If you don’t know how and where to start, you may need to check out a lot of feature articles about the automotive industry so you can have an idea on the basics things you need to look for when buying a car. This will also give you helpful insights on the factors you need to consider and the questions to ask even before you bring out the car in question for a comprehensive test drive session.
Have a general idea about the condition of the vehicle, especially if it’s secondhand.
There aren’t many used cars in perfect condition. Since most dealers won’t eliminate all flaws, you might find a dent here and a scratch there. However, they will definitely get rid of major appearance-related problems, such as large dents and scratches.
Aside from presenting you with a great-looking vehicle, the seller or distributor should also provide you with a vehicle history record to let you know that the car hasn’t been in a serious accident or been flood-damaged, as these factors can greatly affect car performance in the long run.
Check the condition of the engine, especially while driving the car.
Make sure the motor is warm before starting it because the seller may decide to warm the car up before you even get in to cover the engine’s hidden issues.
The motor should operate as intended while hammering, accelerating, and decelerating. This means that there should be no extra vibrations or sounds that you sense during the drive. Thumping or shaking noises can be an indication of excessive wear or an inappropriate tuning, especially if the car has already undergone repairs before.
Verify the water temperature gauge to make sure that the overall temperature is within the normal expected range.
Also, ask the seller when the belt was last replaced. If you smell something weird, see blue smoke, or smell exhaust while starting or running the engine, there is a serious issue. It is better to avoid buying such vehicles.
Check if the brakes are working just fine.
Check out the brakes through the spokes of the wheels. There should be thick brake pads to ensure they can properly cushion the force exerted against them every time. Otherwise, they may warrant replace (most likely at your expense) because if you don’t address the issue ASAP, the braking rotors can end up damaged as well. Closely consider if this is something you’re willing to do or negotiate with. If not, it may be time to look for another vehicle to buy.
Check out the interiors and all the aspects related to these.
Get inside the car. Make sure that the instrument panel will revv to life when you do. Also ensure that all of the knobs and switches are in good working order. the audio system to see if it’s working fine. Manipulate the volume and other controls from time to time to further see if there are possible problems. There are more things to examine the more devices and technologies there are. Windows, side mirrors, and all types of locks should work efficiently.
Assess the suspension and the body work of the vehicle.
The vehicle should remain stable and balanced even if you have to negotiate humps and other types of obstacles along the way. The car should not shake too much, especially when you’re trying to turn. If you get the chance, do both gentle and sudden turns and see how the car reacts to these. If you start noticing some wobbling or rocking from side to side, it may be an indication that there are problems in the vehicle’s alignment, shocks, and springs.
See to it that the gearbox is in optimal condition.
Moving gears should be seamless, whether the transmission mode of the gearbox is manual or programmed. Clattering or thumping sounds are indicative of potential problems, so make sure you don’t hear any signs of these for the entire duration of the test drive. If the vehicle’s front wheels are making noise, the steady speed joints may be starting to show signs of disintegration and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Repeatedly test the doors and the trunk for any possible problems.
All doors, the hood, the trunk, and the liftgate should be inspected for signs of cracks, dents, and problems when it comes to opening and closing. If the car has a power liftgate, it should automatically open and close when you activate it using the key fob. The sliding doors should firmly lock, open, and close. Also check the latches and ensure that the lids and the doors close firmly and securely. Inspect each lock to make sure that they’re working properly and smoothly.
It’s best if you can test out each seat.
In this case, you need to have at least one more companion to help you evaluate if the configuration and the material is to your liking. Moreover, the driver’s seat must not only be comfortable but also ergonomical because this is the side that will be utilized the most.
Make sure all the buttons are functional, especially if you need to make certain adjustments with the electronic components of the seats. Also test the lumbar support if the seats are equipped with those.
Repeat the procedure while seated in the passenger’s seat. After that, check the same in the back rows. Are the chairs torn or discolored? Is there sufficient head and leg room? Which part of the car has cup holders and how easy is it to reach it from where you’re seated in the car? Is it possible for you to place additional attachments, such as a child car seat? Based on your answers to these questions, evaluate if the seating system will work for you while thinking about it long-term.
Adjust the speed of the car on a random basis.
Don’t just go for a quick drive for a few kilometers and back. Inform the seller that you intend to drive the vehicle at varying speeds on the highway. For starter, allot at least 10 kilometers so you can have enough time to assess the vehicle in a variety of situations.
When traveling at high speeds, it’s easier to spot the glaring issues when using the brakes, the accelerator, or if the steering seems off to either side. Make that there’s no problems when it comes to transmission shifts and this isn’t making any strange noises.
When you’ve arrived on the highway and there are no other vehicles around, press on the brakes to further increase the speed. If you’re looking to buy a relatively new car model, you can expect that these are equipped with anti-lock brakes. So, when you suddenly hit the brakes while going at a fast speed, you ought to hear a clunking noise.
Whether you’re going for an old or a new car, you need to have it undergo a test drive, no matter how the seller tries to dissuade you from doing so. Actually, if they’re trying to sell you the vehicle without having to test it out, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere. After all, there will surely be other sellers who are more than willing to oblige to this request.
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