Buying a new car is probably one of the biggest financial decisions you can make. The process is not easy either. You can’t just go to the dealership, look for the shiniest Nissan Versa Note, for instance, point to it and say “I want that one!” No, it’s more to it than that. A lot of things are hidden behind the luxurious appearance that could give you a severe headache after the new car smell wears off.
That is why, besides assessing your needs, making a list of possible choices and doing your research, you should also ask the dealer some essential questions so that you’ll know what to expect in the future.
Make sure to ask the questions below before striking the deal.
What Type of Warranty Coverage Does My Car Have?
One of the most important factors when it comes to purchasing a new Nissan is learning how costly repairs and maintenance are. That’s why it’s paramount to ask your dealer if your new car comes with a warranty.
Most Nissan cars offer some warranty, but not all are created equal. So, you need to make sure that you have as much information as possible before making a decision. You wouldn’t want to buy a new Nissan just to find out later that you have to pay more for maintenance than you were expecting.
What Is My Interest Rate?
Ideally, you’d use your savings to pay for the car. But if you’re not amongst the lucky ones with enough savings to afford a new car, thoroughly check the terms of the loan before signing the papers.
Some dealers will try to make their payment methods look much more appealing than they actually are. Do your research so that you can understand all the financial terms they are throwing at you. Keep in mind that an extended term may mean that you will pay more than the vehicle’s worth.
Do I have GAP Insurance?
Most insurance policies cover only a portion of the costs if a leased car is totaled or stolen. The GAP (Guaranteed Auto Protection) insurance absolves you of any payment obligation outside of what the insurance covers. Make sure it is included in your loan.
Has My Loan Been Finalized?
Picture this:
You’re happily flaunting your new Nissan when you receive a call from the dealership: the loan fell through. They can offer you other loan options, but they come with higher interest rates and or down payment demands. In other words, you could end up paying more than you initially would have. Worst case scenario, they ask you to return the car.
So, make sure everything is in order with your loan before speeding off of the dealership’s car lot.
How Much Is My Trade-in Worth?
You could trade in your old car and use that as your down payment. However, be sure to make an estimate yourself. If the dealer offers you a lot less than your estimate, you may want to check with a different Nissan dealership.
What Mandatory Fees Will I Have to Pay?
Besides the car’s actual price, you’ll also have to pay additional fees, such as sales tax, registry cost, documentation fee, and so on. In some cases, it might seem as if you’ve got your hands on a good deal. However, that may be because flexible fees like documentation fees are not regulated in all states and can get pretty high.
Ask your Nissan dealer about them and try to negotiate them to a reasonable level, if possible.
Has the Car Been Used as a Demo?
Dealerships offer test drives, so some cars have been used as demos maybe more than once, and they may have suffered damages. Normally, the price for a demo should be lower. But if that’s not the case, avoid purchasing it. You don’t want to pay a premium price for a car that’s been driven by others.
Where Is the Nearest Authorized Repair Center to My House?
You’ve struck a deal, and you’ve got your hands on the perfect Nissan car. That won’t be of any help if you have to drive 3 hours for it to be serviced. That money you thought you’ve gained? You can kiss that money goodbye since it’ll fund your new road trip. So, make sure there’s an authorized repair center near your home.
These questions will help you understand your options better. Don’t limit yourself to consulting only one dealership, though. Get offers from more of them, and for different models. Sure, it is time-consuming, but when you’re making such a big investment, you want to make sure that everything is perfect before signing the papers on your new Nissan.