hood view of several used SUVs

What Should I Ask At the Dealership to Get a Good Deal?

It can be intimidating going into a car dealership. There’s a lot of pressure sometimes and it can feel like the salesperson knows a lot more than you do. Even with some research in hand, it can feel overwhelming when it comes time to talk price. 

Knowing about the car and having some basic negotiating skills can go a long way, but have more weapons in your arsenal is never a bad plan either. A few precise questions will help you make sure you know everything you need to know about the car you’re thinking about purchasing. 

several SUVs parked at a dealershipWhat Should I Ask At the Dealership? 

Cost is obviously the deciding factor with most car purchases, so an important question to ask is what the car will cost including taxes and fees. Those two things aren’t usually included in the price, but they can add a lot to the price without even realizing it. If you’re trading in a car you’ll want to negotiate about that as well, but make sure you do it separately from everything else. It will help make sure it doesn’t just get lost in the shuffle of all the numbers and paperwork. The one thing you don’t want to do is negotiate based on monthly payments. It may seem more affordable and easier to manage, but not asking about the other hidden costs can just mean you’re paying longer than you could have. 

You want to have as much knowledge and control as possible when negotiating for your car so be sure to also ask about financing and what banks the dealership works with, you might be able to personally negotiate a better deal. Also, don’t be afraid to ask what sort of amenities the dealership offers like same-day service or loaner cars just so you know the full scope of what you get. 

a couple posing next to a carFinancing in Chatanooga, TN

If you’re in the market for another car then stop by one of our Auto Simple locations and talk with a member of our sales staff. You can also call ahead with any questions and we’ll do what we can to help.Â