Get guidance on buying a new or used car including what to look for and questions to ask
I am looking to buy a car and want to make a smart decision. I am looking for [CAR_TYPE:select:a new car,a used car,either new or used - help me decide,a lease]. My budget is [BUDGET]. My primary use for the car is [USE:select:daily commuting,family transportation,long distance driving,light city driving,outdoor adventures and hauling,luxury and comfort,fuel efficiency,performance and fun]. Must-have features: [MUST_HAVES] Nice to have but not essential: [NICE_TO_HAVES?] Fuel type preference: [FUEL:select:gas - traditional is fine,hybrid,electric,open to any]. Current car if trading in: [TRADE_IN?] Financing situation: [FINANCING:select:paying cash,will need financing,have pre-approved financing,not sure yet]. Based on my needs, explain what types of vehicles would suit me best and why. Provide a checklist of what to inspect and test on any car I look at. List questions to ask the dealer or seller. Explain how to negotiate effectively and common dealer tactics to watch for. For used cars, explain how to check the history and spot red flags. Suggest the best time of year or month to buy. Include tips on financing, warranties, and add-ons that are worth it versus scams.
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Get Early AccessBuying a car ranks among the most stressful purchases most people make. Dealers train for months on sales tactics while you walk in having done maybe an hour of research. The information gap costs you thousands in overpaying, unnecessary add-ons, and financing traps.
It levels the playing field. Tell it the [CAR_TYPE] you want, your [BUDGET], and your primary [USE] for the vehicle. It returns vehicle recommendations matched to your use case, a pre-purchase inspection checklist, negotiation strategies, and a list of dealer tactics to watch for.
The used car section is especially detailed. It covers how to check vehicle history, spot red flags on a test drive, and verify that the price matches market value. For new cars, it explains which add-ons are worth paying for and which are pure markup.
After you buy, the Car Maintenance Schedule builds a service plan specific to your vehicle. If you are deciding between brands or models and need a structured way to weigh the options, the Decision Making Helper can organize your comparison. Open it in the Dock Editor to keep your research notes and negotiation checklist in one place.
Copy this template into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the Dock Editor to start your car research before visiting any dealership.
Select [CAR_TYPE] and your primary [USE]. 'Daily commuting' and 'outdoor adventures and hauling' suggest very different vehicles. Add [MUST_HAVES] as specific features, not vague wishes. 'Backup camera and Apple CarPlay' works. 'Good technology' does not.
Enter your realistic [BUDGET] and select your [FINANCING] situation. If you are paying cash, the negotiation strategy changes. Pre-approved financing gives you the strongest position at the dealership because you can walk away from their offers.
The AI generates an inspection checklist and a list of questions to ask. Take these with you. Having a written checklist prevents the excitement of a test drive from making you forget to check the important stuff.
Set [FINANCING] to 'not sure yet' and the advisor walks you through every financing option. It explains terms like APR, loan length trade-offs, and why your credit score matters before you apply. The negotiation tips help you avoid common first-timer mistakes.
Select 'a used car' for [CAR_TYPE] and the focus shifts to history verification, mechanical inspection points, and pricing tools. The advisor explains how to spot flood damage, odometer rollback, and accident repairs that a quick test drive won't reveal.
Select 'electric' under [FUEL] and the recommendations factor in charging infrastructure, range for your [USE] pattern, tax incentives, and total cost of ownership versus gas equivalents. The AI helps you decide if EV is practical for your situation.
A second child means the sedan no longer works. Set [USE] to 'family and kid transport' and add car seats and cargo space to [MUST_HAVES]. The advisor compares SUVs, minivans, and crossovers on the factors parents actually care about: door width, trunk depth with strollers, and crash test ratings.
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