Buying a car is exciting, but it is also one of the biggest financial commitments many people make.

And while the salesperson may be focused on getting you behind the wheel, you should take your time to understand exactly what you are paying for.

A low monthly instalment or attractive promotion does not always mean you are getting the best deal.

Before signing anything, here are some important questions to ask at the dealership.

"What's The Full On-The-Road Price?"

Don't just ask for the car's advertised price.

Ask for the full on-the-road cost and request a breakdown of what is included, such as registration, insurance, road tax and other applicable charges.

This gives you a clearer picture of how much you actually need to spend.

"Are There Any Additional Charges?"

A quoted price may not always tell the whole story.

Ask whether there are processing fees, handling charges, optional packages, or other costs that could be added to your final bill.

If something is unclear, ask the salesperson to explain it before you agree to anything.

"What Interest Rate Will I Be Paying?"

Don't focus only on the monthly instalment.

Ask about the interest or profit rate, loan tenure, and total repayment amount.

A longer loan period can make the monthly payment look more affordable, but you could end up paying more overall.

"How Much Do I Need To Put Down?"

Find out exactly how much deposit is required and whether the advertised price assumes a particular down payment.

You can also ask the salesperson to show you how different deposit amounts affect your monthly instalments.

"What Exactly Comes With The Car?"

Some promotions may include accessories or packages, while others may not.

Ask what is included in the deal, such as:

Warranty

Servicing packages

Accessories

Window tint

Paint protection

Road tax

Insurance

This makes it easier to compare offers between dealerships.

"What Does The Warranty Actually Cover?"

Don't assume that everything is covered just because the car comes with a warranty.

Ask about the warranty duration, mileage limit, exclusions, and conditions.

It is also worth asking whether servicing must be done at specific authorised service centres to maintain warranty coverage.

"How Much Will Servicing Cost?"

A car's cost doesn't end when you drive it out of the dealership.

Ask for an estimated maintenance schedule and servicing costs, especially for the first few years.

You should also consider expenses such as tyres, batteries, insurance, and other wear-and-tear items.

"Can I Test Drive It Properly?"

Don't treat the test drive as a quick lap around the dealership.

Use the opportunity to check whether you are comfortable with the driving position, visibility, steering, brakes, suspension, air-conditioning and infotainment system.

If possible, test the car in different road conditions.

"Is This The Latest Model?"

Ask whether the car is the latest model year, a facelift or an older stock unit.

There is nothing inherently wrong with buying an older stock unit, but you should know exactly what you are getting especially if a newer version has already been introduced.

"When Can I Actually Get The Car?"

If the car is not immediately available, ask about the expected delivery date.

Don't be afraid to ask what happens if there is a delay and whether the estimated date is guaranteed or only a projection.

"Can I Get Everything In Writing?"

This is one of the most important questions you can ask.

Request a written quotation or breakdown showing the agreed price, fees, loan details, included items, and any promotions.

Having everything documented makes it easier to compare offers and spot unexpected charges.

Don't Let The Monthly Payment Make The Decision For You

One of the easiest mistakes when buying a car is choosing based solely on whether the monthly instalment fits your budget.

Instead, look at the total cost of ownership.

Consider the down payment, loan repayment, insurance, road tax, fuel, parking, tolls, servicing, tyres, and unexpected repairs.

A car that looks affordable on paper can become expensive once all these costs are added together.

Take Your Time Before Signing

You don't have to make a decision just because a salesperson says a promotion is ending soon.

Compare quotations, understand the financing, and make sure you are comfortable with the total commitment.

The best car deal isn't necessarily the one with the lowest monthly payment; it's the one you fully understand before you sign.