Disolwer

Taking a test drive of a used car can be a lot of fun. But when you are thinking of buying a used car, make sure that it is more than just fun. Use the test drive to learn more about the used car you are thinking about buying. Here are five used car test drive tips:

1. This is obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people think it is not a big deal: look at the exhaust during your test drive. Is there dark, black smoke? If there is, this is a sign of serious problems that you need to look into before you consider buying this used car.

2. This one also is very simple, but make sure the muffler is attached and that it does not have any holes in it.

3. During the test drive you should be sure to drive at different speeds. If possible, you should take the car on roads that have hills and curves. This will give you an idea of how the car handles and performs. Do not be shy. The dealer will want to keep you on a specific course, which probably helps the car perform better. If the prescribed course isn’t good enough for you, ask for permission to test the car somewhere else.

4. Be sure to look at the gauges. Does everything seem to be normal? What does the tachometer read when the engine is idling? If anything seems abnormal, you should be careful and consider another car.

5. Does the car have blind spots? How well can you see in front of and around you? Are you comfortable driving the car? You may love the look of the car, but if you are not comfortable driving it, you will have to think long and hard about whether you can really buy this car.

Bonus tip: And this is the most important of all, make sure to take the car to a reputable mechanic. Preferably one you know or one that a friend recommends (do not go to the owner or dealer’s mechanic). As the mechanic what an inspection includes and what it will cost. Be sure to ask them for a written report of what work the car needs to have done. This report will be extremely valuable to you, as it will help you determine the real cost of acquiring the car.

If you make use of those used car test driving tips you will buy a used car that you can be happy with and depend on.

Did you like those used car buying tips? If you did, I have plenty more. Check out my used car buying newsletter. It’s completely free and it can save you a lot of money and buy you a lot of peace of mind when you buy a used car.

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