Used Car Test Driving Tips
Feb 19, 2008
The excitement of buying a new car is undeniable. Whether it is a brand new car or just new to you, the thought of zooming around in a new ride is a very rousing experience. Before the thrill of owning a new car sets in there are a number of steps to take to ensure purchasing a quality vehicle that will run problem-free for a number of years. The whole process starts with the test drive.
After browsing over thousands of ads in the newspaper or peeking at a handful of cars on the lot, you likely have found at least one that you would be interested in. The next step is to ask for some more information and then take a test drive. The first test drive you should merely be checking the overall fit of the car. One helpful tip is to first turn on the radio to make sure it works, then turn it off for the remainder of the test drive. This common practice makes it easier to hear subtle noises from the car during the drive. Think about how you feel behind the wheel, the overall sound of the vehicle, and general performance. Also, what kinds of features are included on the interior? When you are done test driving make sure to check the VIN of the vehicle before you leave so that you can continue to do your research.
Your next task is to do some research on the car you are interested. Start with some general research into the type of car and its history of problems. Some cars are known to be problematic at certain mileage points or have a list of recalls on different parts. Check into these problems before buying a car that is approaching a mileage range that is known to create flaws. With that information in mind you can move onto more detailed research. There are a number of online resources that have specific car history reports. Almost all of these websites have a fee, but the small fee is well worth it if you delve up some information that saves you thousands in the long run. This is where the VIN number comes in handy. This way you know the exact background to the car sitting on the lot.
If the seller has nothing to hide they will most likely let you take the car to your mechanic for a “check-up.” Thus, your next step is taking a second test drive right on down to your trusted mechanic. This time, when you are driving you can take a closer look at the aspects most important to you. Usually for a small fee your mechanic will also take the car around the block and listen for any abnormalities, maybe even a hesitation. They will also look under the hood and do a multi-point inspection of fluid levels, hoses, belts, lights etc. Finally, ask your mechanic to look for previous damage. They can sometimes tell if the car has been in an accident before, or even if the vehicle has been repainted.
Once you have done all of the necessary research, both physical and background checks, it is time to buy. While looking online for past history and other relevant problems associated with the car you likely took notice of the value of the car. Use this information when negotiating a reasonable price. By now it is time to enjoy all of your hard work and go for a spin in your new car!
Jake Newberry sells Sacramento used cars for NuStar Motors, which specializes in lifted 4×4 trucks and fast cars such as Mustangs, Cameros, and Honda V-techs.
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