There
is plenty of potential to get a good deal if you know how to shop for a used
vehicle. Here's what you should look for when taking a used car on a test
drive:
Before
Open the hood and check the fluids. They should be full and
look clean. Check tire wear. Worn treads don't have to be a deal-breaker. You
can purchase a new set of General tires online and
have them shipped to a local installer, and use the expense to negotiate the
selling price.
In
the driver’s seat Get into the car and try all the
buttons, knobs and controls. If a switch doesn't make sense, ask about it.
Adjust the seat and mirrors. Does the interior smell? Stains on carpets or
upholstery can be difficult to remove. Try the radio, but leave it off during
the drive. You want to hear any strange car noises during the test drive. Note any
difficulties when starting the car. Put the car into gear and notice any late
or rough shifting from park to drive or reverse. If there is any, you might be looking at major transmission problems soon.
On the road
Drive on both smooth and bumpy roads. Notice the sounds and handling on each
surface. Try the brakes. They should be silent. If the car doesn’t stop smoothly
you may be looking at worn rotors and an expensive brake job. Drive up hills
and let the car coast downhill. Listen to the transmission as it shifts. Any
lunging or loud sounds when shifting could mean a transmission problem.
Any
clicking from the engine or the smell of hot oil or other fluids is
problematic, too. Take your time on the test drive and keep the car running for
at least 10 minutes to heat up the engine. Accelerate and slow down. Notice any
engine or transmission noises when doing this. If it sounds like they're
working hard to make the changes in speed, there could be a problem.
Sense
any vibrations in the steering wheel as you drive.
When driving over bumping roads, listen to the suspension. Noisy shocks mean
they'll need replacing soon. NADA recommends driving on a level surface at 20
miles per hour, then taking your hands off of the wheel for a few seconds. If
the car pulls to the right or left, there could be wheel alignment, tire or
steering problems.
Stay
cool Approach a used car just like you were buying a new pair of
pants. It has to fit your needs, fit your budget and not have any issues. Like
the pants, if the car doesn't fit then move on to the next one.
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