5 Questions Car Dealerships Don’t Want You To Ask (But You Should) | FinanceBuzz

"What Do You Know About the Car's History?"

Dealerships might avoid this topic unless asked. Forget asking about just the number of previous owners—it's superficial. Instead, dig deeper: ask for the vehicle's full history. A detailed service log or accident record can reveal if the car's truly reliable or hiding potential issues.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

"What Service Records Come with This Car?"

Don't stop at whether the car was serviced at a dealership. Instead, ask for specific service records. These documents reveal if regular maintenance happened and whether any major repairs were done properly. A well-documented car history equals peace of mind on the road.

"Was This Car Ever Wrecked or Stolen?"

Dealerships might cringe at even hearing this. However, this question is vital to uncover hidden problems. Cars with poor repair histories or questionable ownership may not be worth the investment. Ask this to confidently avoid future headaches and ensure a clean title.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>

"What Incentives Come with This Car?"

Asking bluntly for the best deal can put sellers on edge. Instead, inquire about available perks or manufacturer incentives. From rebates to financing offers, these can significantly lower your costs. Research online beforehand to know what freebies you can leverage.

"Is This Car a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?"

Skip vague queries about inspections; directly confirm if the car is certified pre-owned. This guarantees it meets stricter standards, comes with fewer miles, and often includes additional warranties. It's a smarter approach to used car buying.

Bottom line

Want to outsmart dealerships? Start using these insider questions today. They turn the tables, giving you more control and clarity as a buyer.

And once you've negotiated the best price, don't stop there. Compare auto insurance rates to make sure you're not overpaying on coverage. A better deal at the dealership paired with the right policy could save you hundreds.

Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Save On Your Auto Insurance

You could save up to $600 with some companies
Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
Quickly find the perfect rate for you

Get a quote now