Five Things to Ask Before Buying a Used Car | Auto Mart Nashville
Buying a used car is a big decision, and even when you’re working with a dealership you feel good about, there are a few questions worth asking before any paperwork is signed. These aren’t gotcha questions. They’re the kind of things any informed buyer should know, and any reputable dealer should be able to answer without hesitation.
1. Can I See the Title?
Before you commit to a purchase, ask to see the actual title. Confirm that it’s a clean title, meaning the vehicle has never been declared a total loss by an insurance company. A salvage or rebuilt title means the car sustained serious enough damage at some point that an insurer wrote it off, and that history doesn’t disappear just because the car looks fine now.
At Auto Mart, we only sell clean-title vehicles. We don’t carry salvage or rebuilt-title cars on our lot. But it’s still a good habit to ask anywhere you shop.
2. Has This Vehicle Been in an Accident?
Ask for a vehicle history report. Carfax and AutoCheck are the two most commonly used services, and they can reveal past accidents, title changes, odometer discrepancies, and service records. Even a minor accident can affect how a vehicle handles years later if the repairs weren’t done correctly. Knowing the history upfront protects you from surprises down the road.
3. Can I Test Drive It?
The answer should always be yes. A test drive tells you things a photo on a website never can: how the engine sounds under acceleration, whether the brakes feel responsive, how the steering handles at speed, and whether anything feels off.
Drive it on a highway if you can. Park it, turn it off, and restart it. Test the air conditioning and the heat. Pay attention to anything that doesn’t feel right, and ask about it before you leave the lot.
4. What’s Included in the Price?
Get clarity on what’s already been done to the vehicle before it went on the lot. Was it inspected? Were any parts replaced? Is there any kind of warranty?
This isn’t about demanding extras. It’s about understanding exactly what you’re buying and making sure the price matches the actual condition of the car.
5. What Does the Loan Actually Cost Me?
If you’re financing, ask for the total loan amount, the interest rate, the monthly payment, and the total you’ll pay over the full life of the loan. All of that information is your right as a buyer before you sign.
At Auto Mart, we go over every detail of the financing terms with our customers before anything is finalized. If something is unclear, we explain it until it isn’t. You should never feel pressured to sign something you don’t fully understand.
If you have questions about our vehicles or our financing process, we’re at 2721 Nolensville Pike in Nashville, Monday through Saturday. You can also reach us at 615-242-1279.