Purchasing a used vehicle can be a smart financial decision compared to buying a brand-new car. However, you want to make sure you don’t end up with a lemon that requires major repairs soon after driving it off the lot. Test driving is one of the most critical steps for assessing a pre-owned car before deciding to buy. It allows you to experience how the automobile handles and identify any potential issues. An extensive test drive increases your chances of finding a quality used car that will meet your needs and last for years to come. Follow this essential checklist to ensure you thoroughly evaluate any second-hand vehicle before committing to a purchase.
Do Your Research Before the Test Drive
To make the most out of a test drive, you need to do your research ahead of time. Look into the vehicle’s reliability and common issues for that make/model/year. Check out reviews and ratings from experts and owners. This will give you an idea of what to look out for and specific things to test on the drive. It also helps you determine reasonable pricing based on the vehicle’s condition. Additionally, knowing the market value sets you up to negotiate effectively with the seller.
Schedule the Test Drive
Reach out to the seller and schedule a test drive at a time convenient for both of you. Ask if they will have the car fully fuelled up and ready to go when you arrive. This ensures you can drive it for a decent length of time and distance during the test drive. Good dealerships selling used cars in Merseyside and elsewhere in the UK encourage potential buyers to test drive before making any purchasing commitment so steer clear of any that try to discourage you.
Inspect the Vehicle
Before starting the engine, take time to thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior. Look for any damage, wear and tear, rust, leaks, etc. Check that all interior features and accessories function properly. Make notes on your phone or a small notepad of any issues or concerns you observe. Also, ask to see any maintenance records for the vehicle. Look through the documents to get a sense of how well the previous owner(s) maintained it. Did they get oil changes done regularly? Have major systems like the transmission serviced when recommended? Were any significant repairs done? Look out for gaps where maintenance wasn’t recorded.
Take It for a Test Drive
Now you’re ready to get behind the wheel for a test drive. As you drive, pay attention to the following:
- Engine power – Does the car accelerate smoothly and strongly? Any hesitation or odd sounds?
- Braking – How does the brake pedal feel? Do the brakes stop the car promptly and evenly without pulling to one side?
- Steering – Does the steering wheel feel tight or loose? Any vibrations or strange noises when turning? Difficult to keep straight on the road?
- Transmission – Does the transmission shift gears smoothly? Any slippage, jerkiness, or trouble switching between gears?
- Suspension – Is the ride overly bumpy and bouncy? Do you feel every small imperfection in the road?
- Noises/vibrations – Listen and feel for any unusual engine noises, knocking, vibrations through the steering wheel or seat, etc.
- Electronics – Test all lights, indicators, wipers, radio, seat adjustments, and other electronics.
Simulate Normal and Extreme Driving
Make sure to test different driving scenarios during the test drive. Drive on town streets, A roads, and make some quick turns to simulate normal commuting conditions. Then push the car a bit harder to see how it performs under more extreme driving. Get up to motorway speed, accelerate quickly from a stop, brake hard without locking up the wheels, and take some sharp corners at higher speeds. Of course, drive responsibly and safely, but don’t be afraid to see how the car handles when pushed.
Ask Questions
If anything concerning comes up during the test drive, don’t hesitate to ask the seller questions. For example, if you hear a strange engine noise, enquire about whether they’ve had it looked at previously. If the steering feels loose, ask if the suspension components have been replaced recently. Their answers will tell you if they are hiding any issues.
Wrap Up the Test Drive
Return from the test drive and take some time to evaluate your impressions of the vehicle while they are still fresh. Review any notes you took and decide if this is the right used car for you or if you should continue looking. If you are interested, get ready to negotiate a fair price.
Following this thorough test drive checklist will help you identify any problems and get a feel for how a used car handles in real driving conditions. Don’t skip test driving just to save time. It is one of the most important things you can do when buying any pre-owned vehicle. An extensive test drive will ensure you avoid purchasing a lemon and end up with a quality used car that will serve you well for years to come.