How to buy a car in English: what to say at a dealership
You walk onto a car lot and a salesperson says hello. This is what to say, in simple English. Say if you want a new car or a used car, and what size. Ask to look inside and say how the car feels. Learn easy car words like miles, owner and plus tax.
Then ask the price: "How much is this car?" Next, take a test drive and ask about miles, the warranty and fees. Then talk about the price: say if you will pay cash or finance, and learn the words down payment, monthly payment and APR. You do not have to decide today. Listen to each line, then practice with Marco in the game.
Useful phrases
I'm looking for a used car.
Say "a used car" or "a new car". "Used" means another person owned it before.
A small car with four doors, please.
Give the size and one more fact, like the number of doors.
Sure, I'd like to see the inside.
"I'd like to..." is a polite way to ask for something.
It feels comfortable. I like the seat.
Say how the car feels in a few simple words.
That sounds good. I like a car with low miles.
"Miles" shows how far the car has driven. "Low miles" means it was not driven very far.
The blue one looks nice.
Say which one you like, with "looks nice" or "I like".
How much is this car, please?
The simplest way to ask the price. You can also say "What is the price?"
Thank you. I would like to think about it.
You do not have to decide today. This is a polite and honest answer.
I would like to test drive it, please.
A test drive means you drive the car for a short time before you buy it.
Of course, here is my driver's license.
The dealership checks your license before a test drive.
It drives smoothly, and the brakes feel good.
Say what you noticed. "Smoothly" means without bumps.
Yes, how many miles does it have?
Ask this about any used car. The number is also on the dashboard.
Good. So the warranty pays for some repairs.
A warranty is a promise to fix some problems for a time. Ask what it covers.
That is a good idea. I will ask my mechanic to check it first.
A mechanic fixes cars. Many buyers ask their own mechanic to look at a used car.
What other fees do I pay besides the price?
Fees are extra costs that are not in the price, like a title fee.
Thank you. Please show me every fee on paper before I sign.
Ask for every number on paper and read it before you sign.
I plan to finance the car, so I will need a loan.
To finance a car means to borrow money to buy it. You pay the loan back a little at a time.
That is a bit more than I planned. Could you lower the price?
To negotiate means to talk about a better price. Stay polite and ask a clear question.
Eleven thousand five hundred is closer to what I wanted, so I accept.
Say clearly what you decide when the dealer lowers the price: accept, ask again, or ask for time.
I can pay two thousand dollars today as a down payment.
A down payment is the money you pay first, when you buy. The loan pays for the rest of the price.
That monthly payment fits my budget, so I am comfortable with it.
A monthly payment is the money you pay each month for the loan. Say clearly if it fits your budget.
Before I decide, I would like to compare that APR with my bank's rate.
APR is the yearly cost of a loan, shown as a percent. You can compare it with the rate from your bank.
I need some time to read every number before I sign.
You do not have to sign today. Saying you need time is polite and honest.
Thank you. I will read it carefully and call you tomorrow.
End politely: thank the person and say what you will do next.
Level 1 (A2): Ask about the price
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hi there, welcome to the lot. Are you looking for a new car or a used car?”
Good answer: “I'm looking for a used car.”
Why: Say "a used car" or "a new car". "Used" means another person owned the car before. Say it first, so the salesperson knows what to show you.
Avoid: “I don't know yet. Maybe a car, maybe a truck.” (too vague) · “Just a car, please.” (too short)
“What kind of car do you want, a small car or a bigger one?”
Good answer: “A small car with four doors, please.”
Why: Say the size and one more fact, like the number of doors. A clear answer helps the salesperson find the right car.
Avoid: “Something nice, maybe. I will know it when I see it.” (too vague) · “Where is the nearest gas station?” (off topic)
“This silver car just came in, and it is in great shape. Do you want to see the inside?”
Good answer: “Sure, I'd like to see the inside.”
Why: "I'd like to..." is a polite way to ask for something. The salesperson is happy to open the car for you.
Avoid: “Okay, I guess.” (too short) · “Yeah, open it up.” (too casual)
“Go ahead and sit in the driver's seat. How does it feel?”
Good answer: “It feels comfortable. I like the seat.”
Why: Say how it feels in a few simple words. "Comfortable" means it feels good to sit there.
Avoid: “It feels old and small. I do not like it at all.” (too negative) · “It's fine, I guess. I can't really tell.” (too vague)
“This car has low miles and only one owner.”
Good answer: “That sounds good. I like a car with low miles.”
Why: "Miles" shows how far the car has driven. "Low miles" means it was not driven very far. "One owner" means only one person had the car before.
Avoid: “That's good, I guess.” (too short) · “My brother has a green truck.” (off topic)
“We have this car in silver and in blue. Which color do you like?”
Good answer: “The blue one looks nice.”
Why: Say which one you like with "looks nice" or "I like". A short, friendly answer is enough.
Avoid: “Any color is fine. I do not care.” (too vague) · “Both are boring. Show me something else.” (too rude)
“Before we talk about the price, do you have any questions for me?”
Good answer: “How much is this car, please?”
Why: "How much is this car?" is the simplest way to ask the price. The salesperson tells you the price on the car and what it does not include.
Avoid: “No, I have no questions.” (too short) · “Maybe. I am not sure what to ask.” (too vague)
“The price is twelve thousand dollars, plus tax. What do you think?”
Good answer: “Thank you. I would like to think about it.”
Why: You do not have to decide today. "I would like to think about it" is a polite and honest answer. "Plus tax" means tax is added to the price.
Avoid: “That is too much. I will never pay that.” (too negative) · “Hmm. I don't know. Maybe.” (too vague)
Level 2 (B1): Test drive and questions
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Would you like to take this blue car for a test drive today?”
Good answer: “I would like to test drive it, please.”
Why: A test drive means you drive the car for a short time before you buy it. Use the words "test drive" and add "please".
Avoid: “Maybe later. I am not sure I have time today.” (too vague) · “Yeah, sure, why not.” (too casual)
“Great, may I see your driver's license before we go?”
Good answer: “Of course, here is my driver's license.”
Why: The dealership checks your driver's license before a test drive. Say "of course" and hand it over.
Avoid: “I forgot it, but I drive well, so let's go.” (not safe) · “Why do you need that? Just give me the keys right now.” (too rude)
“That was a nice drive, so how did the car feel on the road?”
Good answer: “It drives smoothly, and the brakes feel good.”
Why: Say what you noticed: the ride, the brakes, the noise. "Smooth" means the car moves without bumps.
Avoid: “It was loud and slow. I did not like it at all.” (too negative) · “Honestly, I did not notice. I was thinking about work.” (not safe)
“Do you have any questions about the car?”
Good answer: “Yes, how many miles does it have?”
Why: Ask about the miles on any used car. "Miles" shows how far the car has driven, and the number is also on the dashboard.
Avoid: “Not really. I do not know what to ask yet.” (too vague) · “No. This car looks like it has too many problems.” (too negative)
“It has about forty thousand miles, and the warranty lasts one more year.”
Good answer: “Good. So the warranty pays for some repairs.”
Why: A warranty is a promise to fix some problems for a time. Ask what it covers and how long it lasts, because each warranty is different.
Avoid: “Hmm, I am not sure what that means.” (too vague) · “One year is too short. I do not like it.” (too negative)
“Many buyers ask their own mechanic to check a used car, and you can do that too.”
Good answer: “That is a good idea. I will ask my mechanic to check it first.”
Why: A mechanic is a person who fixes cars. A good dealer says yes when you ask your own mechanic to look at a used car.
Avoid: “Nah, it looks fine to me.” (too casual) · “I do not know. Maybe, maybe not.” (too vague)
“The price is twelve thousand dollars, so what would you like to know?”
Good answer: “What other fees do I pay besides the price?”
Why: "Fees" are extra costs that are not in the price. Ask this before you decide, so you know the full cost.
Avoid: “Nothing. Just the price.” (too short) · “I don't know. Whatever is normal.” (too vague)
“Besides the car price, you pay tax, a title fee and a dealer fee.”
Good answer: “Thank you. Please show me every fee on paper before I sign.”
Why: Fees are different in each state and at each dealership, so ask for every number on paper. Read it before you sign.
Avoid: “That is a scam. I will go somewhere else.” (too rude) · “OK. I will see. Maybe it is fine, maybe not, I do not know.” (too vague)
Level 3 (B2): Price and payments
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Will you pay cash, or do you want to finance the car?”
Good answer: “I plan to finance the car, so I will need a loan.”
Why: To finance a car means to borrow money to buy it. You pay the loan back a little at a time.
Avoid: “Hmm, I don't know yet. Maybe I pay cash, or maybe I take a loan.” (too vague) · “Maybe a loan, or maybe cash. It depends on the final price.” (too short)
“The price on this car is twelve thousand dollars.”
Good answer: “That is a bit more than I planned. Could you lower the price?”
Why: To negotiate means to talk about a better price. Stay polite and ask a clear question, like "Could you lower the price?"
Avoid: “That is too expensive. Your price is crazy.” (too rude) · “Whoa, twelve grand? Come on, man.” (too casual)
“I can lower it to eleven thousand five hundred dollars today.”
Good answer: “Eleven thousand five hundred is closer to what I wanted, so I accept.”
Why: When the dealer lowers the price, say clearly what you decide: you accept, you ask again, or you need time.
Avoid: “No. Eleven thousand dollars, or I will walk out of this office right now.” (too rude) · “Maybe. I need to think about it, but I do not know.” (too vague)
“How much can you pay today as a down payment?”
Good answer: “I can pay two thousand dollars today as a down payment.”
Why: A down payment is the money you pay first, when you buy. The loan pays for the rest of the price.
Avoid: “I think the car is really nice, and I like the blue color a lot.” (off topic) · “Not much. Maybe a little, I am not sure.” (too vague)
“Your monthly payment would be about two hundred twenty dollars.”
Good answer: “That monthly payment fits my budget, so I am comfortable with it.”
Why: A monthly payment is the money you pay each month for the loan. Say clearly if it fits your budget or not.
Avoid: “That is too much every month. I cannot do this.” (too negative) · “That is fine, I guess.” (too short)
“The APR is six percent, the yearly cost of the loan.”
Good answer: “Before I decide, I would like to compare that APR with my bank's rate.”
Why: APR is the yearly cost of a loan, shown as a percent. You can compare it with the rate from your bank.
Avoid: “Six percent is the price of the car, right?” (gives the wrong idea) · “Why is it so high? That is a rip-off.” (too rude)
“Are you ready to sign the papers today?”
Good answer: “I need some time to read every number before I sign.”
Why: You do not have to sign today. Saying you need time is polite and honest, and you can read every number first.
Avoid: “Yes, let's sign it now. I do not need to read every page.” (not safe) · “Nah, let's just do it, I'm tired.” (too casual)
“Here is the paper with every number, so take your time.”
Good answer: “Thank you. I will read it carefully and call you tomorrow.”
Why: End politely: thank the person and say what you will do next.
Avoid: “Okay, cool, thanks. I will look at it sometime, maybe tomorrow.” (too casual) · “Maybe, I will see. I do not know yet, so maybe I will call you one day.” (too vague)
Questions and answers
How do you buy a car from a dealership?
In simple steps: say what kind of car you want, look at it and sit inside, ask about the miles and the owner, ask the price, and take time to decide. A test drive and the paperwork come next. This game teaches the English for these steps. Level 1 is the first look and the price, Level 2 is the test drive and your questions, and Level 3 is about the price and the payments.
What do you say when you walk into a car dealership?
Say hello and say what you want: "I'm looking for a used car." You can also say a size or a type: "A small car with four doors, please." If you only want to look, say "I'm just looking, thank you."
How do you ask the price of a car?
Say "How much is this car?" or "What is the price?" Then ask if tax is included: "Is that the price with tax?" The price on the car is a start. There may be tax and other fees on top.
What does "used car" mean?
A used car had an owner before. It is also called a "pre-owned" car. A new car has no owner before you.
What does "miles" mean on a car?
In the U.S., a car shows how far it has driven in miles. "Low miles" means it was not driven very far. "High miles" means it was driven a lot.
What does "one owner" mean?
It means only one person or family had the car before you. "Two owners" means two.
What does "plus tax" mean?
The price you hear does not include the tax. The tax is added when you buy. The tax is different in each state, so ask the dealer for the full price.
What is a dealership?
A dealership is a business that sells cars. It has a lot (the place outside with the cars) and often a showroom (the building). The worker who helps you is the salesperson.
What questions should you ask when you buy a car?
Start with these: How much is this car? How many miles does it have? Is it new or used? How many owners did it have? Is that the price with tax? In this game you practice these questions. You can always say "I would like to think about it."
Do you have to buy the car the same day?
No. You can say "I would like to think about it" and leave. A polite salesperson will give you the price and a card to come back. This page teaches English, not money advice: ask the dealer and read before you sign.
What does a used car dealer have to show you?
In the U.S., a used car dealer must post a Buyers Guide on the car window. The FTC explains it on its page "Buying a Used Car" (link above). Read it, and ask the salesperson if you do not understand a word.
What is a test drive?
A test drive is a short drive in the car before you buy it. The salesperson checks your driver's license first and often rides with you. Say "I would like to test drive it, please."
What is a warranty on a car?
A warranty is a promise to fix some problems for a time. Each warranty is different, so ask what it covers and how long it lasts. This page teaches English, not money advice.
What fees do you pay when you buy a car?
Often there is sales tax, a title and registration fee, and a dealer fee. They are different in each state and at each dealership. Ask: "What other fees do I pay besides the price?" and ask for every number on paper.
What is a down payment on a car?
A down payment is the money you pay first, when you buy the car. A loan pays for the rest of the price. Ask the dealer how much down payment they need. This page teaches English, not money advice.
What is a monthly payment?
A monthly payment is the money you pay every month to pay back a car loan. You can ask: "What would the monthly payment be?" Then check if the number fits your budget.
What does APR mean on a car loan?
APR means annual percentage rate. It is the yearly cost of the loan, shown as a percent. You can ask: "What is the APR?" and compare it with the rate from your bank. Each loan is different, so ask the dealer to show it on paper.
How do you negotiate the price of a car in English?
Stay polite and ask a clear question: "Could you lower the price?" If the dealer gives a new number, say if you accept it or need time. You can always say "I need some time to read every number before I sign."
What does it mean to finance a car?
To finance a car means to borrow money to buy it and pay the loan back a little at a time. The other way is to pay cash, all at once. You can say "I plan to finance the car, so I will need a loan."
Can you ask a mechanic to check a used car?
Yes. Many buyers ask their own mechanic to check a used car first. You can say "I will ask my mechanic to check it first."
More real-life English
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for buying a car. It is not money or legal advice. Prices, taxes and fees are different in each state and at each dealership, so ask the dealer and read before you sign. Official information: FTC: Buying a Used Car.