Ask These Maintenance Questions Before Buying a Car
There are so many things to consider when buying a new car, especially at a time when gas prices are high and inflation has made everything else more expensive. And while you’re imagining driving around town in your new car, taking it in for service probably isn’t part of your fantasy. After all, this is a new car and should ideally be in top shape when it leaves the dealership.
But of course, this is not necessarily the case, and even if it is, your car will need scheduled maintenance sooner or later. That’s why it’s so important to ask about maintenance when you buy a new car. Here are a few questions you should be asking to make a fully informed purchase, courtesy of Consumer Reports (CR) management.
Free Service Questions
Many new cars come with some kind of free maintenance plan, but not all are the same. In fact, if you don’t find out what this “free” service includes, it could end up costing you money.
If the seller says your car comes with a “free” service, here are a few questions to ask:
- What services are free? (e.g. oil change, tire swapping/balancing, basic tuning, etc.)
- How long is the free service policy?
- How often are you eligible for content?
- Is there a limit on the number of times you can take your car for free maintenance?
- Is this the privilege of the automaker or the dealer?
- Do you need to visit a specific dealership or location for your maintenance to be free?
If your purchase comes with any version of the free (or discounted) service plan, don’t make the purchase (or at least leave the dealership) without written confirmation, CR experts stress , even if the seller tells you it isn’t. worry about it.
Maintenance questions in general
Even if your new car doesn’t come with a free maintenance plan, you should still ask about what it takes to keep it running. Questions to ask include:
- What services are needed on a regular basis to maintain a car?
- How often should a car be serviced? (Although this information is also in your owner’s manual, so check everything the seller tells you.)
- Is there anything unique/special about this car in terms of maintenance?
Finally, CR experts recommend that you be wary of any service package that the seller offers you. They usually involve upfront payments for several different services at regular intervals, and this is often not very profitable.
Do your own math to figure out if a package deal is worth it, or if you’re better off getting service as needed from a dealership or local auto shop.