Research a car or motorcycle before buying it
A plain-language rundown of a vehicle's specs, ownership costs, known issues, and rivals, plus a test-ride checklist.
The prompt
Help me research a vehicle before I buy it.
Vehicle: [MAKE, MODEL, year or variant; new or used]
Country or region: [prices, models, and regulations vary]
How I'll use it: [daily commute distance, city/highway, passengers, long trips, off-road]
Budget: [purchase price and monthly running budget]
Must-haves: [e.g. fuel economy, safety rating, comfort, storage, seat height]
Other models I'm considering: [LIST, or "suggest some"]
Give me:
1. A plain-language overview: engine or battery, power, fuel economy or range, key features, and who it suits.
2. True cost of ownership: insurance band, servicing intervals and typical costs, tires, fuel or charging, and depreciation - with ranges, not exact figures.
3. Common complaints or known issues to check for, and any recalls I should look up.
4. A comparison table against 2-4 rivals on the factors that matter for my use.
5. A test drive or test ride checklist.
6. For a used vehicle: documents to ask for, inspection points, and red flags in the listing or seller.
7. Your verdict for my situation and the questions to ask the dealer.
Specs, prices, and recalls change by market and model year. Mark figures you are not sure of with [CHECK] and tell me where to confirm them (manufacturer site, official recall database, owner forums).
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Personal Life & Wellbeing prompts
What to fill in
- MAKE, MODEL, year or variant; new or used
- prices, models, and regulations vary
- purchase price and monthly running budget
- LIST, or "suggest some"
- CHECK
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the RTF structure (Role, Task, Format). RTF tells the model who to be, what to do and what shape the answer should take. It is the quickest structure that still gives noticeably better results than a bare request.
Related prompts
- Reflect on patterns in my life and what's holding me backGuided self-reflection that helps you notice patterns, beliefs, and choices — without advice-dumping.
- Find a thoughtful giftPersonal, specific gift ideas based on who they are — not generic lists.
- Get personal style and outfit adviceOutfit and wardrobe suggestions for your body, lifestyle, budget, and occasion.
- Understand an official letter and what I need to do nextTurns a confusing letter from an agency, bank, insurer, or court into plain words, the deadline, and a step-by-step action list.