Test Driving a Used Car
Before you sign any papers or agree on a contract for a used car, it should always be taken for a lengthy test drive. This does not mean down the road and back. The vehicle should be driven on different surfaces and in different conditions. It should be driven through the city in stop and go traffic, on the highway, over bumps, and around tight turns. A correctly performed test drive doesn't guarantee that there will be no regrets, but it should help detect any problems with the vehicle, and help select which car is best for you.
Pre driving preparations
Do not let the salesman rush you. Before you travel down the road you must establish that the used car is in good condition, and that it suits your needs for comfort and fit.
Cabin Size
Physically sit in the back seat. Would it be a comfortable space for adults to ride in? If you are not happy with the rear back space in this used car, it is very important to consider getting a larger vehicle or different model. If you feel you can honestly live with the space this used car offers, then continue on.
Seat Style
Remember you are going to be stuck with this used car for a while, so your comfort level is important. Some can tolerate stiff, hard seats, some need plush comfort. The seat should at least support your body type well, and offer lower back support. The seat is the one feature you use constantly every moment you're in the car, so be sure on this one.
Sound System
If audio is important, then it should certainly be tested out in a used car. Does the AM and FM radio come in well? A good idea is to bring along a CD or tape to determine if the player works properly. You want a sound system you are happy with; if not it will mean pouring more money into the used car once you purchase it.
Interior Setup
Get a feel of the setup of the cockpit. It is different in all used cars. Can you see and read all the gauges without straining. Does the heater/AC layout seem simple enough to adjust while driving? Are there any blind spots that you cannot compensate for by using your mirrors? r Does the seat belt have an adjustable anchor or does it cut into your neck?
Adjusting the Drivers Seat
It is very important to adjust the seat to your preferred driving position; then check the relationship between the pedals, seat, steering wheel and shifter. Can you adjust everything exactly as you like it, or do you have to make compromises? It is a safety factor that you be able to reach everything naturally.
On the Road
If the used car has passed your initial inspection and seems to be suited to your size and needs, the next step is to take it out on the road. Drive in as many conditions as you can think of; go up hills; go on highways and into stop-and-go traffic, go over bumpy terrain, and around tight curves. When idling, the engine should be smooth and quiet. After putting the car in neutral, press the gas pedal to see if the engine responds without hesitation. When you press down on the brake pedal it should feel firm. As the engine warms up, listen for any strange noises.
Observing Engine Noises
Test out the shifting on the used car. If it is automatic, the transmission should engage immediately and the gears shifting should be quick and barely noticeable. If the used car is manual, there should be no grinding sound from the transmission when you select gears. Shift from drive to reverse; clunks or grinding noises could indicate problems. Drive over a rough road and listen for any loud rattles. If the car bounces or bangs over small bumps, the struts may be worn.
Steering and Alignment
This is something else to test on the highway at top speeds. As you drive along in the used car, does the steering wheel shake or vibrate? Vibration in the steering wheel can mean anything from an unbalanced tire to a loose steering rack. Next drive on a flat, smooth road and lift your hands from the wheel. The car should track straight and without vibration. If the used car pulls in either direction, a front end alignment, among other things, may be necessary.
Brake Response
Try some hard stops, making sure there are no vehicles behind you. Do you feel like you remain in control of the used car during the braking? When you stamp hard on the brake pedal, you'll probably feel some pulsing; this tells you the ABS system is working. Cars without ABS should not have pulsating brake pedals under any circumstances.
Acceleration
Hop on the highway, and check the acceleration of the used car. Is the 0-60 response time satisfactory to you? Test out passing response at upper speeds. Does the engine produce uniform power across its rpm range, or only at higher engine speeds? Accelerate hard on an empty road. The car should respond immediately. Back off and hit the gas again. There should be no hesitation or smoke from the car. A steep hill is perfect to check the engine's power, and there should not be a significant loss in power, or it could indicate a need for an overhaul.
Handling
Swing the used car around some tight corners, do you feel in control? On the highway, do abrupt lane changes, is the vehicle responsive? A car that's slow to respond may affect the safety of the used car, so it is very important that you are comfortable with the handling.
Cabin Noise
The used car may seem quiet, but what happens once you are driving on the highway? Decide if the interior noise level will be satisfactory over the long haul? Remember it won't change once the used car is yours
Test driving a used car is almost the last step in deciding whether you want to make the purchase. An important tip for the test drive is to avoid becoming too emotionally attached to the vehicle. You should be focusing on the true performance of the vehicle. If your mind is insistent on getting this vehicle, you may overlook or ignore any problems, uncomfortable setups, or gut feelings. If you cannot perform a true evaluation, you may have regrets in the long run.