Car Buying Guide 2025: Exactly What to Ask at the Showroom Before You Buy

Buying a car in 2025 is more complex than ever. With electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid models becoming mainstream, frequent supply fluctuations, and a wide range of financing options, walking into a dealership unprepared can cost you thousands. This guide tells you precisely what to ask at the showroom, what to verify on delivery, and how to protect your money so you leave confident and well informed.

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Prepare Before You Visit: Research, Budget, and Priorities

Set a realistic budget and total cost of ownership

Decide your top-line budget including taxes, registration, insurance, and expected maintenance. Don’t only consider the sticker price — calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for at least five years. That includes fuel or electricity costs, maintenance, anticipated depreciation, and potential incentives.

Get financing pre-approval and know your credit position

Get pre-approved with a bank or credit union. A pre-approval gives you bargaining power and helps you compare the dealer’s finance offer against an independent loan. Check your credit score before shopping; a small improvement can meaningfully lower your interest rate.

Research fair market prices and trending models

Use trusted sources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports to identify fair market value, current incentives, and the best local deals. Track trending queries such as “best new electric car 2025” and “dealership fees explained” to see what other buyers ask and what promotions are active.

Identify must-have features versus nice-to-have

Make a short list of non-negotiable features (safety suite, battery range, seating capacity) and optional upgrades. This focus prevents emotional purchases and gives you leverage during negotiation.

Questions to Ask at the Showroom: The Complete Checklist

Below are the exact, high-value questions to ask. Each protects you from common pitfalls and gives you leverage.

Is this a brand-new unit or a demo/display vehicle?

Demo cars often accumulate mileage and wear. If the vehicle is demo or display:

Confirm exact mileage and any cosmetic damage.
Demand a discount or additional warranty coverage if you accept it.

What is the manufacturing month and year?

Dealers sometimes sell older stock as “new.” A vehicle manufactured months or years earlier may have aged components, reduced resale value, or outdated infotainment maps. Ask to see the build date on documentation.

What exactly does the warranty cover, and what are exclusions?

Ask for specifics: bumper-to-bumper length (years/miles) and powertrain warranty. For EVs, confirm the battery warranty and any degradation guarantee. Request a printed copy of the warranty terms and highlight maintenance obligations required to keep coverage valid.

Are any dealer-installed accessories or options included?

Confirm whether floor mats, window tint, protective film, cargo organizers, or extended warranties are included in the sale price or added as separate charges. Insist that any included items are listed in the sales contract.

What is the exact delivery timeline and what happens if it’s delayed?

Get the delivery date in writing. Ask for remedies if the dealer fails to deliver on time (discount, cancellation without penalty, or compensation).

Who handles registration, title, and license plate processing?

Clarify whether the dealer completes registration and title work or whether you must handle it. If the dealer handles it, ask for a written list of any processing fees and expected timelines.

What are the complete finance terms and any hidden fees?

Request a full breakdown: APR, loan term, total interest, service or documentation fees, and early payoff penalties. Ask whether there are origination or processing fees and whether any tracking device or add-on is required.

Is there a return, cooling-off period, or buyback policy?

Some dealers or third-party platforms offer short return windows. Know your rights and get the return policy in writing before you sign.

For EVs: what is the battery range in real-world conditions and what charging support is provided?

Ask about real-world city and highway range, battery thermal management, and fast-charging capabilities. Ask if the dealer provides home charger installation assistance or discounts, and whether charging cables/adapters are included.

What is the expected real-world fuel economy or energy consumption?

Brochure numbers are optimistic. Ask the dealer for customer-reported mileage or independent test figures. Realistic efficiency numbers influence monthly operating costs and long-term value.

What is included in the scheduled maintenance plan?

Get a written maintenance schedule, costs for each service interval, and whether the first service is complimentary.

What safety features and ADAS packages are standard?

Confirm the presence of automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Ask whether safety systems update over the air.

For trade-ins: how is the appraisal calculated?

Get the trade-in offer in writing and compare it with private sale estimates and online valuations. Ask whether any dealer incentives reduce MSRP in exchange for the trade-in.

Negotiation Phrases That Work

“I have a pre-approval at X% APR. Can you match or beat that rate?”
“The invoice shows a dealer fee I didn’t authorize. Please remove it.”
“This demo unit has X miles. I expect Y discount for that mileage.”
“I’ll sign today if you include [accessory/service/extended warranty] at no extra cost.”

Paperwork and Delivery: Inspect Before You Sign

Payment documentation and the sales contract

Ensure the sales contract includes all verbal promises: price, accessories, rebates, incentives, trade-in credit, financing details, and the delivery date. Require signatures and get receipts for all payments.

Vehicle Verification

Match the VIN on the contract with the VIN on the vehicle. Check engine and chassis numbers if available. Confirm the Monroney sticker on the window for MSRP and options.

Inspection checklist at handover

Walk the car thoroughly for dents, scratches, paint mismatch, and panel gaps.
Confirm odometer reading is appropriate for a new vehicle.
Test lights, horn, wipers, infotainment, HVAC, and all controls.
Ensure spare wheel, jack, and tool kit are present.
For EVs, verify charging cable(s) and adapter compatibility.

Warranty activation and service booklet

Confirm the warranty activation date is the delivery date on your invoice. Ensure you receive the owner’s manual, service booklet, and warranty card at handover.

After Purchase: First 90 Days and Ongoing Care

Follow break-in and driving recommendations

Observe the manufacturer’s break-in guidelines. Avoid heavy acceleration and sustained high RPMs for early miles, and avoid towing or heavy loads initially if specified.

Schedule and document service visits

Get the first service done at the recommended interval and always keep the stamped service record — it’s often required for warranty claims and improves resale value.

Track real-world fuel/energy use

Record consumption for the first few months to compare against expected values and report anomalies early.

Use authorized service centers

Using authorized service centers helps preserve warranty coverage and accelerates legitimate claims.

Smart Buyer Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t focus only on monthly payments

Dealers often manipulate loan terms to reduce monthly payments while increasing total interest. Insist on seeing the total loan cost across the term.

Avoid add-ons you don’t understand

Extended warranties, paint protection, fabric protection, and VIN etching can be layered onto the contract. Evaluate each and decline anything you don’t want. Ask for itemized pricing for each add-on.

Get everything in writing

Verbal promises won’t hold up. If the salesperson promises a free set of tires or an accessory, make sure it’s itemized in the sales contract.

Use timing to your advantage

End-of-month and end-of-year windows are often when dealers are most willing to negotiate. Also monitor local model popularity and inventory levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents should I bring to the dealership?

Bring your driver’s license, proof of insurance (if required for test drives), proof of income or financing pre-approval, and current vehicle title if trading in.

Can I cancel a car purchase after signing?

Cancellation rights vary by state and dealer. Most purchases are legally binding once signed; get the dealer’s cancellation policy in writing before you sign.

Should I buy dealer financing or get a bank loan?

Compare both. Dealer financing may offer promotional APRs for short terms; independent financing often offers competitive, transparent options.

Are EV incentives automatic?

Not always. Federal and state incentives may require application or dealer paperwork. Confirm eligibility and documentation with the dealer.

What if I find a defect after delivery?

Report it immediately to the dealer and request repair under warranty. Keep all communications in writing and keep records of service appointments.

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Conclusion

A smart car purchase in 2025 requires preparation, targeted questions, and strict attention at delivery. Prioritize clear written agreements, verify warranty and registration terms, and confirm vehicle condition before signing. Use the checklists and questions in this guide at the showroom to avoid common traps and secure the best possible deal.