Buying a Toyota is a smart move. Toyotas are reliable and versatile vehicles. Whether you want to hit the open road or navigate the city landscape, Toyotas are the perfect vehicle to get you where you want to go.
But there are some questions you should ask before buying a Toyota, especially if it’s a used vehicle. How well a car drives depends a lot on its history and whether it has been well-maintained. Here are some to ask before signing on the dotted line.
1. What’s the Car’s History?
If you’re planning on buying a brand-new Toyota, the car likely hasn’t been taken off the lot for anything other than a test drive. But if you’re planning to purchase the used car, you should inquire about its history.
Request past records and receipts of car maintenance to ensure the car is in good shape. Ask to see a CARFAX report for the vehicle, for instance. You can also purchase a vehicle history report on your own through the CARFAX website if you have the VIN or license plate number for the vehicle.
You should also ask whether the car has ever been in an accident. You can do a preliminary check by inspecting the vehicle’s exterior. If you notice any scratches or an area where the car paint doesn’t quite look the same, this is a tell-tale sign the car has likely been in a crash at some point. But damage to the frame or actual mechanics won’t be as easy to spot, so ask. Try to get as much information as possible from the owner or dealer before buying a used vehicle.
2. Is the Car Under Warranty?
If you’re buying used, you’ll also want to check whether the warranty on the car is still valid. If so, be sure to get copies from the seller. This will show how many miles or months of warranty coverage you have left on the vehicle.
Even if the vehicle’s warranty has expired, check whether there are any replacement parts under warranty. If the tires have recently been replaced, for instance, they may be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. Again, be sure to request copies of this information so you know what’s covered and for exactly how long.
3. Is the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned?
Many used vehicles are likely to have expired warranties. But you’re not entirely out of luck. Find out if the Toyota is certified pre-owned. This ensures certain guarantees that buying a used Toyota from someone other than a Toyota dealer will likely be unable to provide.
For example, a vehicle that is Toyota Certified Used comes with a 12-month, 12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty. It also includes roadside assistance for 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Run out of gas? Car breaks down? Whatever the situation may be, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded on the side of the road. When you purchase a Toyota certified pre-owned vehicle, your vehicle is covered by ToyotaCare.
To earn the Toyota Certified Used label, the vehicle must meet certain specifications. It has to be a current model year Toyota that is no more than 6 years old and has 85,000 miles or less. It also must pass a 160-point minimum Quality Insurance Inspection.
When you buy a Toyota certified pre-owned vehicle from a Toyota dealer, you will receive a CARFAX vehicle history report as well. All Toyota Certified Used vehicles are required to meet certain standards on these reports to even be eligible. We ensure that when you buy a Toyota that’s certified pre-owned, you will be getting only the very best.
4. What Is the Safety Rating?
Regardless of whether you buy new or used, you should always make sure that your vehicle has the latest safety features. You can verify this by checking the car’s safety rating and asking about the Toyota Safety Sense package included.
It is free and easy to check the car’s safety rating through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Simply input the vehicle’s year, make, and model, and then click on the magnifying glass to search for the rating. If you’re unable to find the safety rating for your particular vehicle, you also have the option of searching for safety ratings by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
5. What’s Included in the Sale Price?
If you’re buying from a dealer, always ask what’s included in the sale price. Even with vehicles that are pre-owned, you may be able to get some sort of warranty coverage or extra services included. It never hurts to ask the seller what comes with the purchase price or if they’re able to throw in something extra for you to close the deal.
For instance, at Beaverton Toyota, when you buy a new Toyota from us, you qualify for our CLEAR Care guarantee. CLEAR Care is a suite of offerings, including warranty coverage and complimentary services, such as car rental and shuttle services when you have major work performed. You’ll also be enrolled in our CLEAR Rewards program, our incentive program that rewards you for properly caring for your vehicle.
Be sure to ask about your financing options as well. See if the dealer will offer you any incentives to finance your vehicle directly from them rather than going to your own lender. Rate shop and see where you can get the best deal. One benefit of financing with a dealer, though, is that they’ll often take care of your vehicle registration and plates for you so that you can save yourself the hassle of going to the DMV.
Interested in buying a Toyota? Smart choice. Make another smart choice by visiting Beaverton Toyota. You ask the smart questions, and we’ll have the right answers. All that’s left is finding you the perfect Toyota.