Buying a new vehicle is a big deal for most families. It is probably one of the larger purchases you will make this year, and you want to get it right. It's also where small details can cost you big money if you don't ask the right questions. The good news is you do not need to be a car expert to walk into a dealership feeling confident. You just need to know the right questions to ask.

Whether you're considering an Outlander PHEV for family life, a Triton for work, or an ASX for everyday driving, walking into a dealership prepared puts you in control.

Here are the key questions every Auckland buyer should ask before signing anything.

What Is the Total On-Road Cost, Not Just the Advertised Price?

This is the big one, and it catches a lot of people off guard. New Mitsubishi vehicles in New Zealand are advertised as '+ORC', which stands for on-road costs. That means the price on the website does not include registration, warrant of fitness, or dealer fees. By the time those are added, you could be looking at $700 to $1,200 more than the number you saw online.

Here at Simon Lucas we provide the full breakdown without you having to ask twice. But just in case you go to a different dealership, here is what to confirm:

• What is the total drive-away price, including all on-road costs?
• Are there any documentation or administration fees on top?
• Is there a current promotion or deal that reduces the ORC right now?
• If I am buying a PHEV, does the road-user charge exemption save me anything upfront?

Get the final number in writing. No surprises that way.

What Does the Mitsubishi Warranty Cover and What Does It Exclude?

Here is something that will make you feel better about buying new. Every new Mitsubishi in New Zealand comes with a 5-year (or 130,000 km) factory warranty, which is genuinely one of the best in its class. On top of that, Simon Lucas Mitsubishi is a Diamond Dealership, which means you also get the Diamond Advantage programme. That covers things like roadside assistance and a loan vehicle if your car ever needs to come in for warranty work.

Make sure, you ask these questions:

• If I sell the car before the warranty runs out, does it transfer to the new owner?
• What could void the warranty, for example using a non-Mitsubishi service centre?
• What does Diamond Advantage cover that the standard warranty does not?

What Mitsubishi Finance Options Are Available at an Auckland Dealership?

Most people do not pay cash for a new car, so it pays to understand what you are actually agreeing to. Mitsubishi dealers can offer a few different structures including standard hire purchase, an Assured Future Value (AFV) arrangement where you have a balloon payment at the end, or lease options if you are buying through a business.

The number to focus on is the comparison rate, not just the weekly repayment. The comparison rate includes all fees and gives you a true picture of the cost over the full term.

• What is the comparison rate, not just the headline interest rate?
• If there is a balloon payment, how is that end figure worked out?
• Can I get pre-approval so I can compare this offer with my bank?
• Are there any manufacturer finance deals running on this model right now?

Mitsubishi runs factory finance promotions on selected models throughout the year. Sometimes the dealership rate is genuinely hard to beat, but you will only know that if you compare.

What Does Mitsubishi Capped-Price Servicing Include and How Much Does It Cost?

This is the question a lot of people forget to ask, and then wonder about a year into ownership. Mitsubishi offers capped-price servicing in New Zealand, which means the cost of each scheduled service is fixed in advance. No unexpected bills, no guessing. It is one of the practical reasons families keep coming back to Mitsubishi.

Before you sign, ask:

• When is the first service due, in both kilometres and months?
• What is included in the capped-price service and what is not?
• Does the service plan cover PHEV-specific checks like battery health?
• What would a tyre replacement typically cost for this model?

At Simon Lucas Mitsubishi we have a Tyre Centre on site too, so it is worth asking about it when you visit our dealership at Wairau Valley. Knowing the full cost of ownership before you commit means no nasty surprises down the track.

Come In With Your Questions and We Will Give You Straight Answers

You do not have to have it all figured out before you visit. Most of our customers come in still deciding, and that is exactly how it should be.

Simon Lucas Mitsubishi has helped more than 1,700 New Zealanders find the right vehicle every year. Bring your questions to our team who are happy to provide all the answers and take it from there.

Not ready to come in yet? No problem. Fill an online form or book our Demo to Your Door service, and test one of our cars in your own neighbourhood.