ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TEST DRIVE A USED CAR

used car dealer in Ottawa

Are you planning to buy a used car? You should make sure to test drive it before starting the buying process. Today, buying a used car online is very convenient and time-saving. However, you have to take things to a physical level before moving forward with your purchase. You have to visit the car dealership and test drive the vehicle that catches your fancy. Afterwards, then you can choose whether to go ahead and buy it or not.

Why do a test drive

After noticing a car that you fancy on the dealership’s website, you need to verify whether it is the one they have in the lot. Then, you have to take it on the road to be sure that it is worth your investment. Test driving allows checking for any potential problem and whether it matches your needs. While driving, you can also look out for faults or defects. Buying a car is a big decision that requires being extra careful to avoid your money from going to waste. 

How to do the test drive properly

Buying a used car online is the way to go today. However, you still have to visit the dealership for a visual inspection and test drive. It is perilous to purchase a car without an examination or test drive, especially a used one. Before forking out your hard-earned money, you should learn how to test drive a used car properly. 

Before the test drive, vetting the car’s history report is crucial to avoid ending up with one that has been in a bad accident or labelled salvaged. During the test drive, pay special attention to the mechanical aspects of the vehicle. The engine should run smoothly, the brakes should be mushy, and the transmission should shift well. Don’t ignore small things like windshield wipers with issues or jammed turn signals. 

Utilize your time

When you visit a used car dealer in Ottawa for the test drive, ensure to make good use of your time behind the wheel. Check whether the salesman can let you test drive the car alone. It is so much easier to test drive the car without the salesman babbling in the passenger seat. Make sure to understand the duration and route allowed. 

The ideal route should include a mix of roads to allow driving at various speeds to feel the car while maneuvering different surfaces. Ask the salesman whether you can deviate from the set route to test the car in other conditions. Don’t forget to practice parking a few times to see how the vehicle handles. If your home is near, do with the car and see if it fits in your garage. A test drive is usually not more than 20 minutes, so you have to make every minute count. 

Get comfortable 

Before you settle in the driver’s seat, adjust it to a safe distance and height from the steering wheel. Additionally, adjust the pedals until you feel comfortable. Move the mirrors and position of all controls. After occupying the driver’s seat, ensure that you can quickly locate the shifter, pedals, and turn signals. Turn the radio off to avoid distractions. If you don’t feel comfortable or impressed during the test drive, you better choose another car. 

Things to check while test driving the car

Car feel

During the test drive , check how the car’s braking, acceleration, and steering feel. Doing this ensures that you buy a vehicle with the ride quality to match your needs. However, avoid pushing the pedal hard while driving on public roads. Everything should happen smoothly, including the engine not coughing or stalling, and brakes should grip without grabbing or juddering. The vehicle should never bounce around. 

Odd noises

Pay close attention to any sound the car makes while on the road. The ideal car should not rattle, knock, squeak, or grind. Don’t forget to drive the car on the highway to check how noisy it gets. From the experience here, you can tell whether the vehicle can handle a long journey. However, this depends on the car model and type. High-performance cars are a bit noisy inside because of sporty exhaust and wider tires. 

Comfort

After your test drive, you’ll have made up your mind on whether you’re to buy the car or not. Did you feel comfortable during the test drive? The ideal car to buy shouldn’t make your back ache or knees rub against each other during the 20 minutes drive. You need to buy a car that you will feel comfortable in whether on a short or long trip. 

Conclusion

Doing a test drive allows you to make up your mind before buying a used car. By the end of the drive, you’ll know whether to walk away or begin negotiating the price or payment options. 

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