{"id":2144,"date":"2021-05-13T12:28:49","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T12:28:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onewomanowner.com\/?p=2144"},"modified":"2021-12-16T16:10:23","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T16:10:23","slug":"how-to-test-drive-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onewomanowner.com\/usedcars\/how-to-test-drive-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Test Drive a Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you find a car you like, you\u2019ll want to go and see it, check it over and take it for a test drive. To make sure that you can, ensure you\u2019ve got the correct insurance cover to drive another car and take it with you. The seller will most likely want to see proof you\u2019re covered before they let you behind the wheel. Always ask to take a used car for a test drive before you start haggling over the price. <\/span><\/p>\n

While you’re driving, use all your senses to sniff out any problems it may have. Look for things like smoke, light that work and wear and tear on the interior. Listen for strange noises. Make note of unusual smells like burning oil or rubber. Above all, be open to your gut feeling about the car – your subconscious mind may have noted something that’s not quite right.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Before you start your test drive<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before you even hop in, take a walk around the car. Follow the basic car buying tips<\/a>; check tires, run your hand over the body if you notice any rough patches or differences in the paintwork colour. You’ll also want to check over the paperwork to make sure it’s legal for you to take it out on the road.<\/p>\n

Before you set off, make sure that the engine is cold – if the seller has started it up before you arrive it could indicate a known fault. Then you\u2019ll need to adjust the seat and mirrors for your comfort. When you turn the key, make sure all the right lights come on the dashboard display, and there are no warning lights. You\u2019ll want to listen to the engine at idle first of all, so you can hear it\u2019s ticking over smoothly.\u00a0 Keep the radio off while you drive so you can listen carefully for any strange noises.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let the seller distract you on a test drive either, if they\u2019re overly chatty it could be they\u2019re trying to distract you from spotting faults with the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Check everything is working well as you drive<\/b><\/h2>\n

Take the car for at least a 15-minute drive to make sure everything is functioning properly. If it\u2019s a manual you\u2019ll want to shift through the gears to make sure they all work smoothly. If it has cruise control or Tiptronic gears, check they work too. Don\u2019t forget to test the car in reverse too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fit in lots of different turns to assess the steering.\u00a0 You want it to be nice and smooth for a balanced ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you can, drive on different types of roads and test the brakes on different surfaces.\u00a0 This enables you to test the car in as many scenarios as possible to expose any faults and make sure it\u2019s as described.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the viewing and test drive try to stay neutral and not be overly enthusiastic. Showing less emotion can work in your favour when negotiating the final price. If you seem overly enthusiastic the seller will use this to get you to pay more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Top things to check on a test drive:<\/b><\/h2>\n