What to Look for During a Test Drive of a Used Car
Posted Friday, Jun 21, 2024
Are you planning to buy a pre-owned car? Wondering how to evaluate it to ensure you don't purchase a problematic used car? You've come to the right place. When buying a used car, it's advisable to test drive it exactly the way you would when purchasing a new vehicle.
However, it is important to understand that test-driving a pre-owned car is slightly different. Compared to a new car, test driving a used car involves more checks to ensure the vehicle you wish to buy is in decent condition—inside out.
Here's what to look for during a test drive of a used car:
Inspect the Exterior
One thing that you should consider before taking the used car you wish to buy for a spin is to evaluate its condition externally. That means assessing its body, cabin, bonnet, and trunk. During your inspection, focus on the following:
- Ensure that the paintwork isn't bubbling up. If it is, it may indicate potential rust.
- Look for uneven gaps between the body panels, indicating poorly repaired collision damage.
- Check for pools of fluid under the ride. If they are brown or black, it’s a sure sign of an engine oil leak.
Likewise, check the suspension and tires. Ensure the suspension bounces back smoothly, and the tires have adequate tread. Tread depth is important because it reduces stopping distances on wet and dry roads. It also provides greater road grip ability, enhancing the car's traction. So, if the tires don't have proper tread, they could expose you to the risk of roadside incidents.
Explore The Interior
Another key factor to consider when test-driving a used car is ensuring it's comfortable. So, as much as you're focused on checking the car for faults, don't forget to evaluate it on the comfort scale. After all, even if the car is in mint condition, it may not be suitable for you if it doesn't offer the leg space or comfort you desire.
Therefore, the interior features of the car must be examined diligently. It is advisable to run through all the car features to ensure they work properly.
- Check the interior lighting. If it pulses and goes from bright to suddenly dim, it means there are deeper electrical problems.
- Moreover, the warning lights should be checked to ensure they all work as intended.
- Turn on the radio and try the fader controls and stereo balance. This will help you assess each speaker individually. If you can identify shorts and cracks, you could be dealing with blown speakers.
- Try the USB ports to determine if the connections are functional.
- Next, check the heating/air conditioning system to ensure all modes work. Mold and mildew smell in the car are red flags, indicating that the car has been flood-damaged.
- Assess the vehicle's safety features, such as seat belts, airbags, and other mechanics, to ensure you & your loved ones are always safe on the road.
Take it on the Road
It's time to test drive once you have carefully examined the exterior and interior. In general, the car should be smooth and quiet, but if it isn't, you could be dealing with underlying problems.
For example, rattling sounds from the engine could indicate:
- Exhaust system issues
- Loose and worn belts
- Engine misfiring
- Timing chain issues
- Low engine oil
Likewise, evaluate the steering wheel. It should feel responsive and even, and more importantly, it shouldn't vibrate. If the steering wheel feels wobbly, the wheels are unbalanced, or the bearings are not in good condition. It is also possible that the problem is related to the brakes.
Furthermore, shifting gears should never crunch. The car's clutch should also bite at an adequate point. If the pedal stays high when it bites, that means the clutch of the used car is worn. This should be addressed immediately.
One of the best ways to access the used vehicle's mechanics is to test drive it on a route that closely resembles your daily activities. For instance, if you travel on the highway, test drive the car on a route where you can get it up to higher speeds. Also, try driving on different roads to make an informed purchase decision.
When test driving, practice parking, and maneuvering. This will help you determine if the vehicle is easily controlled and handled. Try all parking maneuvers, such as emergency stops, forward bay parking, reverse bay parking, parallel parking, and the cockpit drill.
Maneuvering the vehicle lets you gauge its speed, braking distance, steering, acceleration, and orientation critically.
Wrapping Up
Buying a car is a big investment. Therefore, test-driving is the best way to judge and assess its performance and functionality. Rushing into a purchase decision is no good, especially if you buy a problematic used car with many red flags. It will only make you regret your choice and spend more money on ongoing repairs than intended. Therefore, it is recommended that you shop for a pre-owned car from a trusted dealership like CARS R US AUTO GROUP LLC.
We strive to provide the best car-buying experience to our clients. We are customer-focused and dedicated to finding you the perfect car match. Contact us today. We offer the most extensive inventory of used cars in mint condition and at the best prices. Visit our dealership and let us help you discover your next great drive.
