How to test drive a used car?
Content
The used car market has a huge selection for everyone. However, buying a car requires a serious approach. Even if you are planning to buy a reliable vehicle, no one can guarantee that the previous owner cared about it.
Therefore, it is very important to carefully check all the main systems and units - engine, gearbox, electrical system and others before concluding a deal. Finally, you need to conduct a test drive, after which a decision is usually made to buy a car.
Currently, every dealership that values its reputation offers its customers a test drive. It's the same with used car dealers. If someone still refuses or starts to procrastinate and shy away, the prospect should be careful. Better yet, abandon the deal right away.
If you do not have certain habits and knowledge, it would be good to find an assistant who understands cars. If you do not have such a person - a friend or acquaintance, then you can even hire a specialist from a serious service. Yes, you will spend money, but you will save on possible future repairs.
Many people think that during a test drive it is enough to give gas, check the audio system and air conditioning. And after a few kilometers, shake hands with the seller. It is very likely that in a few weeks various problems will begin to appear. Therefore, this approach is not serious and can hardly be called a real test drive.
7 Tips for a Full Test Drive Before You Buy:
1. Choice of priorities
In the used car market, it is very difficult to find the perfect example at an attractive price. However, sometimes this happens, but first you need to decide on your main priorities, that is, what is most important to you - low mileage, low price, good technical condition, or all of this together.
2. Visual inspection
At this stage, you need to check the condition of the car - interior, body, chassis, space under the hood. If the end of the engine smells burnt, you need to be careful. Be sure to check the engine oil level. If the surface has a black coating, then it has not been changed for a long time.
3. Look at what comes out of the muffler.
Watch for smoke coming out of the muffler during a test drive. When shifting gears or pressing the accelerator pedal, black or blue smoke should not come out of the system.
4. Tire inspection
The next step is to carefully inspect the wheels, or rather the tires of the car. They should not have uneven wear. If you notice this, it is possible that some of the suspension and steering parts are worn out.
5. Check the car paintwork.
It is important to check the condition of the paintwork and paint on the car body to make sure that the car has not been involved in an accident. You can even use an ordinary magnet - if there is a thick layer of primer under the paint, it will not stick.
6. Rely on your own feelings.
If the cabin is noisy or your seat is uncomfortable, you can safely abandon the intended vehicle and consider other options. Be sure to check how the brakes work by smoothly and sharply pressing the pedal. If possible, check all systems using computer diagnostics.
7. Smoothly and slightly turn the steering wheel.
While driving, carefully turn the steering wheel 15 degrees to the right and then 15 degrees to the left. Even at high speeds, the car should not give up. If this happens, then the tires are worn out. And this is definitely a problem.
