questions 2 ask when buying a first car?

Answer 1

ask for a service history and also whether any money is owed against it,free and clear title

Answer 2

That depends on if you are buying used or new, the other answers seem to indicate used so I'll assume so myself.

First understand the fact that if you are buying from a dealer, used car lot etc then any answers to your questions should be taken with a grain of salt so to speak. The salesperson may not, and probably doesn't know all the facts about a particular vehicle.

Even so they may also not be 100% truthful about what they do know. It's up to you to protect yourself from buying something that may not be as it seems, a lemon in other words.

There really is too much information that should be obtained before making a firm decision on what to buy to answer in this forum. But obviously you've made the right first step, simply by asking others.

Knowing what questions to ask is important, but even more so is the knowledge you have before starting your search. By knowing as much as you can before shopping will elimanate the need to rely on others to be truthful and honest, which isn't going to happen.

Instead of listing particular questions you should ask, I'll direct you to some information articles that will at least get you started in the right direction.

Facts And Myths
http://www.usedcarwise.com/articles/article/3115074/51509.htm

Should You Buy An Extended Warranty?
http://www.usedcarwise.com/articles/article/3115074/45553.htm

What You Need To Know About Online History Reports
http://www.usedcarwise.com/vehicle_history_reports.html

Scam Watch
http://www.usedcarwise.com/dealerscams.html

Hidden Inspections
http://www.usedcarwise.com/inspection.html

Other Articles
http://www.usedcarwise.com/page/page/3115074.htm

These are just a few peices of info, browse the site and you'll find more that may help.

Jerry
http://www.usedcarwise.com

Answer 3

If you know a little about cars, ask about the mileage. Has it been wrecked? Has it sustained any damage? Is the mileage on the odometer correct?

If you don't know anything about cars, have it looked over by a mechanic. A good one can inspect it and see the obvious problems and let you know about it. Always try to find out what kind of repairs have been done.

Answer 4

How long have you had the car?
what kind of gas mileage does it get?
has it ever been wrecked?
has it ever had any major mechanical work?
Does it have any problems that you know of?
Does it use or leak any fluids?
and remember don't be afraid to negotiate regardless if it is a person or a dealer. And don't jump at the first car you look at shop arround. Even if you LOVE the car, sometimes it just dosen't work out!!
Good Luck!

Answer 5

Always have your own mechanic look at the car first. Do not trust the car lot mechanic. I worked at a car lot in Vegas and I ended up quitting because I just could not take all the dishonesty there. There was this car on the lot that had been on fire the day before. A man was looking at it and I was the one helping him. I could not bring myself to tell this man this car was a wonderful choice like I was supposed to. I told him that the car was on fire the day before and not to buy it. I hope he appreciated my honesty.

Answer 6

Ask who had the car first if a person first car don't buy.Check car facts on line if you can get Vin number.