So you have performed a thorough pre-test inspection and are happy that the test vehicle is in good shape to drive? Even though the vehicle might pass the static inspection, a test drive is an essential part of buying a used car and can reveal many flaws that might not show up when the vehicle is stationary. Make the best of this opportunity to ensure you're comfortable and that everything's in good working order.
When taking the test drive, use your common sense, make careful observations, and know what to look for by studying the information in this document:
Make Notes
Being meticulous always pays off. Consider making a chart that covers the major areas such as: ride, noise, steering feel, tires, comfort, sound system, brakes, or anything else that's important to you. Grade each area carefully to help with your decision.
Silence Is Golden
Keep your mouth shut - This is a good tip to remember when entering into any negotiation. Most people are uncomfortable with silence and makes them want to talk. Car owners will often start talking about problems when a squeak or rattle presents itself while driving the vehicle.
Don't Be Rushed
Take your time while you are evaluating the car and don't be distracted by seller's pitch. If you're serious about the car, don't feel pressured into taking a short test, even if you feel the seller breathing down your neck! Negotiate with the seller how long the test drive can be. Try to allow at least 20 minutes for the drive and drive on all kinds of roads.
Before Heading Out
Consider whether you are comfortable in the car. Check whether you can you get in and out of the car easily and if you can adjust the seat and steering so you're comfortable. Get familiar with the car's all round vision and blind spots, and make sure you can clearly see the instrument panel and reach all controls easily.
Test the air conditioning and make sure both cold and hot air can be produced. Briefly take the temperatures to their extremes. Also, check all vents to see if they close and open smoothly. Switch on the radio and crank it all the way up to see if there is any distortion in the speakers. Turn the radio off when performing the test drive.
Eliminate Distractions
To enable you to hear any unusual noises, don't drive with the radio on and leave the windows up. Listen carefully while driving at different speeds and try to differentiate between normal noises from those caused by wind, tires or possible car problems. If you hear an alarming noise, try to isolate it by changing speeds or driving on different road surfaces. Also, don't bring the entire family along - they will only distract you while you need to devote all of your attention to the test drive.
Turn the Ignition
Turn the key and see if the car starts easily - modern cars should start almost instantaneously. (Check how much effort is needed to turn the key as well as how easy it is to remove the key.) Listen to the car idle inside and outside the car. See if you hear any repetitive squeaks or other noises and question the owner about it.
Engine & Suspension
The engine should be cold before you start. If warm (feel the bonnet), it might indicate the seller warmed up the car beforehand and might be trying to hide a starting problem. The engine should not smoke excessively when the car is started or when driving. The engine should be quiet and pull smoothly. Also, listen for unusual bangs or thumps from the suspension.
Choose a Driving Route
A test drive is of little use if you spend most of the time driving on the highway. Don't let the owner direct the trip. Drive a mixed route of local streets, highways, and a big empty parking area. A long highway on-ramp is a good place for testing a vehicle's acceleration and how well the car merges onto the highway. Find a bumpy road or an area with speed bumps and notice how the car responds after hitting bumps. Also, try to find some steep grades to climb to test the car's performance.
Vary the Speed
Make sure the car does not shake or vibrate by test driving at both slow and highway speeds. See if you are satisfied with the way the car feels going down the road at various speeds. Vibrations might indicate problems with the suspension, tyres, axels or drive train.
Transmission
With automatic vehicles, engage each one of the gears including reverse, while the engine is running. A clunking noise could suggest play in the transmission. Accelerate slowly and check whether the transmission shifts is smooth or if it slips or clunks when gear are shifted.
A manual transmission should shift easily among the gears without having to force it. The clutch should also engage the transmission easily. If not, the clutch could be worn and may need to be changed.
Brakes
Find an area without any traffic, get up to speed, and hit the brakes hard. Check whether the car swerve to the left or right. The brakes should provide confidence and stop the car in a straight line. The brake pedal should have a firm feel when braking and you should not hear any squealing or strange noises. The pedal should engage the brakes within 2-3 cm of the top of the pedal. (If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, the pedal will only vibrate / pulsate when braking very hard.)
Steering & Alignment
The steering should be responsive with no vibration nor have any 'play' or delay in response. If equipped, check whether the steering wheel buttons and adjustment control works. While driving, make gentle (about 20 degree) consistent turning motions with the steering wheel to either side a few times. Check whether the steering has any dead spots or uneven response that could indicate problems.
To check the alignment, drive a straight line and relax your hand off the steering wheel when it is safe to do so. See if the car keeps going straight without veering to one side. If it pulls to the side, have the tyre pressure checked. If the pressure is in order, the front end alignment may have issues.
Be Responsible
Your test drive should be performed in a manner that does not violate any traffic rules. Drive normally, and be attentive to everything about the car. Once you get comfortable with the vehicle, ask the seller if you can drive the car at a more aggressive pace, but stay within the speed limit. As mentioned earlier, a good place to test the acceleration of a car as at a highway on-ramp.
End of the Drive
If you feel you have found a good candidate, ask the owner if the car can also be independently inspected, before committing to the purchase. If you have any doubts, walk away. There are lots of other cars for sale.
Article by JB, of www.driveit.co.za, a free South African vehicle classifieds website dedicated to the buying and selling of new or used cars online. Article may be used freely, but must include a link pointing to DriveIt Buy Sell Used Cars
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