Important Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Vehicle

Whether you're buying a new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle it can be a big step, and sometimes involve uncertainty. Especially if you've never bought a vehicle before, it can be hard to know what the right questions are, and how to find the answers you need. Here at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC we want to help you find the perfect used vehicle at the Lake of the Ozarks, and also give you a heads up on some important questions and how to find the answers.

When shopping for a used vehicle, whether from an individual seller or a pre-owned vehicle dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks, you'll want to know more than just the make and model of the vehicle. Sometimes you'll want to ask questions about the seller themselves and other times you'll want to ask about the vehicle, but there are a few questions (and reasons behind asking the questions!) that need to be put out on the table.

1. Why Are You Selling?

Every seller will have a reason for selling, but the point of the question is to see why the seller believes he is selling. There are three common answer types that you'll get, and each answer can give you a good idea of the seller, as well as the type of deal you can get.

Sell Right Away. This could tell you that the owner is just wanting to get the car off their hands so they can make their next purchase. It can also tell you that you may get a good deal on the price.

Looking For The Right Price. If a seller tells you this, they probably aren't in a hurry to sell, and you'll need to be willing to pay what they're asking - because they probably won't budge.

No Clear Answer. If you can't get a clear answer from the seller, you might as well turn around and keep looking. There could be major issues with the car that they don't want to disclose.

2. Has the Vehicle Been In Extreme Weather?
It may not seem valuable at the time, but if the vehicle you're looking at has been driven in Minnesota winters or Texas summers, you may want to reconsider. Harsh weather environments can make a big impact in the lifespan of a vehicle, and if it's an older vehicle, you definitely will want to think long and hard about your decision.

3. Can I Have the Vehicle Inspected By a Licensed Mechanic?

This gives you a good idea of what type of seller you're looking at. If they refuse to let you take the car to a licensed mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may want to think again. Of course, this can  be based on circumstances, like if it's still the primary vehicle and they can't sacrifice it for a day. If you're buying a pre-owned vehicle at the Lake of the Ozarks, please bring it out to us and we'll perform check on it to make sure everything is looking good.

4. Can I Test Drive The Vehicle?

This is a great opportunity to see how well the vehicle does. As you drive the vehicle, test it in many different circumstances. Go fast and slow to see how the vehicle handles at different speeds. Pay attention to any strange noises you may hear in the process. Stop quickly to see how the brakes work, and don't forget to take it around several test curves to see how it handles on winding Ozark hills. If the seller isn't willing to let you test drive - this could be a bad sign.

5. Can I See Maintenance Records, Receipts, and Title?

Finally, you'll want to ask if you can see any previous paperwork on the vehicle. If the owner can provide it readily, you are probably working with someone who is trustworthy. They should be able to provide at least the last three oil change receipts, as well as other routine maintenance like tire or belt changes. You can also get an idea of what the upkeep costs will look like for future reference.

Come Find Your New Ride at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC

Buying a used vehicle doesn't have to be a gamble when you have the right team on your side. We can help you inspect a vehicle that you've found, or even sell you a used vehicle at the Lake of the Ozarks. We have a great selection at our car dealership in Camdenton, MO and would love to get you out on the road in a safe dependable vehicle. Stop by and take a look at our inventory!

Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!

513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service:  573.317.4195


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