The used car market can be a tremendous source of value. Approach the market in the right way, and you could unearth a bargain. Get it wrong, and you could expose yourself to considerable risk.
One essential step is the test drive. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with the vehicle, and to spot any defects that might give you reason to hesitate. If you’re buying directly from the previous owner, you might have to arrange your own car insurance for one day – that way, you’ll be legally entitled to drive the car on public roads.
Assessing the Car’s Condition
Arguably the most important reason to go for a test drive is to work out what state the car is in. Make sure that you’re paying attention to the way the car handles. Subtle clues might come from the sounds of the engine, the feel of the brakes, and the general feeling you get while driving. In some cases, the clues might be less subtle, taking the form of a warning light on the dashboard. Keep your eyes open.
From inside the driver’s compartment, you’ll have a good opportunity to assess the state of the vehicle. If the interior has been neglected, it might be fair to assume that the rest of the car hasn’t been well cared for, either.
Ensuring Comfort and Fit
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, then you’ll be spending a lot of time inside it. Therefore, it should ideally be a good fit with your driving style, tastes and personality. It should also be physically comfortable. Do you have to stretch awkwardly to check the mirrors, access the controls, or see the road ahead of you? Can you easily make adjustments to the seat? This is something that really matters if you’re going to be driving long distances – or even commuting for a few minutes every day. Those minutes will add up!
Evaluating Performance
Even if you don’t detect any noticeable flaws, the test drive can reveal the character of the vehicle and the way it performs. Acceleration, steering, and braking can all be assessed on the road. Drive it on a variety of roads, including busy ones and minor ones. But try to replicate the conditions that you’ll actually be driving the car in. If you’re mostly going to be driving it through town centres, then make sure the test drive passes through a town centre.
Checking for Mechanical Issues
Weird grinding noises, a subtle smell of fuel, and a flabby feel to the gearstick can all reveal problems that will need to be fixed in time. By spotting these, you’ll either have a reason to walk away from the deal, or scope to negotiate a discount. In some cases, it might be worth talking to a mechanic about these problems before you finalize the deal.