maintenance log book which was completed by the mechanic after each visit. Not just satisfied with its availability, take a look through it and find out more about how well the vehicle was maintained. In particular, see whether basic items like oil changes were left too long and whether high-quality engine oils were used. Once you find the right car for you, it's important to use only high-quality products to keep it performing at its best. Speak with Oils RGV at (956) 458-9399 to learn about which engine lubricant is right for your shiny new machine.

Can I Take It for a Drive?

If you are comfortable with the information you've received so far and are still interested, the next step is to take the car for a test drive. Right? While it can seem strange, some dealerships won't allow you to take the car for a test drive. This is particularly prevalent on cars where the sticker price seems too good to be true and is a good indication that something may be wrong with the vehicle.

Can My Mechanic Look at It?

Unless you know all about cars, then it isn't likely that you will be able to give your potential new car a once over to check its overall condition. For this task, you're going to need your mechanic to look at the vehicle. That is, of course, if you can. Similar to the point mentioned above regarding a test drive. If the dealer is not comfortable with you taking the vehicle for a mechanical inspection, then it's possible there is something the salesperson doesn't want you to see. If either of the two instances occurs - continue looking at other cars.

Has It Ever Been in a Collision?

While a car can have received the best repair job possible, once the primary structure of the car has been damaged, it isn't as strong. Whether you feel comfortable with a car which has been repaired from a collision is a personal choice. However, it is a choice worth considering.

Does It Comes with a Warranty?

While you shouldn't expect it, some dealerships will offer a limited warranty on select vehicles on the lot. If the dealer does offer a warranty, be sure to read the information and details carefully to ensure the covered situations will apply to you, and whether the warranty is a benefit in your decision making.

Keep It Running Smoother with a Synthetic Oil Change in Edinburg

Once you have the keys in your hand, it's important to take good care of your car, both inside and out. During your regular maintenance, use only high-quality engine lubricants and oils to get the best performance from your new car. If you are unsure which product is right for your new vehicle, the online store has information on each individual product available, or speak with an engine oil expert at Oils RGV by calling (956) 458-9399.