For many people, the test drive is the most intimidating aspect of buying a pre-owned car. It’s understandable if you feel nervous about passing judgment on a car. However, you don’t need to be an automotive expert to determine if a car is worth its price. Once you know why you need to test drive a used car and what to look for while you’re taking it out for a spin, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident about the process. Check out this comprehensive guide on how to test drive a used car.
Why It’s Important To Test Drive A Used Car
Image via Flickr by RichardBH
A pre-owned car may look nice and shiny in photos, but these photos likely won’t show whether it has any underlying problems. Many used cars with damage history are primped up before they’re offered up for sale so that they can attract more buyers. This is why test driving a car is the best way to make sure it’s in good working condition. It’s important to note that most pre-owned cars are sold as-is, meaning you can’t return it to the seller if any problems occur after the sale. Therefore, you have to be especially careful when buying a used car on a budget.
Test driving allows you to know many things about a pre-owned car. You can see if the car displays any abnormal behavior such as rough starting, unusual engine noise, or excessive vibration, which may indicate deeper underlying issues. Additionally, test driving a used car enables you to experience how it feels on the road and determine whether it’s a good fit for you.
What You Should Do Before A Test Drive
Before you begin your test drive, you should carefully check the used car’s vehicle history report. If you find out that the car was involved in a bad accident or its title has been labeled “salvage,” you may either want to look for a different car or prepare some in-depth questions about the vehicle’s history for the seller.
If the car doesn’t have an accident history, you can proceed to visually inspect it. Take the time to look for signs of damage on the outside of the car, such as dents, scuffs, dings, discoloration, and worn or damaged parts. Then, open every door to see if they work properly. Check for loose hinges, frame damage, ripped moldings, and faulty locking mechanisms.
Next, sit in the driver’s seat and inspect all the buttons, switches, and features. Adjust the seat and mirrors and test every button and switch, including the headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, radio, and power windows. Make sure everything is working properly. Before you start driving the car, open the windows and turn the steering wheel fully in both directions. You shouldn’t hear any unusual sound or feel like you need to use excessive strength to turn it.
How To Test Drive A Used Car
If you’re given the opportunity to drive on your own, take it. It may help you get a better feel of the car and its capabilities if you can focus while you’re alone. If you’re going out unaccompanied, make sure you set a return time and try not to be late. Usually, a test drive takes no more than 20 minutes. However, you may want to have the car for up to an hour so that you can test it in a variety of situations.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you can ask the seller to suggest a test-drive route. The route should include a mix of roads that enable you to drive at different speeds and feel how the car rides on different surfaces. A dealership usually has a preplanned route for test drives, but you can ask the salesperson if you’re allowed to deviate from the route. If possible, you should test drive the car in such a way that it simulates your everyday driving environment.
When you’re driving the car, use all your senses to determine what kind of shape it’s in. Pay attention to how the car sounds when it’s accelerating, turning, and braking and listen for strange noises coming from the transmission during acceleration and deceleration. In addition, be wary of whistling sounds from the windows, and ensure that they’re silent instead.
It’s important to note that things you feel in the seat often have something to do with the car’s rear end, while things you feel on the steering wheel usually come from the steering, engine, front suspension, brakes, or tires. Make sure the brakes are working smoothly and the brake pedal doesn’t go to the floor or vibrate. Place your hands loosely on the steering wheel and see if the car pulls to the right or left during braking. It should slow down and stop in a straight line or move very slightly to the right.
During your test drive, you should spend some time driving in a crowded parking lot. Practice parking a few times to find out how the car maneuvers in tight spaces and handles at a low speed. If you’re close to your home, you may want to see if the car fits nicely in your garage. Additionally, you should drive the car over bumps or other uneven surfaces to test its suspension. Listen for rattles in the cabin and strange sounds from the suspension.
What To Do After A Test Drive
If you’re satisfied with your test drive, ask the seller if you can get a professional mechanic to inspect the car. A good mechanic can find problems that you may overlook or weren’t included in the vehicle history report. Any issues you identify through the test drive or professional inspection don’t necessarily indicate that the car isn’t worth buying, especially if they’re only minor problems. If any issues are found, make sure to get a professional opinion on what they mean and how they can be fixed.
When it comes to buying a used car, it’s especially important to properly inspect and test drive any vehicle you’re considering. By following this test-driving guide and arranging for a pre-purchase inspection, you’ll significantly increase your chances of nabbing a great deal on a used car. If you’re interested in getting a preowned certified Toyota vehicle, you can schedule a test drive with Kings Toyota online.
