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The car buying process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're focused on buying a used car or a brand-new one, making a smart purchase comes down to having the right information. Asking the right questions before you sign any paperwork can save you a significant amount of money, help you spot potential problems and give you peace of mind as you drive off the lot.
This complete car buying checklist is designed to help you navigate every step with confidence. We'll cover the most important questions to ask when buying a new car or a used vehicle. Plus, you’ll find helpful resources inside, including:
✅ Used Cars: history report, mechanic inspection, title status, accident/flood check, wear and tear, test drive results
✅ New Cars: incentives, warranty details, safety features, add-on costs, depreciation
✅ Both: financing terms, total ownership cost, recall status, extended test drive
Buying a used car is a great way to find value, but a smart purchase depends on knowing exactly what you're looking at. Adding these key questions to your used car checklist will help you gather the information needed to make a confident decision. These are the most important questions to ask when buying a car from a private seller or a dealership.
This report is a must-have. It provides crucial details like accident records, title status (e.g., salvage, flood) and verified odometer readings. Before you do anything else, confirm the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car matches the one on the report.
A pre-purchase inspection is your best defense against hidden problems. A trusted mechanic can spot issues you might miss, such as potential trouble with the transmission, brakes, engine or suspension. This step alone can save you from costly future repairs.
Ask this question directly. Inquire about any existing problems, no matter how small. Specifically mention common concerns like oil leaks, rust spots, strange noises, smoke from the exhaust or any electrical components that aren't working correctly.
Even a well-maintained car will have parts that wear out. A visual inspection can tell you a lot:
A "clean" title means the car is owned free and clear, without any liens from a bank. It also confirms the car has not been branded as "salvage," "rebuilt” or "flood damaged," which can severely impact its value and safety.
The test drive is your chance to see how the car performs. Pay close attention to how it accelerates, shifts gears, brakes and steers. Does the car pull to one side? Do you feel any unusual vibrations? These can be warning signs that signal a need for repairs.
Need some tips on how to trade in your car? We’ve got a guide for that!
Read More TodayBuying a new car can provide you with the latest technology and peace of mind, but it’s important to ask the right questions to get the best value. While you won't have to worry about a previous owner, focusing on price, features and long-term costs is crucial. Add these items to your new car checklist to ensure you cover all your bases.
Manufacturers often have special offers, such as cashback deals or low-interest financing. Be sure to ask what's currently available for the model you want. It's also wise to compare these offers with financing options from your own bank or credit union.
The sticker price (MSRP) is just a starting point. The "out-the-door" price includes all taxes, registration fees and dealership charges. Asking for this total figure helps you understand the true cost and avoid surprises.
New car warranties can vary. Ask for specifics on what's included in the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. It’s also helpful to know if the warranty is transferable, which can affect resale value down the road.
Modern cars offer many advanced driver-assistance systems. Find out which features are standard on your trim level. Key ones to look for include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
Depreciation is one of the biggest costs of owning a new car. Some models hold their value much better than others. Understanding a car's expected resale value is important, especially if you plan to sell or trade it in after a few years.
Dealerships may offer optional extras like extended warranties, fabric protection or VIN etching. Request a detailed list of these items and their costs. Many of these add-ons are negotiable, and you can often decline the ones you don’t need.
Whether you're at a dealership for a new car or looking at a used one from a private seller, some questions always apply.
Whether you're at the dealership or shopping from your couch, a smart strategy can help you secure the best deal. These car-buying tips focus on negotiation and the growing world of online car buying, empowering you to finalize your purchase with confidence. By preparing ahead of time, you can navigate pricing, trade-ins and digital storefronts like a pro.
Shopping for a new car? Try these three ways to reduce insurance rates.
Read MoreGetting a fair price often comes down to preparation and a willingness to negotiate. Don't settle for the first offer you see. Use these negotiation tips to strengthen your position.
The convenience of online car buying is appealing, but it requires a different kind of diligence. You can't physically kick the tires, so asking the right questions is more important than ever.
By applying these negotiation and online car buying tips, you put yourself in control of the process. A little research and a few direct questions can save you thousands and ensure your new vehicle is a great fit.
The right car-buying questions protect your budget and your peace of mind. Whether you’re exploring questions to ask when buying a used car or checking warranty details on a new one, take your time, compare options and walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
With any car purchase, you’ll also need to consider how the vehicle will impact your auto insurance rates. Here are three factors to consider:
With any vehicle purchase, the more you know, the fewer speed bumps you’ll encounter. Conduct your research, explore your options and come prepared so you’ll have a smooth ride.
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Let AAA help you find the right car—new or used—to fit your lifestyle, budget and driving needs.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
†Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Auto Loans. Rates and terms effective as of 6/23/2025. APR is accurate as of 6/23/2025. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without prior notice. Additional terms and restrictions may apply. Other loan rates available. Subject to borrower qualification. Advertised rate includes a 0.25% discount when you set up automatic payments from any checking or savings account. Rate is variable. Offer valid on personal vehicle loans only. Criteria to receive the stated APR: Loan term 48 months or less new or used, model years 2019 – 2025 with a credit score of 740 or higher based on the Vantage scoring model. Buyer is responsible for all state or local fees. AAA Banking uses a managed credit program, and final APR is dependent on your credit score. An auto loan with an APR of 5.24% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated monthly payment would be $463. An auto loan with an APR of 5.49% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated payment would be $465. Private party sales will not be financed. Auto loans are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
††Annual Percentage Rate (APR). RV Loans. Rates and terms effective as of 3/7/2025. APR is accurate as of 3/7/2025. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without prior notice. Additional terms and restrictions may apply. Other loan rates available. Subject to borrower qualification. Advertised rate includes a 0.25% discount when you set up automatic payments from any checking or savings account. Rate is variable. Criteria to receive the stated APR : Loan term 48 months or less, $5,000 minimum loan amount, model years 2023-2025, with a credit score of 720 or higher based on the Vantage scoring model. Buyer is responsible for all state or local fees. AAA Banking uses a managed credit program, and final APR is dependent on your credit score. An RV loan with an APR of 7.49% for a $35,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated monthly payment would be $846. An RV loan with an APR of 7.74% for a $35,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated monthly payment would be $850. RV loans are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
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The figures entered on the input page of this calculator are for hypothetical purposes only. You should enter figures that are appropriate to your individual situation. The results provided by this calculator are also intended for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed. This calculator is not intended to offer any tax, legal, financial or investment advice and does not assure the availability of or your eligibility for any specific product offered, nor does this calculator predict or guarantee the actual results of any product. The terms and conditions of products offered will differ and may affect the results of the calculator. Please consult with qualified professionals to discuss your situation. The final APR may differ from the APR in the above results due to additional fees that may be applicable.
1Triple Advantage Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 4/1/2025. The minimum amount to open an account is $100.00. Triple Advantage Savings Account Holders can earn the following Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 3.50% APY with Eligible AAA Membership and 3.15% APY without eligible AAA membership.* Deposit products are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
2Triple Advantage Savings account holders with a monthly average balance of $25,000.00 or greater receive free outgoing domestic wire transfers. Triple Advantage Savings account holders with a monthly average balance of $24,999.99 or less will be charged a $10 fee for each domestic outgoing wire transfer.
3Triple Advantage Certificate of Deposit (CD) Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 4/14/2025. The minimum deposit to open an account is $500. 4.25% APY applies to a 6-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 4.20% APY applies to a 9-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 4.10% APY applies to a 12-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 3.95% APY applies to an 18-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 3.75% APY applies to a 24-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 3.50% APY applies to a 36, 48, and 60-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. CDs are opened and interest begins on the day the funding deposit is received. The interest rate and APY are fixed for the term of the CD. The APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity. Withdrawal of interest before maturity will reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Deposit products are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Early Withdrawal Penalties
An early withdrawal penalty will apply if you withdraw funds before the maturity date. For terms of 6 to 12 months, the penalty is 90 days of interest. For terms of 13 to 60 months, the penalty is 180 days of interest. In accordance with Regulation D, a minimum penalty of 7 days’ simple interest will apply to withdrawals made within 6 days of deposit or within 6 days of a previous withdrawal.
4Triple Advantage Checking Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 4/1/2025. The minimum amount to open an account is $100.00. Triple Advantage Checking Account Holders can earn the following Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 1.00% APY with eligible AAA membership and 0.75% APY without eligible AAA membership.* Deposit products are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
5Cash Back rewards offer 1.00% cash back on all qualified purchases made by eligible Triple Advantage Checking account holders with an eligible AAA membership.* To qualify for cash back, Triple Advantage Checking account holders must meet all requirements and a transaction must be deemed as a qualified purchase.
Qualified purchases are signature-based purchases made with a AAA Banking debit card from a Triple Advantage Checking Account. To make a signature-based purchase, select “credit” rather than debit at point-of-sale kiosks. The “credit” option is most often pre-selected when making purchases online using a debit card. Online subscription payments may not be considered signature-based purchases. The payment transaction type (signature-based or other) is ultimately decided by the merchant and how the transaction is transmitted to AAA Banking at the time of processing. AAA Banking reserves the right to determine if a transaction was a qualified purchase, and to establish additional types of qualified purchases that could be made available in a variety of ways. Any goods or services purchased with the debit card that are returned or otherwise credited to the account are not qualified purchases. Unlawful purchases and purchases of currency, cash or cash equivalents (including, without limitation, currency from the U.S. Mint, travelers cheques, gift cards, cryptocurrency, casino chips, peer-to-peer payments, prepaid debit cards, account openings, loan payments, or other cash equivalents) made with a debit card are not qualified purchases. Documentation may be required to validate that certain purchases are qualified purchases. If you or AAA Banking closes the account for any reason before the end of the statement cycle, you will forfeit all rewards accrued through your linked debit card during that statement cycle. The AAA Banking Visa® debit card is issued by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa is accepted.
Important Tax Information
The value of this reward may constitute taxable income and may be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as miscellaneous income to the first signer on the account, in the year received, as required by applicable law. Offer is limited to clients who are citizens of the United States that furnish or have a valid Form W-9 on file and the account must not be subject to backup withholding. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) to you that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax adviser, as AAA Banking does not provide tax advice.
*Eligible AAA Membership Definition: you must be a "Basic," "Plus," or "Premier" member of AAA - The Auto Club Group (ACG). ACG serves households in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Applicants must be 18+ and a U.S. resident. Other AAA memberships are not eligible.
AAA-Member Verification & Product Eligibility
By applying for a AAA Banking deposit account, you acknowledge and agree that if you select a AAA-member product, your AAA membership status with Auto Club Group (ACG) will be validated at the time of account opening and periodically thereafter. If your AAA membership cannot be validated or your membership status changes, your account may be moved to a non-member product with different terms, including but not limited to a lower Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and the removal of other AAA member-only benefits. If this occurs, you will receive a notification regarding the change in the product and applicable terms. If you believe your AAA Membership status was incorrectly validated or that you have been placed in the incorrect product, please contact us to review and correct your status.
