What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a used car can be an excellent way to save money and get your next car sooner without waiting months for it to arrive. One of the most critical aspects of buying a used car is asking the right questions. Here are the best questions you should ask when buying a used car to ensure you make an informed decision.

What's the Vehicle's History?

The first question to ask when considering a used car is about its history. Request a detailed vehicle history report that includes information about accidents, title status, maintenance records, and any other significant events in the car's past. This will give you valuable insights into the car's overall condition and potential issues. A reputable dealership, like Big Box Cars, will be fully transparent and provide you with a free car history report.  

How Many Kilometers Are on the Odometer? 

The mileage on a used car could significantly impact its overall condition and future performance. A lower mileage usually means less wear and tear, while higher mileage may require more maintenance. Consider the average annual mileage for the vehicle's age and compare it to the current reading. 

Are There Any Outstanding Recalls?

Check for any outstanding recalls on the vehicle. The seller should be aware of these and, if applicable, should have taken steps to rectify the issues before selling the car.

Does the Car Come with a Roadworthy Certificate? 

A roadworthy certificate is required as it ensures that the vehicle is safe to drive on the road. If the car does not come with one, enquire about the cost and process to obtain it. Any reputable dealership will ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy, registered and ready for the customer to drive away with.  

At Big Box we have over 200 high quality vehicles on our sales yard that have passed a roadworthy inspection by our experienced technicians to ensure our customers’ peace of mind.  

Is There a Warranty or Guarantee?

Some used cars come with limited warranties or guarantees from the seller or dealership. Clarify the terms and coverage of any warranties to know what's included and for how long. At Big Box Cars, we offer a 90 Day Statutory Warranty that protects you from most issues with your car for 90 days post purchase.

What's the Vehicle's Service History? 

Ask if the logbook is provided and if the service history has been recorded. If so, check how well the previous owner has kept to the scheduled services and what kind of work has been done to the car.

Is the car registered and for how long? 

Confirm the current registration status of the vehicle and enquire about how long it has been registered. This ensures you won't face any legal issues or extra fees related to registration.

Can I Test Drive the Car? 

Ever heard the phrase “Try before you buy”? A test drive is essential to assess how the vehicle handles, its comfort, and whether it meets your wants and needs. Pay attention to how it drives, any unusual noises, and how it responds to different road conditions.

Do You Offer Finance?

Ask the seller if they offer any financing options. Many dealerships may provide financing solutions to help you with your purchase. Make sure to understand the terms, interest rates, and any associated fees. At Big Box Cars, our personalised finance solutions utilise the latest digital innovations so that you can be pre-approved & shopping with your personalised finance rate in minutes, making finding the money to purchase your next used car easier than you thought possible.

When buying a used car, asking the right questions is key to making a wise investment. Remember that the first step to buying a good used car is choosing someone trustworthy to buy from to begin with. Research the dealership, look at their Google reviews and their company values.  

A good dealership values its customers and aims to leave them satisfied not only with their chosen vehicle but also with the overall buying experience, even months after the purchase. Big Box Cars has a Google rating of 4.7 stars from over 2,000 customer reviews. If you are in the market for a used vehicle, please contact us or check out our available stock on our website.