Introduction
Buying a car – whether new or used – is one of the most important financial decisions many people make. With countless brands, new technologies, and aggressive marketing campaigns, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
But the real cost of a car isn’t just the price tag. Maintenance, reliability, resale value, and service availability can turn a great deal into a long-term burden – or a smart investment.
To help you make an informed choice, here are 10 essential questions you should ask before buying any car in 2025.
1. What’s the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
The purchase price is just the beginning. Ask yourself:
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What are the insurance costs?
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How much does maintenance typically cost?
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How expensive are parts or tires?
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What about charging costs (for EVs) or fuel economy (for ICEs)?
Tip: Some EVs have low running costs but sky-high repair bills due to limited parts availability.
2. How Easy Is It to Get Spare Parts and Service?
This is often overlooked – until it’s too late. Research:
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Are parts readily available in your country?
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How many certified service centers exist nearby?
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Are there independent mechanics familiar with this model?
🛠️ If the brand is new to the market, expect longer wait times and fewer repair options.
3. Is the Brand Well-Established in Your Region?
A shiny new brand may look exciting, but ask:
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How long has the brand operated in your country?
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Do they have a local parts warehouse?
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What’s their reputation for long-term support?
Fact: According to ACEA (2024), 62% of newly launched Chinese car brands in Europe do not have a local distribution or support center.
4. How Long Has the Model Been in Production?
New models tend to have more software bugs and mechanical issues.
Ask:
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Is this a first-generation model?
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Have there been recalls or early production issues?
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Are there any long-term reliability reviews available?
⏳ A model in its 3rd or 4th year of production is often a safer bet.
5. How Modular or Repairable Is the Vehicle?
Modern cars often have integrated systems that are difficult or expensive to repair.
Ask about:
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Whether parts can be repaired or only replaced
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Battery module availability (for EVs)
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Access to diagnostic tools for independent garages
Note: Some EVs are virtually “non-repairable” outside of the official network.
6. What’s the Warranty – and What’s Really Covered?
Read the fine print:
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How long is the base and powertrain warranty?
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Does it include roadside assistance?
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Are battery repairs included (for EVs)?
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Are software issues covered?
Many brands advertise “8-year battery warranties” – but only cover capacity loss above 30%.
7. What Is the Vehicle’s Resale Value?
Some cars lose value faster than others.
Ask:
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What’s the typical depreciation rate after 3–5 years?
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Is there demand for used models from this brand?
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Are battery degradation or brand reputation affecting resale?
💸 A car with poor resale value may cost more than you think, even if it’s “cheap” upfront.
8. How Does It Handle Real-World Conditions?
Marketing brochures and test drives can be misleading. Research:
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How does the car perform in winter or poor roads?
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Is range affected by temperature (for EVs)?
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How comfortable is it on long trips?
Check user forums and owner reviews – they often reveal what dealers don’t.
9. What Tech Features Are Built In – and Are They Supported Long-Term?
Modern cars are rolling computers. Be sure to ask:
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How often is software updated?
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Does the car rely on cloud services or apps?
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Will key features still work in 5–10 years?
🚫 Some EVs or smart vehicles lose functionality when software updates end or servers are shut down.
10. What Happens If the Brand Exits the Market?
This is a growing risk, especially with newer or imported brands. Ask:
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Is there a contingency for parts or service if the brand leaves?
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Can independent shops access parts and manuals?
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Has the manufacturer committed to long-term EU support?
Example: Several brands have quietly exited Europe in recent years, leaving owners with unsupported vehicles.
Final Thoughts: Be a Smart Buyer
Buying a car today isn’t just about horsepower or touchscreens – it’s about making sure your vehicle is safe, supported, and sustainable for years to come.
Use these 10 questions as a checklist when researching or visiting dealerships. A few extra hours of research now can save you years of frustration later.
Looking for more insights?
Check out this related article:
👉 Spare Parts in 8 Years? Why Many Modern Cars Could Become a Problem
