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Buying your first car? While there are many things that are more important for attracting women, the fact is that females will look at your car as a reflection of who you are as a man, so it is important that you get a car that sends the right message. That being said, car shopping involves more than simply looking for the model that matches your taste, or one that will impress girls and get you more dates. It is also about knowing the right questions to ask your dealer. After all, you need to make sure that you are getting a car that will last a long time, and one that you won’t end up needing to put a lot of money into. Knowing what questions to ask ahead of time will give you an idea about what to expect from a deal and allow you to negotiate for the best possible price along with monthly payments (if you need to go on a payment plan). Here are some of the questions you should remember to ask a car dealer:
Are there any after-market parts installed?
Some dealers would add certain after-market parts or features in order to boost their profits. Apart from the additional charges on the paperwork, these extras can add up to the vehicle’s overall cost. If you don’t pay attention, you might end up paying extra for, say, seat covers that you thought were originally from the car’s manufacturer. So make sure to ask the dealer to inform you of any after- market features. If there’s any, make a decision whether you really need those features or not and how much they would cost you. If you decided that you don’t need them, request the dealer to remove it or if possible, choose a similar model that doesn’t carry the add-ons.
What is the mileage of the car?
New cars are expected to register less than 10 miles on the odometer. In some cases, however, a car may have used for a number of test drives. This is normal. However, if you notice that the car you are negotiating for has already 300 miles, you may want to ask the dealer for a lower price.
Are there any extra fees?
Once you have negotiated down the price, you can’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. What you have probably done discussing about was just the price of the vehicle itself. Dealers often charge for documentation, registry costs, and taxes among other things. While these are legitimate concerns, some charges can be rather questionable. If you’re not careful, you might be lured into paying unnecessary additional fees. When negotiating with the dealer, ask for a breakdown of the charges applicable on your purchase. Only when you know the exact details should you sign anything.
As a car buyer, you have all the right to ask questions. You can’t just choose a car from the lot and pay for it right away. You need to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth with your purchase.