10 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

Take the stress out of buying a used car by becoming informed! This video shows how one dealership, West Valley Auto Plaza, listens to customer's needs and requests about how to buy a used car in Salt Lake City, and throughout Utah.

Below is a quick list of 10 questions that may help you decide on the used car for sale that is right for you:

1. If the car is certified, can I see the mechanic’s pre-certification inspection?

Every certified car has to go through an inspection before it can be certified. Ask to see that paperwork to find out what was fixed. It’s a good piece of paper to hold onto for future problems.

2. Who was the vehicle purchased from?

If it was a trade-in to that dealership, ask to see the maintenance records. If it was bought at an auction, make sure it is gone over with a fine-tooth comb by a mechanic who specializes in inspecting used cars.

3. Who certified a used car that is called certified?

The only certification that means anything is a manufacturer certified pre-owned car. All others are insurance backed programs that I have rarely heard good things about.

4. How long of a test drive can I take?

See if the dealer will let you take the car for an extended test drive. Put it in writing that you won’t put more than 100 miles on the odometer, prove you have insurance, and you’ll bring it back with the same amount of fuel that was originally in the tank.

5. Is a CarFax report provided before purchase?

A reputable dealership will have no problem with this. A disreputable dealership might, or worse yet, might present a doctored report. Make sure the report’s vehicle identification number matches the VIN on the used car you’re looking at.

6. What is the dealership’s return policy?

A consumer friendly dealership will probably give you time to rethink the purchase and at least provide you equal value. No dealership is going to offer you cash back.

7. What is your cash price for this used car?

Dealers try to make money off financing, but in any market, cash should get you a lower price. Point out to the dealer it eliminates a lot of work on their end when you plop cash on the table.

If the dealer won't give you a deal for cash, ask what kind of consideration they will give you for doing the financing through them. Just make sure the rate they offer is equal to or lower than what your bank or credit union would offer.

Cash should still get you a lower price but sometimes financing can work to your advantage, too. Either way, make your money work for you.

8. What is the miles per gallon of this vehicle?: These days, it wouldn’t hurt to ask about fuel economy and miles per gallon. Also ask about E85 fuel. Some vehicles with smaller engines use this flex fuel, which is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

9. What service has the dealership performed on the used car since acquiring it?

This helps you determine what value you’re getting for your purchase. Complete overhauls mean you won’t be dealing with service repairs anytime soon after purchasing the car.

10. Do you take trade-ins?

This makes your life a lot easier if the dealership will handle this for you. Don’t let yourself get tied up in trying to selling your own used car, especially if you hate selling used cars.

West Valley Auto Plaza’s goal is to get you back on your feet in a good reliable pre-owned vehicle that you can afford at a fair price regardless of your credit situation. This is what we’ve done for over 10 years now, and this is what we’ll do for you. Feel free to shop around and see what others have to offer. We know you’ll end up choosing us, because we are the best out there, and we won’t jerk you around!