The most important part of a used car buying process is the test drive. And since it’s so important, don’t treat it like a calm Sunday cruise! You have to be prepared for it, know what to expect, what is right, and what is wrong.

Test-driving a car can be the only way to identify certain scams. For example, crashed cars are often too unsafe to go back on the road. Unfortunately, scammers often profit by poorly fixing and selling them as well-maintained vehicles. Even a professional mechanic couldn’t spot some structural damages with the naked eye. However, even slightly bent drivetrain bits can cause tremendous vibrations.

Here are some tips on how to test drive a car and identify problems in the process, which can help you gain the upper hand in negotiations.

First things first – do you like the car?

Don’t bother with testing if you don’t like the car. Always perform a brief check before hitting the road to avoid wasting your and the seller’s time. Remembering a few key considerations will be crucial when deciding whether test driving a car is even worth it.

Does it have the equipment you wanted?

Those who say they don’t care about the equipment usually learn the hard way. Modern cars have lots of options stuffed inside them, so don’t hesitate to make a list of features you want.

For example, some models offer seating for either five or seven people, not all cars have folding rear seats. Also, look for other features which may not be vital, but are still neat to have: a head-up display, reversing camera, multiple 12V outlets for your accessories, etc.

Test the essential electronics

Modern automotive electrical systems are rich – more and more control units are needed to manage various bits. However, the essential electrical systems remain the same:

Exterior lighting
Wipers
Electrical windows
Air conditioning

Things like headlights and tail lights used to be an easy fix back in the day – just pop in a new bulb, and that’s it. Unfortunately, today you have to pray that your LEDs and xenon headlights won’t start playing tricks on you. If your electrical windows don’t open, you’ll probably have to pull apart the doors to fix them.

And yes, air conditioning is helpful all year round as it also defogs the windshield rapidly, so it’s a significant advantage if it works.

Inspect the exterior

Shiny car bodies are incredibly prone to scratches and dents. As years go by, sun, salts, and automated car washes damage the protective clear coat. Damaged body spots begin to rust, so look around the car – especially around wheel wells, the bottom parts of doors, the trunk, and overall body. Even the smallest rust spots will spread, worsening most body defects over time.

How worn is the interior?

The interior wears down over time – especially the driver’s seat and a steering wheel. These two parts are some of the best mileage indicators, so if the odometer shows 100,000 km, but the driver’s seat is already torn – there may be something fishy going on.

Old leather seats start to crack and lose their original texture, cloth becomes oily/shiny and tears easily. Bear in mind that some sellers use steering wheel and seat covers, or may replace these parts altogether.

If you want to learn more about the car’s history and reveal the actual mileage, you should get a vehicle history report. Even if the seller has replaced the whole interior, historical data available on various databases will reveal the truth.. All you need is the car’s VIN number.

By the way, notice the smell inside. A leaky heater core, busted seals, damaged drain pipes, and many other flaws let water come inside the cabin. Such conditions spread mold, which is unhealthy and hard to clean.

How to perform a test drive?

Before you set off, remember that this isn’t your car. The pedals may be further away from each other, various switches are placed differently, and so on. Adjust the seat, mirrors, and be very careful – get used to the throttle and brakes first.

Here’s why a test drive is nothing like a calming cruise around town: you have to identify as many unusual noises, warnings, and smells as possible.

Perform cold and hot engine starts

You’ve probably heard that it’s essential to make sure the engine starts fine when cold. However, both cold and hot starts are highly recommended. If possible, ask the seller to let you come the following day and start the car yourself while the engine is still cold.

Both petrol and diesel engines should fire up in less than two or three seconds (depending on the season). Bear in mind that diesel engines need a few moments for glow plugs to heat the combustion chamber while petrol engines can start right away. If the engine turns slowly, takes a long time to start, or runs a bit rough afterwards – the battery, glow plugs, fuel pump, fuel lines, or starter may need a replacement.

After the engine reaches its operating temperature, you should shut it off and try to start once again. A hot engine should start right away. Otherwise, there may be problems with a high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, or various sensors.

In conclusion, any problems related to starting the car can lead to expensive repairs, and unless you’re ready to face them, you’d be better off looking for something else.

Pick up some speed

The car you’re testing may be with you for at least a few years, so don’t hesitate to take it for a cruise on a highway during a test drive. Some speed will test the balance, stability of your car, and let you try all gears.

If possible, reach 80-100 km/h. You shouldn’t see or feel any vibrations, play in the steering (when the steering wheel can be turned without the wheels rotating), and unusual noises. Expect a smooth ride. Gears should change without any delays, especially if it’s an automatic. Also, try a brake check once you’re away from other cars – you shouldn’t feel any pull to the sides.

In the best-case scenario, vibrations can be solved by rebalancing the wheels, but it can also mean damaged rims, bent axles, or even a worn-out transmission!

Try a bumpier road

The purpose of suspension is to make the car stable, comfortable, and quiet. There are many suspension types available in modern cars, but they all have one thing in common – you’ll hear if there’s something wrong.

The best place to test a car’s suspension is an old bumpy tarmac or gravel road. All cars are rougher and noisier on dirt roads, but no clunking, rattling, or knocking sounds are acceptable.

Those buying from a dealership may notice they already have their own test driving routes prepared. Usually, these consist mostly of fine roads and right turns. Ask the dealer if you could change the route a bit to find some gravel.

If it’s a front-wheel-drive car, try to turn the wheel all the way to each side and give it some gas. A crackling noise means that a CV joint must be replaced as soon as possible.

There are dozens of bits in the suspension that regularly wear out, including bushings, bearings, control arms, links, etc. Suspension repairs usually aren’t too expensive and won’t be breaking the bank. Still, uncovering more problems grants you a great chance of getting a better deal.

You may be wondering how long you should test drive a car, but there’s no specific time limit. However, it’s appropriate to keep it under 15-30 minutes.

Other things to keep an eye on

The first and most important signal is the engine temperature. The coolant keeps a normal operating temperature, which should be 90°C – no less, no more. If the needle climbs over 90°C while on a highway, the radiator may be clogged or just living its last days. If the temperature starts rising while the car is at a standstill, the electric fan may not be working. Most importantly, these repairs aren’t the biggest danger here – the engine may already be damaged if someone has been overheating it.

Also, make sure that no warning lights or beeps appear during the test drive. However, remember that a seller could have erased the fault codes right before your arrival. Sometimes, they just remove the bulbs from the dashboard to hide various faults, so it’s always wise to hook the car up to a diagnostic tool.

The smell of fumes or fuel inside the car raises red flags. In fact, you shouldn’t smell fuel even when outside. While a damaged exhaust system isn’t that dangerous, leaking fuel lines can burn the car to the ground at any moment!

A few bonus tips

Used car checks and test drives aren’t that hard or stressful when planned properly. Now that you know the essential parts of a test drive, ice the cake with a few additional tips on buying a used car.

Don’t go alone

Never buy a car alone. You don’t even need to take a professional mechanic – any friend, relative, or even a loved one will do the trick. Aside from the fact that your companions may notice some flaws you don’t, they also won’t rely on their emotions. Many buyers make impulsive decisions when checking the car they have been dreaming of. Others won’t care about it as much as you do, so they can see the situation without those rose-colored glasses.

Don’t go at night

Evening or night is not the best time to test drive a car. Don’t rush and schedule the test drive for the weekend if you’re not available during work days. You’ll miss many issues without proper lighting, and the test drive will be more risky and complicated.

Check the tires

The way car tires are worn can tell a lot about a car’s suspension. Even the slightest problems in the suspension or geometry can destroy tires prematurely. Moreover, a new set of tires can set you back a few hundred euros, so it’s worth knowing what you are getting into.

If only one side of a tread is worn, it means that the suspension needs alignment. This is an inexpensive service, but why didn’t the seller take care of it? Perhaps the car has experienced structural damage in the past?

If both sides of the tread or only the middle part are prematurely worn, usually this is due to wrong tire pressure. Underinflated tires become too soft, and overinflated are similar to balloons. As such, the tires won’t contact the road the correct way.

Get a car history check

Many used car buyers still solely rely on their senses and luck rather than facts listed in car history reports. As various vehicle registries and databases include more data each day, checking a car’s history before buying it is becoming a necessity.

Just by entering its VIN number you’ll learn about past accidents, mileage fraud, thefts, title changes, MOTs, and much more. At least use a VIN decoder to make sure the make, model, color, and other main details match.

Register for a pre-purchase inspection

Even the most dedicated car expert won’t test all the essential bits without such tools as an OBD-II scanner or a car lift. Register for a pre-purchase inspection if you’re serious about buying the car. Automotive technicians can perform a professional, detailed inspection, which is highly recommended before making a purchase.

Never hesitate to ask questions

While some sellers are quiet and only talk when asked, others sound like they’re reading a sales pitch. Either way, if you’re not sure about some features or have suspicions – ask! Some sellers happily answer questions, while those who hide something often avoid specific subjects.

See? You can check and test-drive the car without complicated techniques or special skills. A bit of preparation and patience should get you the best deal possible. Just be careful when driving someone else’s vehicle!

FAQ

Is the test drive necessary?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. There are many features and systems that can be tested only during a test drive.

How old do you have to be to test drive a car?

You have to be at least 18 years old (16 if you’re in the US) and have a driver’s license to perform a test drive. While a driver’s license is the primary requirement, some dealerships also have different age restrictions.

What happens if you damage a car during a test drive?

In most cases, the insurance company should cover the repairs. However, the terms differ by country, so you should familiarize yourself with them.

Is it ok to test drive a car without buying it?

Definitely! If a seller agrees to let you test drive the car, it doesn’t mean you must buy it. You can try different cars, compare their characteristics, and make decisions based on these discoveries.

How to Test-Drive a Used Car?

Try VIN Number Lookup