Before you start bargaining on the price and negotiating the terms of the deal, there are a number of questions that you should always ask used car dealerships. But before you do that, understand that the answers to the questions are part of the car dealer’s job description.

With that in mind, here are five questions to help you find a reliable used car.

Who was the previous owner?

Some drivers are much tougher on their cars than others. For example, if the previous owner was a police officer who used his car for work, chances are he noted many miles on the odometer and may have even driven the car at high speeds.

Is the car certified? If not, can I take it to my mechanic?

All certified vehicles are checked by a qualified mechanic before they are released for sale. Those who have not gone through this process are, in fact, at risk, as things can go wrong.

Can I take an extended test drive?

If you have a genuine interest in a car, some used car dealers will have no problem picking it up overnight. All you have to do is ask. If they refuse, ask them to take a longer test drive so you can see how the car behaves on the roads you regularly drive.

Will I get a better deal if I pay in cash?

While they make a lot of money from financing deals, most sellers prefer cash. Again, this is not set in stone. Some sellers may remove a small percentage of the listed price, while others may not. Of course it never hurts to ask! You can even tell the dealer that paying in cash saves a lot of paperwork, which may be enough to convince him to offer you a better price.

What is the dealer return policy?

While they are not required to offer you a refund, some dealers used cars in phoenix will give you time to reconsider your purchase after you have left your site. At the same time, no seller will return your money to you.