Saving & Spending Home & Auto

12 Questions Used Car Dealers Hate Answering (But You’ll Never Regret Asking)

These questions might make a salesperson uncomfortable, but you should still ask them.

woman shopping for used cars
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

When you look for a used car, you're likely to have some questions for the dealer.

Of course, some used car sales representatives would rather you not ask certain questions. But if you want a good car that helps you avoid wasting money, you might have to ask them anyway.

Here are a few questions you should consider asking.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

What's the best price I can get?

Minerva Studio/Adobe family talking to the salesman

You will probably have to negotiate with a salesperson, and at some point, it’s fine to simply ask for the best price you can get.

Before doing so, it’s a good idea to check sites such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get a general idea of what the market will bear.

What can you tell me about the car's history?

Pixel-Shot/Adobe male mechanic refilling car oil

It’s important to know about the good and bad in a car’s history before you buy it. You want to know how the car was treated by previous owners.

A salesperson may be willing to disclose whether the previous owner was careful about oil changes and tire rotations. However, they might be less forthcoming if the car had issues that could stop you from buying it.

What is my trade-in's real value?

Tomasz Zajda/Adobe cash money for your car

It’s a good idea to consider a trade-in if you want to get some additional credit toward the purchase of your next car.

Salespeople may not want to give you the true value of your vehicle, or they could lowball you. That’s why it’s good to check sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for an estimate of the value of your car.

Just remember that trade-in value will likely be less than what you find in these guides.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

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

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Has this car been wrecked?

Fxquadro/Adobe car accident on the street

Car crashes can cause either superficial damage or more serious issues that could affect the longevity of the vehicle.

Of course, dealers know that you might hesitate to buy a car that has been in a crash. That’s why they don’t like this question.

Has this car been stolen?

Kadmy/Adobe thief burglar at automobile car

Buying a vehicle that once was reported stolen can cause you headaches after you purchase it.

It’s important to ask if the vehicle has been previously stolen and to make sure the title is “clean” and has not been given a salvage title.

Can you provide me with the vehicle history report?

NVB Stocker/Adobe car insurance concept

A vehicle’s history report can tell you a lot about the car when it comes to repairs, maintenance, and other issues.

You can request a history report using the vehicle identification number. Carfax and AutoCheck can help.

However, a dealer should also have this report available for potential buyers. If they're hesitant to give it to you, you should probably consider it a red flag.

Does this car have issues now?

NVB Stocker/Adobe accident inspector

Sometimes, a vehicle is on a used car lot because it has issues the previous owner didn’t want to deal with, such as a major repair or costly maintenance milestone.

A car dealer should be transparent when you ask about car issues. You can also ask about having an independent inspection if you don’t feel comfortable with simply taking the dealer’s word for it.

What service work did you perform on the car?

REDPIXEL/Adobe car detailing

A used vehicle should have some basic work before being handed off to a potential new owner. Be wary of a dealer that doesn’t want to disclose any work it has completed before making the car available.

Work can include everything from a thorough cleaning to maintenance that’s due or even repairs.

Why are your prices so high?

christianchan/Adobe best price speech bubble

It’s a good idea to comparison shop when you are buying a new car and check on prices for similar models at different dealers.

There may be a good reason for a car costing more at one place than another. Or, there could be a less justifiable reason why a used car salesperson may not want to explain the difference.

This is a question you might not want to ask the dealer directly, but instead ask it quietly to yourself.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Are you charging me hidden fees?

Jordan C/peopleimages.com/Adobe contract with a business man

Hidden fees frustrate used car buyers. Ask the salesperson for a breakdown of the vehicle's costs, including any fees.

Dealers might not like disclosing such fees, but they're obligated to do so.

Can you match other financing offers?

InsideCreativeHouse/Adobe reading information about new car

Dealers not only make money when they sell you the car, but they can also make a little extra by getting you to finance the vehicle through them.

It’s a good idea to check on other financing offers before you go to a dealer. You may be surprised by better options you can find through your bank or another financial institution.

Can I return the car if I don't like it?

studioprodakshn/Adobe man showing dislike sign

Some dealers may actually allow you to return a vehicle if you don’t like it as long as you do so within a certain amount of time. Others may let you take the vehicle home for an overnight test drive.

Of course, testing out the car before the deal is done or bringing it back could also mean the sale doesn’t go through. That is why salespeople hope you don’t ask this question.

Bottom line

standret/Adobe woman shows thumb up

It’s important to know exactly what you want to ask before going to a used car dealership to look for a vehicle.

Also, consider other ways to cut costs, such as shopping around so you save on car insurance or calculating maintenance costs and gas when deciding whether you can afford a particular vehicle.

  • 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


Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.