What to Look For When Test Driving a Car

So, you’ve gone through the process of buying a used car. Maybe you’ve gone through a private seller and are dead-set on a particular vehicle. Or, perhaps you’ve been approved for financing at a buy here pay here car dealership. Regardless of the situation, you should always test drive any used car, regardless of the warranty on the vehicle, the used car dealership assertions, or the way the car looks. Even if you trust the owner of the vehicle, test driving a car is a great way to make sure that you are satisfied with the style and driveability of the car before buying.

Here are some steps to take before signing off on your new set of wheels

1) Open the hood, start the car, and ask the owner about any odd sounds or jitters you notice.

Always start with the basics when it comes to testing your potential new car. You don’t need to be a mechanical wizard to be able to tell the difference between a healthy-sounding vehicle and a car that sounds like it needs work. However, sometimes, little sounds are hard to hear with the hood down. Additionally, you won’t be able to see how the belts and motor functions with the hood covering it. Ask questions about anything you see, even the smallest tick or suspicion. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, bring someone you trust along who knows about cars.

2) Pull out the dipstick and check the oil (once the car is stopped).

Next, pull the dipstick out of its place and check the oil. Make sure to wipe off the first pull out, stick it back into the gauge, and pull it out again. Check not only the level of oil in the car, but the consistency, color, and smell. If the oil is black, lumpy, and foul-smelling, chances are the oil has not been changed in quite a while and there might be issues with the engine as a consequence. Your car should have smooth, light brown (like the color of coffee with some milk or cream in it), slightly transparent, and should not smell burnt.

3) Do a walkaround before you drive the car.

Check the car for any issues before you drive it. Are there dings, dents, rust patches, or anything else that might indicate future issues or past incidents the owner left out? Don’t be worried about asking the owner about these issues and clarifying them. This will also show you noticed them before you take a test drive, in case the owner tries to blame you for these issues. This rarely will be an issue, but it’s always best to be proactive and plan accordingly.

4) Make sure to sit in each seat for a different perspective.

Sometimes, you miss things by just sitting in the front seat. Things like the comfort of the back seat, the safety of the passenger seat, or how the car handles as it goes over a bump are things that can be missed when observing just from one position. If you can have someone go with you for a test drive that would be ideal.

5) Check the brakes in different situations.

Not all braking situations are indicative of brake health. Be sure to check the brakes doing routine driving as well as coming to a stop quickly. You can test this by going to a dead-end or empty parking lot, driving at an average speed, and coming to a quick stop. After all, brakes are your lifeline in immediate stop situations. You’ll want to make sure that they work well always.

6) Check the steering.

The steering is one of those things you never want to go out. To be sure that it is working well, check your steering while driving in a straight line (again, something you’d want to do in a low-traffic or no-traffic zone). Turn the wheel right 35-90 degrees and left 35-90 degrees. Notice if there are any sticky points in the turn, whether the wheel rumbles at all or any other inconsistencies that might indicate your steering is not as healthy as it should be.

7) Check things that are important to you – radio, windows, air conditioning, etc.

After checking the important parts revolving around the car, it will then be up to you to determine whether the vehicle has the components you want. Is the air conditioning working? Does the radio play music well? Is the interior up to your standards? If these are deal breakers for you, then it is worth it to look into them before purchase.

8) Drive it with the windows up and with the windows down.

As you might with the popping of the hood, you might not be able to hear all the issues with the car with the windows only up or only down. Take the car to a quiet place and give it a drive around with the windows up, noting any interior sounds that might be odd. Then, do another trip around with the windows down, recording any engine, brake, or other sounds.

9) Take a peek underneath.

The undercarriage is a significant indicator of the health of the car, and sometimes private sellers will try to pass off problems by making the exterior look flawless. Get on your hands and knees (or have someone else do it if you are unable to) and check for rust, obviously broken or hanging components, or anything that looks off.

10) Feel free to ask clarifying questions after you’ve given it your inspection.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are the one purchasing the car, and any seller worth their salt will understand that you want to make a sound purchase the first time around.

Auto Now of Wichita stands behind its used cars and offers warranties on each vehicle they sell. However, we are here for you in case you have any questions after test driving one of our used cars. Contact us today at (316) 262-3000 or visit our South Seneca street location in Wichita for more information.