Why You Should Road Test A Car Before Purchasing
By Paul Crosby, TestDriveNow.com
Taking a car out for a road test is the best, and more importantly, part of the automobile purchase experience. There are several points to keep in mind when test driving a vehicle, especially pre-owned examples. Let’s explore a few of them:
• Overall Condition of the Vehicle. Obviously this is more of a concern on used cars, but new cars should be inspected before a test drive. Take a look at the condition of the tires; make sure they still have decent tread. Take a peek under the car as well and look for obvious signs of fluid leaks. Check the exterior mirrors for any signs of damage. Your goal here is to spot any items that will make your test drive unsafe.
• Interior Space. Spend a few minutes trying out each seat in the car. Most of your time spent with the car is from the driver’s seat, but you need to be familiar with all of the passenger accommodations as well. If you have small children that are still in baby seats, now is a good time to test fit them in the vehicle. Take a minute to adjust the seats, mirrors and tilt steering wheel. This will get everything comfortable for your test drive.
• Handling. Once the test drive is under way, try to find an area where you can push the car reasonably hard. Every auto dealer has certain road test rules that they need to adhere to, but most salespeople are more than happy to let you “dip into the car’s reserves.” On new and used cars, you are trying to get an overall sense of how the vehicle rides and responds to your inputs. On used cars, you need to have your detective hat on. Be on the lookout for problems such as the car pulling left or right, bad thumping/clunking noises when driving over bumps or any unusual noises when the vehicle is turning. These are all signs of worn suspension and steering components. These items can be costly to repair, and should be taken into consideration when it comes time to negotiate.
• Braking. The brakes are a vehicle’s most critical component. It’s always a good practice to find a deserted parking lot during the test drive to really test the brakes well. You should attempt a full panic stop to assess that the ABS system is working properly. Notice how the steering feels during braking. Does it pull left or right? Does the steering wheel vibrate under braking? These are signs of worn braking components.
• Engine and Transmission. The motor and transmission are the two most complex systems in the vehicle. During the test drive, pay close attention to how the car accelerates. Any hesitation, noticeable drops in power at certain RPMs, tapping noises and excessive smoke are just a few examples of engine problems.
The function of the transmission is equally as important to the overall driving experience. For automatic cars, check that the transmission shifts smoothly between gears at part throttle and full throttle application. Also note that the transmission downshifts smoothly while braking. On manual transmission equipped vehicles, check for a strong clutch that isn’t slipping. Also check for a smooth action of the shifter between the gears. Excessive amounts of free play and noticeable “clunking” noises when shifting between gears could mean expensive transmission repairs.
Make sure you ask lots of questions and research the car before you drive it. Gather as much information and feedback as you can to help make an informed decision.
