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Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
6 Questions You Should Never Ask at a Car Dealership
Going toe to toe with a car salesperson can feel like you're about to test-drive both your patience and your budgetary constraints. Car purchases should be a pretty straightforward process, but there is more nuance to the art of the deal with it comes to buying cars, trucks and SUVs. Up Next: For You: Walking into a car dealership can feel like entering a chess game where every move counts and a good salesperson will dangle preapproval for reasonable car loans or car payments before you can even see the full board. While it's important to ask questions that will help you make an informed decision, some questions could tip the scale out of your favor. Before you dive into these 'never asks' when car buying, first it's good to know what to never say to sales staff. Here are a few key takeaways: 'I don't know much about cars': This may tell the car dealer that you are a novice and could lead them to sell you a car they need to move rather than one that fits your needs. 'My car is on its last legs': Telling a car salesman this indicates you are in a situation where you have to make a purchase no matter if it's a good car for you or not. This could also drop any potential car deal that was on the table as they know you need to buy. 'I love this car': Even if it is a great car, indicating how interested you are in purchasing it could leave you less wiggle room to negotiate the price of the car. 'I don't know my credit score': When it comes to car sales, buyers with lower scores might get offered higher interest loan rates than buyers with good credit. Don't count on the dealer to give you the best rates and do your research beforehand. Now that you know what not to say, it's time to explore what you should never ask at a car dealership. Here's a look at the questions you should steer clear of to keep the power in your hands. It seems like a logical question to ask. Cut through all the sales tactics and get down to the nitty-gritty, right? Well, asking this right off the bat puts you in a position where the salesperson knows you're looking to haggle before you've even started. It can lead to a less flexible negotiation process because the dealer now knows your primary focus is on the price, not the value or the fit of the vehicle to your needs. See More: This question might sound like you're being financially responsible. However, in reality, you're in a car dealership, not your bank, so full disclosure isn't necessary. Discussing your financial situation or questioning your ability to afford a car could give your salesman too much insight into your financial health. It can lead to a scenario where the dealer might steer you toward financing options that are more beneficial to the dealership than to you. Always do your budgeting at home and know what you can afford before stepping into the dealership. Comparing options is great, but showing your cards by mentioning specific other cars you're considering gives the salesperson insight into your research and preferences. This information can be used to sway your decision-making process, emphasizing the positives of their cars while downplaying any advantages of the competition. It's better to keep your options close to your chest and independently research the pros and cons of each vehicle you're considering. You can play a chess match with your finances, but you don't need to add in another bias player. While understanding the down payment is important, asking this question too early in the discussion signals to the dealer that you might not be prepared to make a purchase or that you're overly concerned about upfront costs. This can affect the negotiation dynamics, as the dealer might focus on lowering the down payment in exchange for higher monthly payments or a longer loan term, which isn't always in your best interest. This is a tricky one. Of course, you want to know the value of your trade-in, but asking this directly can lead to lowball offers. Dealerships make a significant portion of their profits on used cars, so they have an incentive to acquire your trade-in for as little as possible. Instead of asking them for a value, research your car's worth ahead of time through trusted online sources and get quotes from multiple dealerships to have a strong negotiating position. Asking for freebies might seem like a good way to get added value, but it can actually weaken your negotiation stance. It signals to the salesperson that you're near a decision point, ready to buy if just sweetened a bit more. Instead of asking for free add-ons, focus on the total price of the vehicle and negotiate the best possible deal. Once you've settled on a price, then you can discuss any additional perks or accessories as part of the final agreement. Always remember that knowledge is power, especially at a car dealership. By avoiding these questions, you avoid showing your hand too early and maintain a strong position throughout the negotiation. That way, you'll drive off the lot not just with a new car, but with the satisfaction of a well-played game. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump's Tariffs Hit -- Here's What To Buy This article originally appeared on 6 Questions You Should Never Ask at a Car Dealership
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Best used family car UK: I'm a used car pro, THIS is how to get your dream family car
KIDS are a privilege, but it doesn't always feel that way when you're trying to park your car and everyone is screaming at you. Unless you're in the centre of London, a family car is a vital expense, but when time and money are tight, what should you buy? 7 FIND HERE The best family car should be affordable, reliable and practical. You can spend anything from a few thousand pounds to an average annual salary on a family car. You'll need to choose wisely to avoid getting stuck with something that won't work for you and your family. I've driven and owned a wide variety of family cars, from an 8-seater camper van to a compact SUV and am happy to share my insights into what makes a good (and bad family car). We can't stop the kids screaming, sand getting everywhere and running out of space if your next pregnancy involves triplets, but here's our choice of the best family cars. Used family cars: What is a family car? There's no definition of a family car in any book that we can find, but common sense suggests these things are essential to families: Most family cars have 5 doors with enough space in the rear for kids' car seats Decent boot space for prams, shopping, bikes and any other hobby you can think of A high NCAP safety rating (they're the most precious thing you'll ever have to protect, after all) Large families (those with more than three children and two adults) will need a people carrier Your family will have its own list of requirements. In fact, before buying a used family car, it's a good idea to write these down as it can help you in your search. Is it safe to buy a used family car? Used cars should be just as safe as buying a new car. You can check out the NCAP rating of how safe any car is here. Be aware that the ratings have recently changed and are *really* strict. Even a 4-star rating can be much stronger and safer than older cars. What's important is to buy one from a dealer that you can trust. This will ensure that your car is safe and ready to go, with most used cars sold with a brand new MOT with all issues sorted out. Where can I buy a used family car? Starting to search for a family car? Sun Motors is the best place to pick up a safe, solid, and reliable runaround. You can find everything from low-cost family cars to high-performance Range Rovers. When you buy from a Sun Motors dealer, you've got the confidence you're getting a car that has been checked over by a professional. You'll also find that many dealers offer warranties, too, giving you protection if anything does go wrong. Yes, you'll pay a premium when you buy from a dealer. For our money, it's worth it. How can I pay for a family car? After your house, a car is probably the second biggest expense a family faces. If you've got thousands of pounds hanging around, move on. For everyone else, here's how you can access affordable finance from Sun Motors for your family car. Sun Motors makes it simple to secure the finance you need, with a decision made in less than 60 seconds. Fill out some details online and you'll get an indication of how much you can borrow, your personalised interest rate and monthly repayments. Once you've an accurate figure of what you can borrow, take some time to review your household budget and ensure everything is affordable. While it's tempting to go for a top-of-the-range motor, we know you'll have expenses as a parent. Plus, your car is going to get wrecked anyway. You're better off borrowing a little less and saving any extra for the sports car when you hit middle age and the kids have left. Best family cars for sale on Sun Motors This is an entirely subjective list of the best used family cars for sale in the UK today. Remember, your family will have its own unique needs, so take time to choose a car that works for you Best all-round family used car: Skoda Karoq 7 If you want a family car that will deliver 10 years or more of reliable motoring, the Skoda Karoq is our choice. The family-friendly SUV delivers on the road with fantastic visibility and excellent in-car extras. Driving is quiet, fuel economy is high and handling is light, making it a breeze to navigate in tight spaces outside the school or in the supermarket car park. It's bigger than the Kamiq, which comes in handy when heading away on family holidays or carrying larger loads. Skodas are known for reliability and can clock up high mileages if looked after. Whether you're ferrying your newborn baby back from the hospital or picking them up after their first time at the pub, the Karoq is our choice. We'd go for the petrol-engined Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI ACT SE, all for less than £15,000. Best 7-seater family car used: VW Multivan Model: VW Multivan FIND HERE It's not cheap, but the VW Multivan is a brilliant choice for those with a big family. It's everything you expect from a VW, including a bullet-proof diesel engine (if you want that) and exceptional build quality. The internals are great too. There's nothing like the Multivan in the sector, says Car Magazine. Aside from the size, one of the benefits of the Multivan is its handling. It doesn't feel like a van at all, which is great – especially if you're driving (as we do) in the city a lot. You'll need fairly deep pockets as the Multivan isn't cheap. This petrol-powered Volkswagen Multivan 1.5 TSI comes in at £35,990. But as it's a VW, used values will hold up well. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. Best affordable family car UK used: Dacia Sandero Stepway Model: Dacia Sandero Stepway FIND HERE The Dacia Sandero is the best-selling car in Europe. Dacia started as a challenger brand, but its no-nonsense approach to motoring is winning fans across the continent. It's a pretty simple car, which works in its favour as there's less to go wrong. The turbocharged 0.9 litre engine is surprisingly good, because the car is so light. It's not fast or big, but it's economical and affordable. We prefer the Stepway model because it features an elevated driving position that gives a great view of the road. It's a fairly joyless driven but it's quiet, easy to handle and powerful enough. The interior features a lot of plastic, which is easy to clean and maintain. Trust us, you'll welcome that. Oh, and you can buy one like this 2017 model Dacia Sandero Stepway for less than £5,000. Best used small family car: SEAT LEON Model: SEAT LEON FIND HERE The SEAT LEON is basically a VW Golf, but a bit cheaper. The FR model (our choice) features a much more refined in-car experience, although the suspension can feel a little hard to some. The LEON isn't an out-and-out family car like, say, the Skoda Octavia is. That can be a plus point. Once you've dropped the kids off at school you can (almost) convince yourself you're driving a cool hatch (if you ignore the car seats in the back). You'll struggle to get two growing teenagers in the back, but it's still a great small family car. This 2019 SEAT LEON 1.5 TSI EVO FR is a snip at £10,495. Best used family car under 10k: Ford Focus Model: Ford Focus FIND HERE This should really be the Dacia Sandero as that's available for much less than £10,000, but as we've already featured it, we'll go for the next favourite: Ford Focus. It couldn't be a family car list without the Focus. It's such a familiar sight on the roads because it's just such a practical and functional car, as you'd expect from a Ford. There are far too many options and variations to list, but if you're looking for a cheap family car, check out this beautiful blue Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium for a few quid under £8,500. Family car FAQs What to check when buying a used family car? We've written about some of the checks you should do when buying a used car here. When buying a family car, it's essential you invest in something that's going to last as your family grows. A hatchback might provide enough space for a baby car seat, but it'll be uncomfortable as your toddler rapidly turns into a teenager, for example. Before buying a family car, sit down and list the essential things you need from a car. Five seats, solid safety rating, reliable engine and a full service history are pretty standard. But what does your family need? Write a list and make a plan for your new car purchase. What options do I have to pay for my new car? You can pay cash for a car using a debit card or, if your limit is high enough, buy it with a credit car. Most of us will use finance, including HCP or PCP. These are two different loan agreements that split the cost of car repayments over a set period (usually 60 months). It's easy to secure finance for your new family car with Sun Motors. Our simple tool will help you get pre-approved for financing before you start shopping. Then, you'll only see the cars that you can afford. Apply for car finance today with Sun Motors. Can I get car finance if I have poor credit? Yes. Sun Motors' finance partner specialises in providing access to credit for those who may have been denied finance in the past. You can use the Sun Motors finance tool to check if you're eligible for credit. Don't worry about damaging your credit rating, the finance check will leave no impact on your credit file. In less than 60 seconds, you'll be able to see whether you're eligible for finance, your personalised interest rate and monthly repayments. If you're happy to go ahead, provide us with some more details and you can start shopping for that new family car. Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135]. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
Top Gear
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Buy Toyota Aygo X Price, PPC or HP
Buying What should I be paying? Prices kick off at £16,845, with the auto gearbox an extra £1,110 on top. That's slightly pricier than a boggo Dacia Sandero and Kia Picanto, although Toyota will say the crossover style and practicalities justify the extra expense. And it's still cheaper than a Hyundai i10 or Suzuki Swift. In terms of monthly costs, you'll be able to get an entry-level Aygo X for around £143 per month if you can stump up £5,000 ahead of a three-year agreement. Advertisement - Page continues below What's the difference between kit? The base-spec Aygo X Pure gets 17in alloy wheels, a 9in touchscreen with wireless smartphone pairing, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and all the safety systems you could want (or possibly not) including emergency steering assist, lane keep assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection and driver attention alert. Add a couple of grand and the mid-spec Edge gets all of the above plus 18in bi-tone alloy wheels, gloss black front upper grille, front fog lights, auto wipers and privacy glass. Exclusive trim will set you back £19,745 and includes keyless entry and start, LED projector headlights, the 10.5in touchscreen, wireless charging and front and rear parking sensors to justify the extra. New for 2025 is a JBL Edition, which tops the range out from £21,195. For that you get a very unusual (and strangely fetching) pearly lavender paintjob, plus a sweet 300W sound system with five speakers and a subwoofer under the front passenger seat. Not to mention much JBL badging and black alloys. One for da kidz, perhaps? Advertisement - Page continues below Pure models are only available in white, silver, black or blue, but the Edge and the Exclusive trims get the option of bi-tone colours. They include Juniper Blue, Ginger Beige, Persian Salt, Tarragon (Green) and Chilli Red, paired with matte black C-pillar and roof, and they're well worth speccing for the extra character they add, especially if your budget doesn't stretch to the range-topper. What's the best spec? In today's times the simplicity of the Aygo X's configurator is very refreshing. You've just one engine, a manual or auto gearbox, and three trim levels to choose between. So, you want the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine (not that you have a choice), the manual gearbox (we've made no secret of that), and, we reckon, mid-spec Edge trim, which allows you to spec one of the funkier bi-tone colours. Job done.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Vehicle Report turns one: Disrupting used car buying for over 42,000 UAE drivers and counting
A year ago, purchasing a used car in the GCC often meant navigating limited information and a lack of transparency. In response, AutoData Middle East has launched Vehicle Report - an AI-powered platform designed to place greater control in the hands of consumers. Over the past 12 months, more than 42,000 users have turned to the service to access verified data on ownership, accident history, valuation, and more. Daily usage has tripled between July 2024 and March 2025, with over 5,000 users now engaging each month. Of those, 84 per cent reported no post-purchase issues, underscoring the platform's role in reducing buyer risk and building confidence through accurate, accessible insight. Empowering informed, efficient car buying Vehicle Report stands out by turning fragmented automotive data into clear, actionable insight. Built around real consumer needs, the platform supports smarter, safer, and faster decision-making throughout the used car journey, before committing: Save money: Compare loan and insurance offers side by side, with market-aligned valuations to avoid overpaying. Buy smart: Access a car's full history, including accidents and ownership lineage, maintenance data, pre-purchase inspection insights and service records, with a single Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup. Save time: Instantly aggregating listings, while filtering and forecasting in real-time from multiple sales portals, streamlining the car-buying process. Through this consolidated approach, the platform is shifting the regional automotive experience from reactive to data-driven, bridging the gap between information and confident decision-making for today's car buyers. As the UAE's used car market continues to grow, residual value performance remains a crucial indicator of vehicle quality and long-term value. In Q2 2025, data from AutoData shows that family-friendly vehicles such as the Kia Carens LX continue to hold strong residual value (78 per cent after three years), thanks to a balance of affordability, spacious design, and efficient ownership costs. Within the SUV category, the Toyota Land Cruiser GXR was recognised as the best-value model (81 per cent after three years), combining robust specification levels with competitive market pricing and favourable depreciation profiles. What's next for AutoData As Vehicle Report continues to gain momentum across the region, AutoData Middle East is expanding its suite of tools to support smarter decisions for both consumers and industry partners. Among its upcoming innovations is an AI-powered pricing engine that delivers real-time car valuations using over 100 million data points - factoring in market trends, specs, and condition to reveal a vehicle's true worth, whether buying, selling or trading in. Also in development is Claim Hub, a tool for insurers to detect total loss vehicles, reduce fraud, and accelerate claims - enhancing accountability across the ecosystem and building long-term trust for buyers. With a future-ready focus, AutoData is bridging data and trust to make car ownership safer, simpler, and smarter. 'Our mission has always been to bring clarity and confidence to the automotive ecosystem,' said Sebastian Fuchs, managing director of AutoData Middle East. 'With advanced AI at its core, Vehicle Report delivers real-time, market-specific pricing and risk analysis - helping buyers save up to 25 per cent on average. More than a history check, it's a decision-making engine that unifies pricing, ownership, and insurance data to transform how used cars are bought and sold. As we grow, we're focused on deeper integrations with insurers, banks, and marketplaces, and on launching tools like AutoMagic and Claim Hub to further streamline the process. We're proud to be raising the bar for transparency and intelligence in automotive transactions.' With AI-powered technology, trust, and transparency at its core, Vehicle Report is redefining how the UAE buys and sells used cars. Now entering its second year, it's more than just a report - it's a smart ecosystem built to empower better decisions, from valuation to insurance to ownership.
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'I've Already Made A Payment:' Woman Purchases Lexus RX 350 from Carvana. Then They Send Her Another One
When a Mississippi woman bought a Lexus RX 350 through Carvana this past April, she expected a modern, hassle-free car-buying experience. She says that what she got instead was a months-long spiral into missing paperwork, a vanished financing account, and surreal customer service calls. 'The woman on the phone says, 'Your vehicle's on the way!'' creator Jana Marie recalls in the first of a series of TikTok videos detailing her purportedly ongoing Carvana difficulties. 'I said, 'Ma'am, I'm in the vehicle. I've already made a payment.'' Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . So far, Jana says her experience has been filled with dead-end calls, contradictory updates, and the creeping anxiety of driving a car the system says she doesn't own. Buying Cars in the Digital Age Trending Now 'Buy the Replacements on Amazon for $7:' Mechanic Tells Woman to Change the Cabin Filter After Her Oil Change. Should She Do It? 'I Would Have Just Cried and Waited for Everyone to Leave:' Woman Tries to Park Ford Expedition at the Airport. It Backfires Carvana built its brand around simplicity: browse cars online, get financing in minutes, and have your new vehicle delivered to your door—no dealership haggling required. It's car buying reimagined for the Amazon Prime generation. But the experience isn't always seamless, buyers say. After the sale went through, Jana's claims her experience quickly unraveled. She says she's dealt with missing tags, a ghosted finance portal, and dozens of phone calls with no clear answers. What was supposed to be turnkey became Kafkaesque, per her retelling. In traditional dealerships, you can escalate such issues with a manager. In the digital-first world, you're left navigating call centers and apps—and hoping to find someone who can actually help. Jana says the timeline of her Carvana purchase went down like this: April: She buys a Lexus RX 350 through Carvana and submits her paperwork digitally. Delivery is delayed, but the car eventually arrives. She makes her first payment with no issue. No license plate or temporary tag ever shows up. When she tries to make her second payment, her finance account is gone. She calls the finance company. They tell her she returned the vehicle. Carvana reps are baffled: one insists the car is still being delivered. She's already driving it. After multiple calls, she's told her paperwork was never completed, even though she says she finished it in April. She calls trying to straighten things out and keeps getting put on hold. All the while, she's behind the wheel of a car that, according to the system, doesn't exist. Other Carvana Complaints Carvana has a pattern of problems that span multiple states and impacts consumers nationwide. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles cited Carvana for over 30 violations in 2021, issuing more than $10,000 in fines after numerous complaints about delayed titles, expired or out‑of‑state temporary tags, and several reports of customers waiting months to legally drive their cars. In August 2021, state regulators suspended Carvana's dealership license in Raleigh for six months due to failures in delivering titles, ignoring state inspections, and issuing out‑of‑state temporary plates. Following a 2021 compliance review by Michigan regulators, Carvana entered into an 18‑month probation, later extended by six months, and paid multiple fines after the state uncovered repeated failures to transfer titles within 15 days, improper temporary registrations, missing odometer records, and other violations. In Connecticut this January, the company reached a $1.5 million settlement addressing consumer complaints dating back to 2019, including prolonged title and registration delays, postponed lender payments, and misleading vehicle descriptions. No Resolution More than two months after her purchase, Jana is still driving the car but says she remains in legal limbo. She reportedly still hasn't received valid paperwork and her financing status is unclear. She says no one at Carvana has offered a clear path to resolution. 'I can't make it anymore. Did I get the car for free? No. I'm still dealing with them,' she says in a post about the experience. 'I need to be on the phone with them right now.' Motor1 reached out to Jana via direct message and to Carvana via email. We'll be sure to update this if either responds. More From Motor1 Carvana Is Getting Into New Car Sales Carvana's Massive Success Is a 'Mirage:' Report Spotted: New Lexus LFR Supercar Caught Testing in California Yes, Lexus Really Calls This V-8 Sedan the Climax Edition Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
