Are you in the market for another car, and you’re thinking of getting a used model of that specific vehicle? The number one thing is conducting thorough research on the vehicle you’re going to buy, and then purchasing from a reliable dealer.
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Now, before making that car payment, it’s important that you also test-drive it to get a feel of the vehicle’s performance.
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Below, we discuss the top things you should do while test-driving a used car.
Why You Must Test-Drive a Used Car
Would you buy any car, new or used, without test-driving it first? Probably not. But getting behind the wheel for a test drive is the best and most effective way to find out if a car is the right fit for you.
The same can be said for buying a used car. Taking it out for a brief ride before signing the documents allows you to understand how the car drives, whether or not you actually enjoy driving it, and if the vehicle has any lingering issues that you should know about.
Test-Driving Tip 1:
Before scheduling a test drive, make sure you do your research. Have an understanding of the used car model you’re looking at, and be prepared to ask plenty of questions. Research the price of the car too.
Check to see how close it is to its original value. According to experts, a much higher price should strike you as unrealistic, while a much lower price should make you question whether or not the car has any issues.
Test-Driving Tip 2:
When it comes to test driving a used car, you should be asking the owner a lot of questions. You want to buy a used car from someone that you trust. By asking questions about the vehicle, you’ll get a sense of what ownership is like and why the owner is getting rid of the car. Some important questions to ask:
- Why are you selling the car?
- How long have you owned the car?
- Has the car ever been involved in an accident?
- How often do you change the car’s oil?
- Where do you get the car serviced?
- Does the car currently have any issues?
Test-Driving Tip 3:
Before leaving the parking lot, turn off the car’s radio and climate control. Roll up all of the windows too. Does the car make any unusual noises? Experts say, “Odds are any sound that catches your attention will be costly to repair, and that’s where a mechanic’s opinion could prove valuable.”
Test-Driving Tip 4:
Now is not the time to see how fast the used car you’re test driving can move from zero to 60 mph. Instead, start your test drive at a nice, low speed. Get an understanding of how well the car steers, how the brakes work, etc.
Once you’re satisfied, try the car at highway speeds, and be on the lookout for any balance or alignment issues. Continue listening for any unexpected noises too.
Test-Driving Tip 5:
Test driving is an ideal time to play detective. Look out for any clues that something with the used car might be amiss. Are there any unusual dents? Glaring scratches? Is there smoke coming from the car? Keep an eye out for clues that something might be wrong with the car.
Test-Driving Tip 6:
This is your chance to push every button, pull every lever, and explore every nook and cranny. Hit the lock and unlock buttons repeatedly, test out the used car’s climate control functions, and try out various radio functions. And if you’re not confident in your test-driving abilities? Consider enlisting the help of an actual mechanic.
Conclusion
While test driving a used car might seem like a lot, it shouldn’t. As long as you do your research, are comfortable asking questions, and understand what you’re looking for in a used car, test-driving a used car shouldn’t be all that stressful.
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