When buying a used car, you should always insist on a long test drive. It used to be that before you bought a car, the salesman would hand you the keys and invite you take take it for a drive. Lately, it has become standard practice for the salesman to come along for the ride, giving you turn by turn directions for a very short drive around the block. During this drive the salesman typically jabbers non-stop about how great the car is and may even turn up the radio to let you hear the “great speakers.” All this may just be to distract you from problems with the car.
Here are a few reasons why you should insist on a long, quiet test drive:
1. There may be telltale sounds about car problems that you only hear at certain times, such as when accelerating, braking, or traveling a certain speed. A longer test drive will increase your chances of noticing this. If suspicious, don’t bother asking the salesman about it. He will probably lie.
2. You typically cannot notice if a car is comfortable at first. On a longer drive you have time to adjust the seat just how you like it. If it still becomes uncomfortable then you probably don’t want to buy that car.
3. Engine warning lights can be reset by dealers, but they will eventually pop back on if there is a problem with the car. A longer test drive will increase your chances of seeing the light if there is trouble.
4. On some newer cars, you can test the mileage. Want to see if it really gets 30 miles per gallon highway? Hit the display button on the console and you may find a reading for gas mileage. Go out on the highway and put it in cruise control and reset the mileage meter. Within a few miles you will have a fairly accurate mileage approximation.
5. Get a good feel of how it handles. Every car handles differently. On a longer test drive you have time to gauge if it is a nice car to drive. Do not rely on expert opinions, take a long drive and form your own opinion. You’re the one that has to drive it every day after purchase.
And if the dealer allows you to take the car home for the night before purchase, use that time to really test the car. Even take it to a mechanic and have them give a brief checkup. Spend as much time as you can with the car to make sure you love before you commit to it.
Check out Car Buying Genius for more great info and tips for buying your next vehicle.
Author: Terry Howard
Related posts: