How To Test Drive A Used Car

You might think you’ve discovered a gem of a used car. The price may seem to belie its condition, low mileage, and late-model year. Before you hand over your check, you need to take the car for a test drive. That’s the only way to know whether it performs well and is a good fit for you. Below, I’ll describe the areas that you should focus on when you’re test driving a used car.

Performance Factors

The car you’re thinking about buying may have a V-8 engine, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can offer the acceleration you need. The ability of a car to accelerate quickly is dependent on its engine and transmission. Both need to perform properly to guarantee that you can merge safely on freeways. Also, check the brakes during the test drive. Press the brake pedal slowly and quickly to check the car’s response. If the brakes feel sluggish or grip strangely, you may need to have them repaired later.

Another area that you’ll need to test is the steering and suspension. Take the car onto the freeway to check whether it drifts on long, straight stretches. If it does, it could imply a problem with the alignment. On city streets, take the car around sharp turns to check the responsiveness of the steering. Finally, drive along a rough patch of road to see how it handles.

Inside The Car

There are a number of things that can cause irritating noise when you’re driving. You may be able to identify a few of them while driving on city streets. But, you’ll definitely need to test drive the car on the freeway to identify others. For example, small engines can often produce a lot of noise during acceleration or at high speeds. Also, if the car you’re considering has racks mounted on top, they can often shake while driving. You want to make sure that the vehicle is relatively quiet.

You’ll also need to be aware of your level of visibility while driving. Some cars have large side mirrors that can obscure your view. Others have poor visibility in the rear, increasing the effective blind spot. Even the position of the seat can limit visibility.

A Few Last Tips

If possible, try to spend a half hour test driving a used car. If the owner or dealer balks, walk away. The test drive is a critical part of finding out whether the car suits your needs. Without devoting the proper time, you may overlook something important. Before you meet the seller, have a driving path already planned. Then, ask that you be allowed to drive the car without the salesperson. Invariably, a salesperson will try to engage you in conversation during the test drive. That can distract you from identifying problems or annoyances.

The next time you’re shopping for a used car, make sure you test the car on the road. Use the tips I’ve described in this article to make sure the gem you’ve found is truly a great deal.

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