Frequently Asked Questions About Buying New & Used Cars | DealInked

A concise, friendly FAQ for busy professionals: this page answers the common questions people ask when buying new or used cars and explains how DealInked simplifies the process, saving you time and money without unnecessary complexity.

The Car Buying Process (General)

Q: How does DealInked work and how do I start?

A: DealInked centralizes dealer offers, negotiates on your behalf where appropriate, and presents transparent pricing and trade-in options; start by entering basic vehicle preferences and location, then review curated offers and select the optimal path to purchase.

Q: What documents or information should I have ready?

A: Have your driver's license, proof of insurance, current registration or title (for trade-ins), and financing details (pre-approval if available). Having these ready shortens the timeline and reduces back-and-forth during the final purchase.

Q: How long does the typical process take from quote to delivery?

A: Timelines vary: a ready-inventory new vehicle can close in a few days; arranged or special-order vehicles take longer. For used cars, expect 3–7 business days for inspection, paperwork, and delivery in most cases.

Q: Where can I verify fair market values for trade-ins and purchases?

A: Use trusted pricing guides to cross-check offers: Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds for retail and trade-in estimates, and NADA for additional valuation context.

New Vehicle Specifics

Q: How do incentives, rebates, and dealer discounts work?

A: Manufacturer incentives and rebates are applied at the manufacturer level; dealers may layer discounts. DealInked highlights available factory programs and any dealer-specific savings so you see the true net price before you visit the dealership.

Q: Should I negotiate MSRP or invoice price?

A: Invoice provides a baseline but doesn’t reflect incentives or holdbacks. We present transparent comparisons so you understand dealer margins; consult price guides like Edmunds to benchmark reasonable offer ranges.

Q: What warranty and protection options come with new cars?

A: New vehicles include the manufacturer’s basic limited warranty and powertrain warranty; additional protection (extended warranties, maintenance plans) is optional. DealInked summarizes included coverage and optional plans so you can compare total ownership cost.

Pre-Owned Vehicle Specifics

Q: How does DealInked verify the condition of pre-owned vehicles?

A: We require dealer-provided inspection details, independent photos, and—where available—third-party inspection reports. We also recommend requesting a vehicle history report and can help interpret common red flags.

Q: Where should I check used-car values and depreciation?

A: Cross-reference multiple guides for accuracy: Kelley Blue Book and NADA provide trade-in and retail context, while Edmunds offers pricing insights and market trends for comparable vehicles.

Q: Are certified pre-owned (CPO) cars better than non-certified?

A: CPO vehicles often include manufacturer-backed inspections, extended warranties, and stricter age/mileage limits, which reduce risk. Non-certified cars can offer lower upfront cost but may require more due diligence; DealInked highlights CPO status and warranty details.

Q: What should I know about buying used privately vs. from a dealer?

A: Dealer purchases typically include consumer protections, limited warranties, and financing options; private sales can be cheaper but offer less recourse. We outline trade-offs clearly so you can choose the route that matches your risk tolerance and timeline.