subject: Test Driving A Used Car [print this page] Test driving is almost the last step in buying a car. It is very important especially when you are going to buy a used car it will help you to feel the vehicle and find out some problems you could face with after the purchase. You should be 100% concentrated on a used car test drive remember it preparing to it, while the car is in park, before heading out, on the road and at the end of the drive. This article will show the main tips you should attract attention to while going from one stage to another in test driving a used car.
Preparing to the Test Drive
Make the test route a mixture of local streets, highways, and a big empty parking.
Dont let the owner direct the trip.
Dont take the family for test drive, better take someone who is in the decision-making process partner etc.
Bring car seats or booster seats to see if they fit to this car.
Negotiate how long the test drive could be, the minimum you need is a half-hour.
Ask for maintenance records.
Take a notepad or recorder. They will help you remember what you liked and disliked. Plus it can remind you what you want your mechanic to inspect.
While the Car Is in Park
Look for damages in the windshield or body wear.
Inspect the tires to see if they are properly set down.
Look at the trunk to see if it meets your needs
Examine the trunk for leaks.
Open the backseat to check out the pass-through to the trunk.
Take away any air fresheners that might mask scents.
Before the Departure
Try to feel for how easy it is to sit down and get out
See how easy it is to open / close doors
Test the steering wheel adjustments.
Make sure the seat are comfortable.
Look how easy all the controls are to understand and use.
Make sure the mirrors are easily adjustable.
Test the A/C and heat at their maximum levels.
Check all vents.
See how easily the car shifts among the different gears.
Start the car and see how much effort is needed to turn the key and remove it when shutting off the car.
On the Road
Hit the brakes - soft or squishy brake response should be checked out.
Check the steering there should be no play in the steering wheel.
Drive hands free in an empty parking - this will demonstrate how well the car is aligned.
Drive over a bumpy surface and see how the car responds it shouldnt wiggle.
Go parking in a busy place - it is good low-speed indicators of a vehicles visibility.
Keep a silence - listen for problems and also let the cars owner do all the talking.
End of the Drive
Ask when your mechanic can inspect the car.
Note down all potential problems to ask your mechanic about.
Rate the car from 1-5 stars to help you quickly sort among the cars you are choosing.
If any of these aspects of the test drive makes you feel uncomfortable better walk away and start searching for another used car in Ontario to buy.
