How to test drive and check a used car
Buying a car for the first time can be quite a daunting task.
You’ll have to research, inspect and test drive the vehicle to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Test driving a car, whether used or new, should be done before the actual sale.
It’s doubly important for a pre-owned car, especially if you’re buying privately.
You should research how to test drive a used car and what you need to look for when planning to buy the vehicle. From the car’s performance and documents to its history, all need to be checked out.
It’s important to check the car’s exterior and interior and take a look at the engine, steering, clutch, brakes and so forth. And if you come across any problems, you have two options. You can either use it to your own advantage and ask them to bring the price of the car down or you can walk away from the sale.
As a buyer, you should know a useful test drive is crucial in finding the best value for any car. But although many do know that, others don’t know how to perform an examination that will separate the good from the mediocre. Most used-car buyers usually motor around a bit and listen to the sound system. But that’s not the way to go as there are so many other things you need to check out.
Here are a few things you should take note of when it comes to test driving a used car.
What are the test driving basics?
You should remember when test driving a car that you’re the customer. And as the customer, you’re always right. When it comes to test driving a car, you set the agenda and not the sales rep or owner if it’s a private sale. If you, at any stage, feel uncomfortable, you have the freedom to walk away.
It’s always important to prepare for a test drive. You should at least have a firm knowledge about the car before buying it. And doing a little homework beforehand will put you in a pre-owned car that exceeds your expectations. This isn’t the time to diagnose problems. Instead, identify problems for your mechanic to inspect and offer solutions. You shouldn’t try to solve a car’s problems during a test drive.
Plan for the test drive
Before you’re going to look for a used car, it might be best to map out a driving route. You shouldn’t drive haphazardly and don’t let the owner direct the trip. However, the only way you’ll plan the trip is when you’re buying a car privately. You can make use of Google Maps to help you plan the route. It’s always best to make the test route a mixture of small local streets, highways and a big empty parking lot. You should also pack a notepad or use your mobile phone to record what’s being said. That way you’ll remember what you liked and disliked. And it can also remind you what you need to tell your mechanic to inspect.
When it comes to test driving, the last thing you want to do is to bring your family along. They’ll be too distracting and might take your attention off checking the car out. If you want to, you can bring your partner or spouse along if they’re sharing in the decision-making process. But bear in mind that a hundred percent of your attention needs to be devoted to the test drive. Sometimes you can negotiate how long you want the test drive to be. If possible, shoot for at least a half-hour. You won’t necessarily drive alone, especially if you’re buying from a dealership. There’ll always be someone, like the sales rep, to drive with you. Before taking the road, ask for the records of the car. It should include the owner’s manual and the maintenance records.
Take your time
It’s important to take your time and drive as far as possible. If you get twenty minutes to test drive the car, make sure to use all the given time. You shouldn’t allow the seller to pressure you into a short test. It’s always best to switch off the radio while on the road. The air-conditioner or heater fan should be off as well. That way you can listen to any unusual noises.
If you’re satisfied after the test drive, ask the owner or salesperson when you can take the car to a mechanic. You shouldn’t buy a vehicle that hasn’t been inspected by a professional. If you do that, you’re opening yourself up to a lot of headaches.
Remember to make notes along the way. You can share those notes with your mechanic. And if you don’t like the car or find too many problems with it, simply walk away.