Richmond Toyota

Test Driving a Pre-owned Vehicle

For some used car buyers, a quick swing around the block satisfies there so called test drive.  They go back into the dealership, sign the contract, and are done.  Yet, considering the fact that the test drive is one of the most important steps to buying a used car, this is a process that should be a much more in depth event. People who take time on this and cover all the aspects will likely be happier with their purchase. A thorough test drive doesn't necessarily guarantee that your ownership will be issues.  But it can help you avoid being too disappointed.

Before You Go

If the salesman is trying to rush you, ignore him.   Before the engine is started up, always do a proper inspection of the engine, exterior, and interior of the used vehicle.  You must make sure there is proper space, comfort, and adjustability.  It is very important to see how the car fits you.  Adjust the seat to your preferred driving position; then check the relationship between the pedals, seat, steering wheel and shifter. The seats must be at your comfort level.  Remember you are going to be stuck with this used car for a while, this is important.  Some can tolerate stiff, hard seats, some need plush comfort.  The seat should at least support your body type well, and offer lower back support.  The seat is the one feature you use constantly every moment you're in the car, so be sure on this one.  Physically sit in the back seat.  If adults are going to be in the back seat on a regular basis, make sure there is reasonable space.  Look for any blind spots that you cannot compensate for by using your mirrors. Does the seat belt have an adjustable anchor or does it cut into your neck?   If audio is important, go ahead and check it out before the test drive.  A good idea is to bring along a CD or tape to determine if the player works properly.  You want a sound system you are happy with; if not it will mean pouring more money into the used car once you purchase it.

The Drive

Once you know this vehicle is comfortable and adjustable to suit your needs, it is time to start up the engine.  The key to a successful test drive is  to try to put yourself in real life situations.  Drive in as many conditions as you can think of; on the highway, over bumpy terrain, up steep hills, around tight curves, and in stop and go city traffic.  When idling, the engine should be smooth and quiet.  After putting the car in neutral, press the gas pedal to see if the engine responds without hesitation. When you press down on the brake pedal it should feel firm.  As the engine warms up, listen for any strange noises.

Engine Noise

Test out the shifting on the used car.  If the used car is manual, there should be no grinding sound from the transmission when you select gears.  If it is automatic, the transmission should engage immediately and the gears shifting should be quick and barely noticeable.  Shift from drive to reverse; clunks or grinding noises could indicate problems.  Drive over a rough road and listen for any loud rattles.

Steering Vibration 

Drive along at highway speeds, 60 mph or higher.  Does the steering wheel shake or vibrate?  Vibration in the steering wheel can mean anything from an unbalanced tire to a loose steering rack.  Next drive on a flat, smooth road and briefly lift your hands from the wheel.  This is to check alignment; the car should track straight and without vibration. If the used car pulls in either direction, a front end alignment, among other things, may be necessary.  

Engine response

The highway is a great place to check acceleration abilities.  Is the 0-60 response time satisfactory to you? Test out passing and lane change response at upper speeds. Does the engine produce uniform power across its rpm range, or only at higher engine speeds?  Accelerate hard on an empty road. The car should respond immediately. Back off and hit the gas again. There should be no hesitation or smoke from the car.  A steep hill is perfect to check the engine's power, and there should not be a significant loss in power, or it could indicate a need for an overhaul. 
Handling

In an empty parking lot or cul-de-sac do a tight U-turn, note if the vehicle makes any strange noises coming from the steering.  On the highway, do abrupt lane changes, is the vehicle responsive?  A car that's slow to respond may affect the safety of the used car, so it is very important that you are comfortable with the handling.

Braking

Brakes are an obvious safety feature that must work properly.  Try some hard stops, making sure there are no vehicles behind you.  Do you feel like you remain in control of the used car during the braking?   When you stamp hard on the brake pedal, you'll probably feel some pulsing; this tells you the ABS system is working.  Cars without ABS should not have pulsating brake pedals under any circumstances.

Interior Noise 

The used car’s cabin may seem quiet cruising through the city, but what happens once you are driving on the highway? Decide if the interior noise level will be satisfactory over the long haul? Remember it won’t change once the used car is yours

Be Honest

You must not become to emotionally attached to this used car.  When performing a test drive you need to be able to focus on giving the vehicle a true evaluation.  Don’t let your mind trick you into thinking that something that is uncomfortable will be fine, or that a strange noise will go away.  After driving in a vehicle you are not totally happy with for a few months, or even weeks, you may regret your decision to buy it.