Test driving a car is necessary when considering purchasing a used or new vehicle. Consider it the most crucial aspect of the buying process because a car is more like an investment you will live with for at least a few years, and you do not want to throw your hard-earned money into the wind. Typically, before heading to the dealership, you already know what car make and model you want and, most likely, a few other alternatives. So, while at the dealership, test drive your potential purchases back to back to enable you to make a reasonable comparison.
Generally, taking a car on a test drive before buying it gives you the opportunity to get familiar with its major features, handling, and performance and see if it meets your expectations. This article explains how to test drive a car, what to inspect while test-driving, and the importance of checking a vehicle's history. It also delves into the need to have a professional assess the car. Whether purchasing a used or new car, these guidelines will assist you in making an informed decision.
What Do You Need to Test Drive a Car?
While most dealerships would require you to be at least 18 years old for a test drive, they may likely allow drivers 16 to 17 years old who have a parent with them. Typically, you can purchase a car legally once you are 18. In most states in the United States, individuals under 18 lack the capacity to enter a contract for non-essential items like a car.
The following are some of the major requirements for test driving a car at a dealership:
- Driver's License - You need a driver's license to test drive a car legally. Most states grant an unrestricted driver's license to persons aged 18 years and older. While some states issue a full license to young drivers, no state mandates the minimum age for unrestricted driver's licenses beyond 18.
- Insurance - Depending on the dealership, you may need insurance to test drive a car, but most dealerships will allow you to do so without insurance. It is largely the dealership's responsibility to have a blanket policy that covers damage that may result from test-driving a car. If the seller is a private seller, their insurance will most likely cover you for a test drive.
- Appointments - You should consider booking an appointment with the dealership or private seller to ensure the availability of the car you intend to test drive and avoid long waits. You can schedule several appointments on the same day if you have multiple purchase options.
- Checklist - To ensure a successful test drive, consider preparing a list of things you wish to evaluate during the drive so you get all important details checked. This will largely range from acceleration to comfort, braking, engine performance, handling, power, visibility, transmission, and suspension.
How to Test Drive a Car
You need to do more than check the paint job and dents or kick the tires when purchasing a vehicle, used or new. Understanding how to test drive a car before settling for one can make all the difference, and the following tips will help you:
- Initial Inspection - Before sitting behind the wheel to test drive a car, do a visual inspection of its interior and exterior. Some things to look out for are dents, rust, cracks, paint jobs, tires (check if they are bald), cracks on the windshield, and underneath the floor mats. Also, check to see if the trunk, hood, and doors open smoothly and whether they can stay open as they should. Do not forget to look out for oil leaks in the engine compartment and unusual wear on moving components.
- Comfort and Ergonomics - While in the car, inspect the interior for comfort and pay attention to how well you fit into the cabin, especially the driver's seat. Doing this is particularly important for anyone who needs a vehicle built for comfort. Furthermore, check to see if you can adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors to suit you and give you good visibility of the side views and blind spots. Also, pay attention to the electrical controls and make sure they function well.
- Starting the Car - When you start the car, avoid all distractions and turn the radio off if it comes up. You need all the silence to observe how the vehicle starts and listen to the engine sound when idle. Allow it to idle for a few minutes and listen for any troubling sounds like clicking, rattling, or whining.
- Driving Conditions - Test driving a car in different driving conditions and at different speeds is vital. It will help you have an all-around feel of the vehicle. You can start on a street with stop-and-go traffic and observe how the brakes feel when the car comes to a complete stop. Listen for any squeaking or grinding sounds, which may indicate faulty rotors or worn brake pads. You should also test drive on a highway at a reasonably high speed to check if the vehicle accelerates fast and cruises smoothly as you change gears. It is not a good sign for a car engine to hesitate while trying to accelerate. Also, listen for whines, squeaks, or rattles behind the engine sound as the car moves at very high speeds. You can also confirm if the vehicle downshifts and upshifts properly by taking it up and down a hill.
- Handling and Performance - It is important to pay attention to performance and handling when test-driving a car. Check if the vehicle absorbs the jolting and jarring when you drive over bumps and potholes. Also, verify that it responds quickly and smoothly when you apply the brakes or turn the steering wheel. During the drive, you can keep your hands off the wheel to see if the car sways to one side while driving at a relatively low speed. In addition, you should check that the car shifts smoothly from drive to reverse without jolting or making a grinding sound.
- Noise Levels - Listen for unusual noises or vibrations in the engine compartment, suspension system, steering wheel, and brake, which may indicate faults or impending issues.
- Technology and Features - Inspect the car's technology and other features while sitting behind the wheel and confirm that they meet your requirements. For instance, you should confirm that the air conditioning system is great and that the smart screen/infotainment system can easily be paired with your phone and would not cause a distraction while driving. Also, make sure to inspect the car's safety features. All these must be done while the vehicle is parked.
How to Test Drive a Car at a Dealership
Before going on a test drive at the dealership, remember to gather vital information by asking the salesperson certain questions. Let them also address your concerns, if any. It is standard for a salesperson to accompany you when you go for a test drive at the dealership, and in many cases, they will want to follow their dedicated routes. However, as part of your engagement, you can ask to choose the driving route, especially one that combines different types of roads and traffic conditions.
Furthermore, make sure to request adequate time for the test drive. A typical test drive should last between 20 and 30 minutes. Negotiate with the salesperson if the dealership offers anything short of this. In addition, you should strike an agreement to test drive more than one vehicle (make and/or model) on the same day to enable you to evaluate and compare your options. Never rush to make a buying decision after the test drive, as you do not have to pay for a car the same day you test drive it. Discuss your concerns with the salesperson, including pricing, and afterward, take your time to decide what is best for you.
How to Test Drive and Check a Used Car
Buying a car is probably the second biggest investment after a home for most people. As a result, getting the best value in a preowned car when you purchase one is important. The following discusses some important checks to perform to help you make an informed buying decision and how to test drive a car that has been previously use
Exterior Examination - A thorough exterior inspection is important before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. The following tips will equip you with the needed knowledge to examine the conditions of the exterior parts of a used car:
- Check the tires and wheels for wear, cuts, and damage on the sidewall. Confirm that the tread depth on the tires is even
- Inspect the body panels and paints for scratches, dents, rust, and cracks
- Test all exterior lights and turn signals
- Check the windshield and side mirrors for any chips, damage, and cracks
Interior Check - While inspecting a preowned car before taking a test drive, check the seat upholstery and confirm they are in good condition and not stained, torn, or worn. Also, remember to examine the roof by checking the headliner and trim thoroughly. In addition, pay attention to the smell inside the cabin. It is best to close the windows and doors and take note of the smell when you take some big sniffs. Furthermore, check that there are no broken knobs, buttons, and controls while making sure they all work as they should by turning them on. Other accessories like the parking sensors, audio system, air conditioning system, and cameras should also be checked to ensure they all function properly.
Vehicle History Report
Obtaining a vehicle history report using third-party services like Goodcar will reveal important details about a used car you intend to buy. While the dealership or private seller will not reveal certain information, you can trace a car history by looking it up using its license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN). Any detailed report from a vehicle search will include information on previous accidents, title issues, maintenance history, odometer discrepancies, sale history, and whether there are hidden problems. In particular, check the result closely for the history of any major or frequent repairs and title brands.
Cold Start
A cold start will reveal if the car you are about to take on a test drive has engine or transmission issues by even less than one minute of run time. This is why it is important to start a previously used car that you intend to purchase only after about 10 to 12 hours when the engine must have cooled. To ascertain that the engine is properly cold, open the bonnet and check near the exhaust manifold for any sign of warmth. If you feel any warmth, wait until it is properly cold before starting. After starting the engine, note how it idles and observe if it vibrates or shakes. Also, listen for any unusual ticking or knocking sound, especially within the first 15 to 20 seconds, as they could indicate engine problems.
On Road Performance
After starting the engine, it is time to take it on a test drive to determine how it performs on the road. If the vehicle uses an automatic transmission, ensure that the gear shifts seamlessly without a delay. For a manual transmission car, check to see if the clutch engages and disengages smoothly and that the gear shifts without resistance.
When you are set to move the car, start at a low speed to feel if the car picks up smoothly. As the car travels, pay attention to unusual noises and handling while observing how the vehicle responds to brakes and steering turns. Some front-end problems will not manifest at low speeds, but you will know if there are any as you gradually increase your speed. While test-driving a car to determine its on-road performance, it is best to drive in different conditions, such as the highways, rough terrains, and city traffic. This will allow you to test the vehicle's acceleration, suspensions, and brake performance.
Extended Test Drive
The longer you drive a car, the more you are likely to identify issues that may not manifest during a short drive. So, if possible, request a longer test drive of a preowned car from the salesperson, even if you have to negotiate with the dealership. An extended test drive will help you come up with a better and more accurate evaluation of a vehicle, which in turn will help you make an informed buying decision.
Mechanic Inspection
Consider taking a reliable mechanic for a thorough, professional inspection and test drive when purchasing a used car. Although this service does not come free, the investment is worthwhile because some hidden problems in pre-owned vehicles can only be uncovered by mechanics. When looking to hire a mechanic for car inspection, ensure that you find one who specializes in the make and model of the car you intend to inspect and test drive. You can find one online or by getting recommendations from friends or family.
Make The Right Choice With a Vehicle Test Drive
Understanding how to test drive a car is crucial as it can help you objectively assess its condition and performance before purchasing it. During the test drive, take your time and request to drive more than one car of the same or different make on the same day to enable you to compare multiple options until you find one that meets your requirements. Make sure to inspect the interior and exterior thoroughly, especially if purchasing a previously used car.
