Tips on test driving a used car

Buying a used car can be a quick and cost-effective alternative to purchasing one brand new. You’ll reap all the benefits of owning a car while saving money. However, the downside of buying a second-hand vehicle is that the quality may be compromised. The good news is, you can avoid accidentally buying a lemon by thoroughly inspecting it and test driving it before finalising the deal. 

Years of wear and tear can do quite a number on a car. Test driving a car is the easiest way to find out if it works as advertised. You’ll know how well it drives and whether it can handle your daily commutes when you’re behind the wheel yourself.  

Below we’ve listed the top items that need to be on your used car checklist inspection and test drive checklist: 

Open the bonnet, doors, and boot

First and foremost, check the external parts of the vehicle. Test out the doors to see if any of them stick or are difficult to close. Open the boot to see if there’s enough space there. Look under the bonnet to see if everything seems to be in the right place. You wouldn’t want to buy a car only to find out that the engine or car body is being held together by duct tape. 

Look at the check engine light 

When turning on the car, the first thing you need to look for is the check engine light. If the light is on, it’s best to proceed with caution. A check engine light could indicate a minor or serious problem with the vehicle. You won’t know until you have it checked by a mechanic. 

Ask the seller how long the check engine light has been on and whether it’s been brought to the mechanic already. Even if the car runs fine, it’s best to err on the side of safety when buying a used car. 

Check all the controls and main switches 

Click on every button, switch, and other controls to make sure everything works. Turn the AC to the highest setting and see if it gets cold, do the same with the heater. A broken AC and heating unit can be expensive to replace so it’s important to find this out as soon as possible. 

You should also check if the display features work. This includes the centre infotainment system (if it has one), speakers, and stereo. If the car has smartphone connectivity, test it out to ensure it works and is compatible with your device. 

And of course, don’t forget about the windows, lights, and wipers. Roll the windows up and down on all the car doors. Check the headlights and taillights to see if they have gone out. And lastly, don’t forget to turn on the wipers—you don’t want to be driving in a sudden downpour only to realise your wipers don’t work. 

Make sure the sensors and cameras are working 

While reversing the car, check if the cameras are working properly. If it has driver assist and parking assist features, make sure to test those out. Check the sensors as well; ensure that they can alert you when they’re supposed to. Having broken sensors can not only make driving and parking more difficult but also potentially dangerous. 

Sit on all the seats 

When you’re test driving a car, it’s normal to focus mainly on the driver’s side. But don’t forget to check the other seats. You want to make sure the passenger seats are comfortable too. Ensure that the air conditioning and heating work in the back and that there’s enough room for your family. Plus, you might notice something off while you’re in the backseat that you didn’t see while you were. 

Adjust the seat and side mirrors 

Before you start the actual test drive, adjust everything to your liking. From the seat place to the steering wheel to the mirrors. Having a car that you can comfortably drive is a must. No one wants to drive a car with pedals too far away or a difficult-to-maneuver steering wheel. If a car can’t adjust to your preferences, it may be better to find another something else. 

Test drive at different speeds and routes 

Try getting on a highway and going over 50km/hr to 100km/h. This will test its overtaking ability and figure out whether it has enough power for your needs. Driving at faster speeds can reveal whether the car wobbles or has steering problems. You should also go through the gears and see how well it drives then. 

Make sure the car can handle your daily routes by test driving through similar locales. If you’re in a hilly area, for example, make sure the car can handle going up and down hills. Or if your location has a lot of steep turns, test it out as well to see if it can turn smoothly. 

Listen for strange noises 

Drive without the stereo or any music playing. Really listen to the hum of the engine and tyre noises on the ground. Listen for any weird noises like rattling, clunks, thumps, or whines, especially from the suspension and brakes. 

If you do hear any strange noises, that may mean that something has worn out or come loose and would need replacing. 

Observe the performance carefully 

Don’t be afraid of putting the car through the whole rigamarole when you’re test driving. Change gears often, accelerate, decelerate, and stop to see how well it performs. See if it shakes or rattles during or after going to a complete stop. Pay attention to the minor details like the pull of the steering wheel and how well the car responds while driving.  

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Need financing for your used car purchase? At loans.com.au, we have great low rate used car finance options for you to choose from! Learn more by calling our friendly lending specialists at 13 10 90. Or you can apply online today!

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