Test Driving Pre-Owned Vehicles

Many car shoppers motor around a few blocks and are satisfied with their test drive.  Yet, the test drive is one of the most important steps in the car buying process. It may change your mind, or it may verify that this is the vehicle you want. Take time to drive in different conditions; on the highway, in traffic, and over bumpy roads.  It is important for you to see how the vehicle deals with these very different situations.  If you are buying pre-owned, the test drive is even more important.  It may uncover problems with the vehicle that were not noticed before. Here are some tips to a thorough and worthwhile test drive:

The test drive may help you decide

You may not know which vehicle - or even which type of vehicle - you want. It's OK to be torn between an SUV and a sport coupe. Start by test-driving every vehicle you can get your hands on. If the vehicle is used, inspect it before even going on the road. By spending a good amount of time behind the wheel of each vehicle, your decisions will likely be easier.

Look under the hood

If the car is used you must make sure it has been well maintained. Look for signs of poor maintenance. Pull the oil and transmission dipsticks and look for dirty fluid or low levels. Check hoses and fan belts for cracking. Look on the ground for any signs of fluid leaks. When the car is started, look for signs of smoking out the tailpipe. 

Take a look at the tires

Uneven wear indicates worn suspension parts.  Check tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires can affect how the vehicle performs in the test drive. Closely examine the body, and look for any bubbles in the paint or sections of discoloration. This can mean problems such as rust, or a salvaged vehicle that was repaired and painted over.

Take notes as you are inspecting the vehicle

When speaking with the salesman it is good to have the specific problems written down.  It will also prove useful when comparing it to other vehicles.

Take your time

If you're serious about the car, remember this is a vehicle you could possibly be paying a lot of money for and once you buy it you are stuck with it. Be absolutely sure you are happy with the way it drives.

Be consistent throughout different test drives

Its best if you can drive the same roads, and running the same speeds is crucial: 35 mph on surface streets and 60 on freeways will give good results. Make identical motions with the steering wheel.

Look for jumps in the steering

This might indicate a problem with the steering rack or suspension bushings. On the freeway perform a series of lane changes. Go out of your way to hit bumps and notice the sounds and reactions of the suspension.

Turn the radio off

Unless you're evaluating the sound system, switch it off. Periodically turn off the air-conditioner or heater fan, but leave the windows up. This is so you can hear unusual noises.  It is also important to experience road and wind noise level on the highway

Keep things reasonable

Of course, you should always drive in a manner that does not violate traffic rules. For the most part, drive as you normally would, just pay a lot more attention to what the car's doing.

Make a tight U-Turn

Used front- and all-wheel-drive cars often have problems with the CV joints; these are the components that allow the wheels to receive power while they're steering. Take front- and all-wheel-drive cars to an empty parking lot or cul-de-sac. Roll the windows down so you can hear unusual noises. Make tight, slow circles with the steering turned fully, first one way and then the other.