What to Look for During a Test Drive?

You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it first, Right? But do you actually know what you’re supposed to “test” when you get behind the wheel? Sometimes we are so excited about buying a new car that when we take it for a spin, we forget to check the essentials. What condition is it in? Does everything sound OK? Are any repairs required? The test drive period is short and that makes it easy to forget areas to check. Don’t worry. We will help you create a useful test drive checklist for the next time you go to the dealership for a used car.

Why a Test Drive Is Essential

The test drive is not just about seeing what it is like to drive a new car, it’s about understanding whether that car is the right fit for you. Dealers are trained to sweet talk you into buying their vehicle, so it is important to check firsthand whether everything stated is true.

When test-driving a car, you’re checking for the following:

• Performance: How do the brakes, acceleration and engine feel? Is it easy to steer? How does it feel on a highway compared to on narrow streets?
• Noises: Do you hear any unexpected sounds when driving? If so, this is a cause for concern that you should ask about.
• Comfort: If you’re spending a lot of money on a car, you need to feel comfortable driving it. How’s the legroom? Is the driving seat comfortable?
• Features: It is important to check every aspect of the car. Make a note of things like tires, windshield wipers, power or manual locks and windows, radio and sound features.

Preparing for the Test Drive

Researching the Vehicle in Advance

It’s a good idea to research the car’s history and reviews in advance of taking it for a test drive. Thoroughly researching a car will inform you about the following:

• Previous owners: If a car has had many owners in a short period this can be a red flag.
• Service records: This will show you if a car has been well cared for in the past and show records of brake checks, oil changes, etc.
• Previous accidents and repairs: A car history report can show you if a vehicle has had any major repairs, which will help you avoid buying a used car with a history of hidden damage.
• Odometer readings: Knowing a car’s history will give you an idea of whether the car’s mileage matches its age and helps you spot if the odometer has fraudulently been rolled back.

Ultimately, researching a car can help you avoid scams and fraud. A history report can reveal important factors like whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or what the car’s market value is.

In addition to researching a car’s history report, read reviews to understand the model’s reliability, any common issues and resale value. Reviews often highlight a car’s safety rating and provide a sense of how a car drives, including fuel efficiency, performance and comfort.

Items to Bring with You

When you arrive to test drive a used car, there are several things you should bring with you:

• Your driver’s license.
• Proof of insurance.
• Comfortable clothing and footwear to test drive the car.
• Notepad or smartphone to make notes.
• A checklist of things to evaluate so that you do not forget any important details.

Key Areas to Evaluate During the Test Drive

Exterior and Interior Inspection

It is important to thoroughly check both the inside and outside of the car. Here’s what to look for in your used car inspection:

• Dents and paint inconsistencies: This can be an indication of accidents or damage, which should make you alert for potential hidden issues.
• Rust: This can impact the safety of a car, weakening its structural integrity. All of this will affect resale value and could indicate the potential for the need for more extensive repairs.
• Tires: If the tire wear is uneven it can indicate issues with alignment or suspension. This, as well as under-inflated tires, can be a safety concern and affect fuel efficiency.
• Lights: These are essential for safety, so it is important to check all of the car's lights, including headlights, turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, reverse and interior lights.
• Undercarriage: This is where most vital components can be found, so it is important to check carefully for any safety issues.
• Interior comfort and seat adjustments: Supportive seating is important if you are going to be spending a lot of time in your car. You should check if you can customize your seats to your personal needs.
• Visibility: It is essential that you can see clearly from windows and mirrors. Check visibility from all angles, including rear and blind spots.

Engine Performance and Handling

It is important to test the engine performance when test-driving a used car as this impacts its overall reliability, safety, functionality and long-term value. When testing this, be sure to do the following:

• Start the engine and listen for unusual noises: If you hear anything strange, this could indicate a bigger problem. Raise this issue with the dealer.
• Acceleration, braking, and steering responsiveness: If this is slow or stiff, it could suggest issues that may be expensive to repair.
• Testing the suspension on different road conditions: This will allow you to evaluate how well the suspension performs in different situations.

Transmission and Gear Shifts

Problems with gear shifts and transmission can affect a car’s longevity, so it is important to check this during your test drive.

Evaluate whether the car shifts smoothly in automatic and manual transmissions. Any delays or hard shifts could signal problems with the transmission or gear shift mechanism. Transmission issues can lead to unpredictable car behavior, which could result in a dangerous driving situation.

In addition, you should check the transmission fluid. If this is dirty or smells burnt, it is an indication that the car has not been well maintained.

Braking System and Safety Features

This is crucial for assessing the car’s safety, be sure to test for the following:

• Braking efficiency and response: This is one of the car’s most important safety features. If the brakes are worn, it might take longer to stop or even fail.
• Brake pads: If you hear squeaking when braking, they may need to be replaced.
• Brake fluid: If this is low, it could be a sign of a leak in the system.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This stops the wheels from locking during hard braking. If this is not functioning well, it could reduce brake control.
• Airbags: It is important to check that these are in working order and no warning lights are lit. If the airbags have already been deployed they may not function during an accident.

Additional Factors to Consider

Comfort and Driving Experience

Ensure that the seat is comfortable and you can maneuver it into a position that makes for an enjoyable driving experience. In addition, check that you can control the climate of the car by testing the heating and air conditioning systems.

Unusual Noises and Smells

Strange sounds and smells may be a warning sign of a mechanical issue.

If the car is making strange noises, it is generally safe to say that it needs some repairs. If the car is hissing, this may indicate a leak from the cooling system, while rattling would suggest a problem with the exhaust system. Unexpected noises could also suggest a need to replace your brakes, a flat tire, or oil and fluid issues.

You should also be aware of strange aromas. If you smell burning, this could indicate a burnt fuse, overheated air conditioning or worn brake pads. A rubber-burning smell might suggest a tire issue. Fuel smell could indicate a leak in the fuel system. A damp car smell might suggest water has collected following a leak, which could lead to mold growing in the car.

Post-Test Drive Checklist

Once you have completed the test drive, it is important to check your used car checklist and review your notes:

• Assess your impressions: Did the car meet your expectations? Was it comfortable? How did it perform on the road?
• Compare with other cars: If you are test-driving multiple used cars, it’s a good idea to compare and contrast them to one another to think about which one best fits your needs.
• Ask the seller any remaining questions: If you still have questions, ask about any concerns or queries you may have following the test drive.
• Get a mechanic’s opinion: Asking a mechanic to inspect the car before making a final decision will help you spot any issues you may have missed during your test drive.
• Take another test drive: If you are still unsure or still have questions about the car, you can request another test drive. If you do this, it’s a good idea to take a test drive at a different time of day to see how the car performs in different situations like at night or during heavy traffic.

Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision

Making a checklist when buying a used car helps identify major issues and saves you money. Knowing what to look for during a test drive helps you decide whether to walk away or negotiate after a used car test drive.

A thorough car inspection and car performance test verifies specifications and potential issues. If there are mechanical or safety issues, the driving experience is uncomfortable, or there is a lack of documentation and transparency, it is best to walk away.

If, following the test drive, the car meets your needs and satisfies your checklist, then it’s time to start negotiating the price and drive off with your new car.