5 Test Drive Tips For Making Smart Used Car Buying Choices

The test drive is one of the most important steps when buying used cars

. Every car will have its own quirks and not all miles on the odometer are equal. Even the same make and model with identical miles will not operate the same.

Let's take a look at 5 essential tips for the test drive to make sure there is no buyer remorse.

The Inspection

With a particular make and model of car, truck, or SUV in mind, the first step is a thorough visual inspection. In this case, it is not required to have a mechanic look over a vehicle. Shoppers are looking for signs of recent body work or subtle differences in color tone that could indicate prior repairs. Open and close all the doors, the hood, and the trunk to make sure everything lines up properly. Take a look at the tires for wear and feel the hood of the car; if it is warm, then it might have been warmed up to help it start better just for the test drive.

Starting The Engine

The engine is the heart of any vehicle, so being critical of its performance is a good idea. During start-up, look for smoke from the tailpipe and listen to make sure the engine cranks smoothly. Problems during ignition will usually cause long term damage to engine; avoid this type of problem in a used car like the plague.

Cruising

A smooth ride with easy gear shifts is a sign of a good used car. Braking should be even and consistent without the car pulling to one side at both low and high speeds. Check the alignment while cruising on the highway, and listen for transmission noises on tight turns at low speeds. Overall, the vehicle should be responsive and easy to control.

Under The Hood And On The Dash

At the end of the test drive, don't turn the engine off. Pop open the hood and look for obvious problems. Leaks and smoke are easy to spot and both are a huge red flag. Turn on the air conditioner and heater to test the electrical system and compressor. Enable all of the vital accessories, from windshield wipers to headlight and parking lights. Set the parking brake and make sure it holds with the engine in neutral.

Many people miss these little things, but they will all cause a car to fail state inspection.

Do It All Again

When at the auto dealer, take two test drives of the same make and model. This test will highlight any differences between how the vehicles have been used, since all the parts should be equal otherwise.

In order to get the best value from a used car, the test drive is vital. When on the road, keep the radio off and focus on how the car feels and sounds. Don't be afraid to test many different vehicles between different auto dealers. Before signing the title, getting the opinion of a licensed mechanic is always worth the inspection fee. In the end, making the right decision is all that matters.

by: Christine Harrell

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