A Checklist to Follow While Test Driving a Used Car

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Understanding What to Expect from a Used Car

Many used cars are being sold in the market today for various reasons – one of them being the fact that they are sold at much cheaper rates and are affordable. However, there are more risks when buying a used car in place of a new car. This is sheerly due to wear and tear and if inspected properly, you might just land on a great deal!

Taking the used car for a test drive and inspecting the parts and function of the car is very important. If you are browsing online for a used car, the next step should be understanding the maintenance and performance of the car. To understand that better, always make sure you take the car for a test drive along with a mechanic or someone who understands cars well.

Steps to Take While Inspecting and Test Driving Pre-Owned Car

Choose the right time and place for pre-purchase inspection

Pick a time slot feasible for both parties. Always inspect the used car in broad daylight when you can see the parts of the car. Drive the car around crowded locations and check its performance.

Open and close the doors

Check the door and the functioning of the doors carefully by opening and closing all the doors. Check if the doors are being locked properly. If it is a remote-controlled system, check that too.

Inspect the condition of the body

Check the condition of the exterior of the car by walking around and looking for scratches and dents if any. Small patches and minor scratches can be ignored but not too much of it. Check for rust too.

Test the shock absorbers

Press down on each front and rear edge of the car hard. There should be little to no bouncing after you let go. If it bounces, a strut or shock might need to be replaced.

Check the gaps in the body panel

Check for gaps between bumpers and the body panel. See if they are uniform.

Inspect the tires

Check if all four tires and the one spare tire provided are in good condition. Tires are a good way to figure out the age and the wear and tear of a car. Inspecting the tire is a crucial part you must not miss.

Check by turning on all the lights

Check if all the high beams, reverse lights, and turn signals work well.

Check under the hood

• Hoses and Belts
• Radiator
• Fluids
• Oil: The oil should be either black or dark brown. The oil was lately altered if it appears to be an amber colour. While checking, if the oil on the dipstick has water droplets or seems foamy or gray, the car could have either a blown head gasket or a cracked engine block, which are both costly and serious issues.
• Transmission Fluid: The transmission fluid must be a pink colour and have the smell of oil when you inspect it. The transmission could be in trouble if it has a burnt odour or brown colour. Another sign of trouble you must look out for is visible metal elements in the oil or transmission fluid.
• Brake and Power Steering Fluids: These should be filled to the right level. Be sure to look under the car to inspect if any fluids are leaking.

Test Drive the Car

While test driving a car, check for the noises the car makes while it is in motion. Before you start the engine, you have to turn off the stereo and turn down the fan to a lower speed so that you can focus on hearing the engine and any other sounds you can hear in the used car. The transmission must be smooth when the engine is idling with minimum vibration through the steering wheel.

Slowly accelerate while test driving. Place the transmission in drive mode and accelerate slowly and steadily. You have to feel how the car performs while test driving. The steering must be smooth and responsive and must return to the center position easily after making turns. Brakes must be smooth and stops must be short.

Do not settle for a hasty test drive around the block. Give yourself time to adapt to a new car. Inform the seller that you want to take the car on the highway or a long stretch of road and take the car up to at least 60 kmph speed. Plan to test drive at least 10 km to give yourself ample time to assess the car under different conditions. Check how the suspension works by driving over rough surfaces.

Test drive at highway speeds. Check for vibrations from the wheels, suspension, and steering wheel while driving the car. Step hard on the accelerator to make sure the transmission downshifts swiftly and smoothly to deliver adequate passing power. Make stops abruptly on both the highway and surface streets to check the performance of the brake. Also, test the cruise control of the car while you are on the highway.

The Final Word

If your test drive goes well, the next step in your car-buying journey is to get the deal moving.

A qualified mechanic will be able to identify concerns you missed during the test drive, but they will also be able to take your list of issues and inform you how much each will cost to repair.

Despite how appealing the car you're considering looks, you do not want to skip the pre-purchase mechanical inspection. The only exception is when you're buying a certified pre-owned vehicle with a factory warranty from a franchised new car dealership. If not, these steps must not be skipped to buy the right car from the right seller.