Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?

At 121,250 miles, the big-ticket services are either done or due. Records tell you which.

What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?

The advertised price is rarely what you pay. An itemized out-the-door quote exposes doc fees and pre-installed add-ons before you negotiate.

Dealers inspect and repair trade-ins to different standards. Ask what was replaced, what was left alone and whether the state inspection is current.

A branded title or prior accident lowers what the car is worth and what a lender will finance, regardless of how it looks today.

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Pre-purchase inspection — have an independent mechanic check it before you sign
Out-the-door price — the total with taxes, title and fees — ask for it in writing
Vehicle history report — what Carfax and AutoCheck show, and what they miss
Loan pre-approval — know your rate before you talk financing at the dealer

Free 7-day concierge — a neutral FMYCAR advisor answers your questions about this car, no charge.

Same model, body style or price range, from dealers on FMYCAR.

2015 Kia Forte

LX · 106,397 mi

$10,798

Hi Lo Auto Sales · Frederick, MD

2024 Kia Forte

LXS · 60,777 mi

$17,979

Capital City Motor Company · Des Moines, IA

$10,798

Car for sale at Hi Lo Auto Sales, Frederick, MD · 121,250 mi · Black · FWD

About $195/mo estimate · 72 mo at 8.99% APR, $0 down, before tax and fees. Not an offer of credit.

FMYCAR take

Price position: priced $7,181 below the median of 4 similar Kia Forte listings on FMYCAR (median $17,979).
Mileage: 121,250 miles — fewer than 0 of 4 similar cars (median 62,442 mi).
Days listed: added today. As a general rule, the longer a car sits, the more room a dealer has to negotiate.

What to ask the dealer about this 2017 Kia Forte

Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?
What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?
What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?
Is the title clean, and has it had any reported accidents or more than one owner?

FMYCAR is independent and advice-only. No dealer pays us.

Before you sign

Got a worksheet from the dealer? FMYCAR validates every line before you sign.

Free 7-day concierge — a neutral advisor while you shop, no charge.

Hi Lo Auto Sales

Frederick, MD