Essential Guide to Test Driving a Used Car: What to Look For

Last update: May 23, 2024 By: Purr

Embarking on a test drive of a used car requires a sharp eye and an informed mind. When test driving a used car what to look for? Key elements include the car’s mechanical condition, handling, comfort, and any signs of past damage. This article is your co-pilot, guiding you through the essential checkpoints to ensure the used car you’re considering is not just a good drive, but a wise investment. With an in-depth look at preparation, inspection, on-road performance, and post-drive assessments, we’re here to help you navigate the second-hand car market with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Do your homework before a test drive by researching the car’s make, model, and year to identify common issues, and get pre-approved for a loan and a vehicle history report to set a realistic budget and understand the car’s past.
Inspect the car’s exterior thoroughly for any signs of damage, mismatched paint, and the condition of tires and lights to assess previous accidents, needed repairs, or maintenance issues.
During the test drive, plan a route that includes various driving conditions to evaluate the car’s performance, comfort, and handling, and always consider a pre-purchase inspection after your test drive for a comprehensive assessment.

Preparation for Test Driving a Used Car

Before you slip into the driver’s seat for that test drive, there’s some homework to do. Preparing will allow you to get the most out of your test drive and ensure you’re making an informed decision. After all, car buying is a big investment, and you want to get it right!

Start your preparation by researching the car. Get to know the make, model, and year of the car. This will help you understand any common issues and set realistic expectations for the drive. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when you’re negotiating at the car dealership.

Next, get pre-approved for an auto loan, obtain a vehicle history report, and consider car insurance options. This will not only give you an idea of your budget but also inform you of any prior issues with the car and help you choose the right coverage.

Lastly, consider bringing along a friend or family member. Having an extra pair of eyes and ears can provide additional insight during the test drive.

Research the Car

So, you’ve found a car that interests you. Excellent! But before you rush to the car dealership, take some time to research the car. Look up the make, model, and year of the car. Understand what common issues may exist. This will help you set realistic expectations for the test drive and know what to look out for.

Read reviews from other owners. They can provide personal experiences and issues they’ve encountered with the same make and model, offering valuable perspective. You could also consult mechanics who have experience with the car. They can offer expert advice on what maintenance might be expected and alert you to specific issues to watch for during the test drive.

Pre-Approval and Vehicle History Report

Now that you have done the research, the next step is getting pre-approved for an auto loan. Why, you ask? Well, getting pre-approved allows you to:

Understand your budget
Negotiate more effectively when test driving used cars
Have a clear picture of what you can afford
Put yourself in a stronger position at the car dealership

In addition to getting pre-approved, there are a few other steps you should take before buying a used car:

Obtain a vehicle history report before a test drive. This will inform you of any prior issues with the car and guide you on what to look out for during the inspection and drive.
Bring the vehicle history report along to pre-purchase inspections to ensure that any previously identified issues have been properly addressed.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to car buying.

Bring a Friend or Family Member

When you head to the car dealership for the test drive, don’t go alone. Bring a friend or family member along. Having a trusted friend or family member present during a used car test drive can offer extra observations and insight for car shoppers. They might notice things that you might overlook and provide a second opinion. This is why it’s important to choose the right car dealers for your needs.

Inspecting the Exterior

Now, let’s move on to the physical inspection of the car. This starts with the exterior. A thorough visual inspection of the car’s exterior is crucial before a test drive. This can help identify key issues that could indicate underlying problems.

During the exterior inspection, look for:

Dents
Scrapes
Scratches
Misaligned panels
Color consistency

These could be signs of previous accidents or repairs. Take a walk around the car to assess for general wear and tear, which could affect the vehicle’s longevity and future maintenance costs.

Also, don’t forget to evaluate the tires and wheels. Check the tread depth, evenness of tread wear, and the condition of the wheels for any scuffs, cracks, or dents. These can signal the need for tire replacement or alignment issues.

Body Panels and Color Matching

As you walk around the car, pay close attention to the body panels. Are they aligned? Are there uneven gaps that might indicate previous damage? To identify such issues, observe the car from various angles. Look for inconsistency between panel gaps or doors that don’t align properly.

Another thing to look for is signs of a previous paint job, which could suggest accident repairs. Inspect the car under different lighting conditions and check for overspray, particularly around edges like door jams. After the inspection, you might want to consider taking the car for a car wash to get a better view of the paintwork.

Fluid Leaks and Tire Condition

After inspecting the body panels and paint, turn your attention to the car’s tires and potential fluid leaks. Check the car’s tires condition for any mismatch or signs of uneven wear. These can reveal potential suspension problems or misalignment.

Lights Functionality

Next, check the functionality of all exterior lights. This includes:

Headlights
Tail lights
Brake lights
Left turn indicator
Right turn indicator

Ensuring that all exterior lights are operational is vital to identify potential issues with the vehicle’s electrical system.

Also, be aware of any warning lights. All warning lights should illuminate briefly as the vehicle starts up, showing that systems are being checked. A warning light remaining on after startup suggests a malfunction, while a non-functioning one might fail to signal an issue.

Test Driving Location and Route Planning

Now, let’s discuss the location and route planning for your test drive. Planning your route ahead of time is crucial to get a realistic feel for how the car operates across various surfaces and conditions. A thorough test drive should include diverse environments and road conditions and typically lasts up to half an hour to assess the vehicle’s performance adequately.

Consider test driving the vehicle at different times of day, such as during the night. This can uncover different characteristics of the car’s performance. And before beginning the test drive, ensure the gas tank is sufficiently full to prevent worrying about fuel levels, which allows for a focused assessment of the vehicle. An overnight test drive can also provide valuable insights into the car’s performance.

Choosing a Safe Location

Choosing a safe location for your test drive is equally important. A suitable location for a private-party test drive is a neutral, well-visited parking lot that has surveillance coverage.

Choosing a test drive location with surveillance provides security for both parties and records the transaction.

Route Planning

When planning your test drive route, aim to include a variety of road types and driving conditions. Your route should include quiet residential areas, highways, and a mix of smooth and bumpy roads. This will give you a comprehensive feel of the car’s performance.

Try to include different environments such as:

stop-and-go traffic scenarios to help assess how the car responds to diverse driving conditions
lots of turns to evaluate the vehicle’s steering and control
maneuvers like parallel parking to gain perspective on the vehicle’s dimensions and reveal potential blind spots.

Assessing Interior Features and Comfort

Interior of a car with dashboard and steering wheel

Once you’ve planned your route, it’s time to jump into the driver’s seat. But before you hit the road, take a moment to assess the car’s interior features and comfort. Make sure the car’s accessories are within easy reach and fully functional, including:

the radio
temperature controls
seat controls
mirror controls

Adjust the seats, mirrors, and steering wheel for comfort and visibility, and sit in all seats, including the back ones, to assess wear and tear. Also, be sure to check the functionality of the CD player if present and the audio system overall, along with the interior lighting for proper operation.

Lighting and Warning Lights

Let’s delve a little deeper into the lighting and warning lights within the car. All warning lights should illuminate briefly as the vehicle starts up, showing that systems are being checked. A warning light remaining on after startup suggests a malfunction, while a non-functioning one might fail to signal an issue.

Also, ensure that all interior lights are functional. Check dashboard lights, dome lights, and map lights. If these lights are not working, it could indicate issues with the vehicle’s electrical system.

Audio System and Air Conditioning

Next, turn your attention to the audio system and air conditioning. Test the audio system by turning on the car’s sound system, cycling through all the source inputs, and adjusting volume and audio settings. Check the radio for functionality; it should have clear reception and the ability to switch between stations without static or other issues.

Then, operate the air conditioning system. Ensure it blows cold air on various settings and that the heating system also functions correctly. These systems are crucial for your comfort while driving, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Seat Adjustments and Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to long drives, and that starts with being in the driver’s seat. The driver’s seat should be adjusted so the feet can comfortably reach the pedals without stretching or being too close, ensuring optimal comfort while driving.

Many modern cars feature power seat adjustments, including height and lumbar support, which should be tested for proper operation and personal comfort during the test drive. Also, correctly adjust the side mirrors so that the rear view is clear with minimal blind spots, and the vehicle’s body is just out of sight to have an optimal field of vision.

On the Road: Evaluating Performance and Handling

Car driving on a road with diverse environments

Now, it’s time to hit the road and evaluate the car’s performance and handling. This is where you’ll get a feel for how the car drives and whether it meets your expectations. During this phase, focus on acceleration, steering, and braking.

Perform both hard and soft braking tests to evaluate the brake system. Notice if the anti-lock brake system engages properly and if the car pulls to one side, which could indicate an issue.

Check the steering wheel to ensure it is comfortable, does not require constant adjustments, and is responsive to touch. This is crucial for your comfort and control over the vehicle during turns.

Acceleration and Shifting

How does the car accelerate and shift gears? Test this by conducting quick acceleration runs from a stop and attempting to merge into fast traffic. This will help you gauge if the powertrain performs impressively and responds without delay.

During ascents on steep hills, note whether the transmission downshifts smoothly and maintains a seamless power delivery without any hiccups. This provides insight into the vehicle’s engine horsepower and how it interacts with the transmission.

Steering Sensitivity and Turning

Next, assess the vehicle’s steering sensitivity and turning capabilities. It’s crucial to assess steering sensitivity as it impacts the overall handling and driver’s control of the vehicle during turns.

A controllable steering system allows for smooth turns without excessive force or discomfort. Optimal steering sensitivity should not be overly quick, which can make the car feel twitchy, nor should it be too slow, which can reduce the car’s responsiveness to driver inputs.

Braking System Evaluation

Lastly, evaluate the braking system for responsiveness and stability. Feeling the brakes with your foot can reveal issues such as a pulsing brake pedal or if the pedal drops to the floor, indicating potential brake system problems.

During the test drive, pay close attention to the brakes’ responsiveness and the vehicle’s stability when applying both soft and forceful braking. This gives you an idea of how well the car can handle sudden stops, which is essential for safe driving.

Post-Test Drive Considerations

After the test drive, you’re not done yet. There are still a few more steps to take:

Review your notes and impressions from multiple test drives to make an informed decision.
Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection.
Remember, you have the power to negotiate the price!

Comparing Vehicles

When comparing vehicles, take detailed notes on each vehicle’s:

Performance
Handling
Comfort
Any issues encountered during the test drive

These notes will be beneficial for comparing new car options effectively and making an informed decision.

Documentation of your observations post-test drive is essential for recalling specific details about each vehicle and making direct comparisons. Organized notes on each car can simplify the process of vehicle comparison, leading to a more informed and confident car buying decision.

Negotiating Price

When negotiating the price, aim for a range instead of a fixed amount, taking into account the car’s average selling prices, maintenance history, and any extras included with the vehicle.

Be patient when considering counteroffers and maintain the willingness to walk away if you are unable to agree on a price that is satisfactory.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

And lastly, consider a pre-purchase inspection. A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) includes a comprehensive check of the car’s mechanical systems, which can reveal critical issues with its functionality and safety that may not be evident during a standard test drive.

When selecting a mechanic to conduct a PPI, it’s crucial to choose an independent professional with a reputation for trustworthiness to avoid any conflict of interest and ensure an objective assessment of the vehicle.

Summary

In summary, buying a used car is a significant investment, and a thorough test drive is crucial to making an informed decision. From researching the car and preparing for the test drive to inspecting the car, planning the route, assessing interior features, and post-test considerations, each step contributes to a successful car purchase. So buckle up, take this guide with you, and embark on that journey to find your perfect ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to research a car before a test drive?

It’s important to research a car before a test drive so that you can understand any common issues and set realistic expectations for the experience.

What is the benefit of getting pre-approved for an auto loan?

Getting pre-approved for an auto loan helps you know your budget and negotiate better when looking at used cars. It gives you a clear advantage in the negotiation process.

How does inspecting the car’s exterior help?

Inspecting the car’s exterior can help identify potential underlying problems through a thorough visual inspection. This can include issues with the paint, body, and other external components.

Why is planning the test drive route crucial?

Planning the test drive route is crucial because it helps you experience the car’s performance in various environments and road conditions, giving you a realistic idea of how it will handle in different situations.