Test-Driving a Used Vehicle
If you are at the test-driving stage, you should already have a short list of vehicles that suit you. You should be satisfied with the price the seller is asking for, you like the appearance of the vehicle, and you are satisfied with its condition. Now it is time to move on to the next step. Get the car on the road and test-drive it. Here are a few simple rules that may save you time, money, and some headaches in the future.
Before you even ask the seller for the keys, know about any legalities involved in test-driving a vehicle. If you break any road rules, you will be the one with the points on your license and the fine. However, what happens if you are involved in an accident while driving the vehicle? Most dealers will have coverage that pays in full for such damages and thus you will not have to pay anything out of your pocket. However, the case might be different when you are purchasing a vehicle from a private party. You may have to pay all damages caused to the vehicle you are driving and any other vehicles that is involved in the accident. So be smart; ask about the liability before you get behind the wheel.
Bring your friend along. It is always good to have someone else by your side when driving a new vehicle. You may be concentrating on the road and miss something important like a small noise or rattle. Remember – a small noise can grow into a big trouble when you actually purchase the vehicle and put some miles behind you. So ask your friend or relative to sit next to you and pay attention to such things.
When you get in the car, check everything before you get on the road (Read more on Inspecting a Vehicle in our "Inspecting a Used Vehicle" section). Is the air conditioning working? How good is the stereo in the vehicle? Do you actually get some sound out of it or is it just noise? Try to adjust your seat, it must be able to be positioned the right way for you! If you cannot get it to a comfortable level, walk away right now. You will be spending hours in this vehicle. You don't want to end up with a sore back every time you drive or crash into someone else because your pedals were out of reach. Check if the lights are working. Listen to the engine sounds when you start it. Try to familiarize yourself with the interior of the car. Make sure you know where the controls are; you don't want to be looking for them while on the road.
If you can reject the salesperson's offer to come with you, do so. The salesperson will not provide any useful info during the test drive. On the contrary, he will be distracting you, bringing your attention to something not relevant to your driving needs. On the test drive, you want to be listening to the vehicle, not the salesperson. You can ask other important information when you get back.
For many people, test driving a vehicle means taking it around the block. This is not enough of a test-drive. You must take at least half an hour and drive on different surfaces: suburban streets, major roads, and multi-lane highways if possible. You may like the way the car handles on a suburban street when you're doing 20 miles/hour. However, when you take it on a highway and go a bit faster, it will handle in entirely different manner. Plus, you may notice a noise or other defects when driving high speed. So make sure you take it through as many various driving situations as you can before you return to the dealer.
Another good thing to try is parallel parking. It will show you whether this car's size and handling is right for you. You must be comfortable with the range of this vehicle and feel confident parking it anywhere. Your first attempt will always feel awkward; don't worry. This car is new to you and you will need time to get to know how it operates. However, if your multiple attempts to parallel park ended up in a traffic jam behind you, this is probably not your car.
Once you are through all this, discuss the vehicle's performance with the friend or relative you brought along. Let them voice their concern. What do they think of this vehicle? What things did they notice while you were driving? Before you go back to the dealership, you should make up your mind on whether this car suits you or not. It’s not a good idea to discuss all of this in front of the salesperson. He will try to convince you that all your worries are groundless and salespeople are good at convincing people.
And the last and probably most important advice: do not stop after test driving the first vehicle on your list! Go on, tell the dealer that you will think about purchasing this vehicle and proceed with test driving the other cars you find. Test driving does not put any obligations on you; you do not have to purchase the car. Your next car may suit you better. You need to compare and know the difference
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