Test driving cars, especially in the case of buying used cars, before the final purchase is a crucial step. It ensures that the vehicle you are about to buy is salvageable or not and how much do you need to spend on repairing and fixing it. To better understand the state of the car you are about to buy, it is always highly recommended by experts and mechanics to go for a test drive and get as much information and insight as you need to be 100% sure about the car. Here are some tips for knowing and keeping in mind when you take a used car for a test drive before buying it.

Create a list that you will refer to when you are test driving: 

Google all possible sorts of questions that help you know more about the car you are interested in. From how to test drive a used car, the initial buying cost, the damages on the vehicle, and every point that we will discuss throughout this page, make sure you note it all down in a checkbox list. This helps you be more organised with your questions, and you don’t miss out on any critical questions or information. 

Learn more about the car from the previous owner or seller: 

Don’t hesitate or shy away from asking as many questions as you want to and get every single piece of information that you need to know about the used car and the owner. Ask questions like- 

• What was the cost of the car when you first bought it?

• Who or where did you purchase it from?

• How long have you or the previous owner owned the car?

• How much did you use the car?

• Why are you selling your car?

• What are the present and past issues and damage conditions of this car?

• Has this car ever been in an accident?

• How well maintained and serviced is this car?

• How many times or how often do you change the oil?

• Does the engine of the car give you any trouble?

• What repairs and changes do you think I need to do with this car to function smoothly?

Check for leaks, ruins, rusts and such: 

Watch out for any fluid leaking from the engines or the shock absorbers. Remember that any oil leak or fluids dripping past the car’s machines is a red flag. Also, check for rusted portions on the wheel, quarter panels, drain holes, and the car’s underside. Rust destroys the car and makes the car parts brittle and unsafe. Leaks can be seen with a leak detector. Be found from the existence of rust and moulds. So alongside checking for rusts, check for wet, mouldy carpets, trunk carpet, floor mats etc. These things need to be deep cleaned or changed. Such car conditions give off major red flags as it indicates that the car is not well taken care of and is thus a sign that it is not very functional and that you need to spend a hefty sum of money for repairing and deep cleaning.

Check the tires, the locks on the doors, the wipers, the wheels and the interiors:

Then you should proceed to alter the rest of the interior and exterior of the car. Even if these car parts seem fine, it is safer and more responsible to invest in good quality and newer products. For example, let’s begin with the tires, check for damages and smoothness. Smoothened out and damaged tires need immediate replacements. This also gives you the freedom to use customised tires later on to suit your car and tastes if you decide to buy them. The car door locks need to be checked thoroughly and changed if any slight damage or loose grip is found. Check for loose car door hinges and car windows and the proper functioning of window regulators as well. You need to observe how well the car windshield wipers work and if they work smoothly. The wheels, the axle shaft, and the hub must perform smoothly and not be rusted or jammed. Next, check the car seats, the interior parts of the cars like the audio system, the dash panels, the air ventilation and conditioning system, the interior lights and the car lights and such. Tires, wheel axle shafts, locks, floor mats, and parts still need to be changed for better safety measures.

Check the oil, coolant and engine: 

More damages and bad quality low maintained used cars mean more expensive repairs for you. Keep an ear open for any buzz or sound that comes from the engine. Ask questions to the owner regarding such buzzes and sounds. Check inside the bonnet or get a mechanic to take a look inside the machine for you. Alongside that, check for the oil and coolant, and if you notice low oil and leaking fluids, again, it indicates that the car has not been taken care of properly, and it only bears you more expenses. 

When you finally pull the car on the road, check the pedals, brakes, if the vehicle does smooth turns, signal indicators etc.: 

These are what to look for when test driving a used car. From every minute detail to sound reverberation, keep your eye and ear out for any trouble and issues you face while test driving a used car. Never go out on a freeway or highway without testing a used car on a safe lane, street or zone. Check the functionality of the brakes, the pedals, the signal indicators, car lights, accelerators and mirrors before taking it out on a drive on a highway or such. 

Find out if the car has been in an accident or is illegal: 

Always ask for the proper documents and paperwork and check them or get an expert to check them for validity and assurance that they are actual papers. By any means, try to find out the car’s past, including if this car has been in an accident or illegal or is missing proper documentation. Avoid such vehicles as they might not be legitimate or even legal. Such things can bring you many troubles in the future. 

If you want a luxurious vehicle that's able to make you swoon in comfort, then this is just the right choice for you. Autobest Emporio offers premium used cars at reasonable prices.