Test driving a car is a key aspect of the car-buying process! A car test drive allows you to try before you buy and take the car for a quick spin. Getting inside the car can give you an opportunity to see how it feels and check out its condition. If you’ve never test-driven a car before and you’re buying your first car, it can feel nerve-wracking. However, our top tips for test driving a car are here to help you!
How do you test drive a car?
A test drive can be arranged at your local dealership or from a private seller. Buying a used car means you don’t know as much about the car’s history, as you won’t be the first owner. So, taking the time to test drive a car can not only help you get an idea of its condition but also check that it’s the right car for you. You can test drive a car by calling ahead and booking an appointment with the dealer or seller, or many car dealers can offer you a test drive there and then, with no prior booking.
Do you need insurance to test drive a car?
Yes, it is illegal to test drive a car without insurance. If you’re buying a car from a trusted dealership, they usually have their insurance policies in place for customer test drives, but make sure you double-check with them. If you’re test-driving a car from a private seller, make sure your car insurance includes test drives. When you’re buying your first car and have no insurance, you can get temporary insurance from a range of providers that can cover you for up to 30 days!
How to prepare for a test drive.
Before you head to the dealer or seller, you’ll need to take your driving license with you. Car dealers will usually take a photocopy of your driving license to ensure you’re legally able to drive and for insurance purposes. If you’re nervous to test drive a car, why not take someone with you? Having someone you trust along for the ride can help you feel at ease and ensure you ask all the right questions. And lastly, before you test drive a car, remember to have insurance in place or double-check with the dealer that you will be insured for the test drive.
Top tips for test driving a car:
The whole point of a test drive is to ensure you like the car you’re going to buy; it is fit for purpose and gives you an opportunity to see how it performs. Whilst test driving a used car, you should consider the below:
Ensure comfort and test the controls.
It’s important that the car you’re looking to drive fits your needs and you feel comfortable in it. Don’t be shy to adjust the seating and steering position to ensure you have a clear and full view of the road ahead. Then, once you’re settled, check all the cabin controls are in good working order. Think about things like lights, indicators, mirrors, fans, air-con, buttons, windows, seatbelts, headrests and controls. If something isn’t working or is broken, remember to bring it up with the salesperson.
Follow the 30-minute rule.
If the dealership allows it, you should test drive a car you’re interested in buying for at least 30 minutes. A quick journey around the block won’t really give you an accurate idea of whether the car performs well, so taking it on a longer journey can help you make an informed decision. Use this time to check over the vehicle, drive on different terrains and judge its performance.
Drive on different terrains.
Depending on where the dealership or seller is located, you may be limited to the types of roads you can drive on. However, you should try to take the car you’re test driving on different types of roads. Consider driving along motorways, A-roads, B-roads and residential areas when you head out from the dealership. This can help you get a better idea of how the car drives and how the suspension performs.
Listen for unusual noises.
Strange noises coming from a vehicle can be a tell-tale sign that something is not right. Common car noises can include grinding, clicking, knocking, squealing, humming and even hissing. Noise from the vehicle can be an indication of internal problems, and you should raise these concerns with the seller.
Turn on the air con.
Most modern cars have an Air-Conditioning unit as standard, and it’s a great feature to have! No matter what the weather, ensure the air-conditioning is working and blows out cold air. If not, it may need to be re–gassed.
Test the suspension.
There are two easy ways in which you can test your car’s suspension. When on the road, try driving over a cobbled street, or even easier, a speed bump. Listen out for unusual noises like clunking or creaking when driving over bumps or uneven roads. You can also test the suspension of a car whilst out on a test drive by parking up somewhere safe and exiting the vehicle. Then, push down formally on each corner of the car to perform a bounce test. The car should bounce back straight away with no issues. More than one bounce could indicate issues with the suspension or shock absorbers.
Check the tyres.
Take some time during your test drive to park somewhere safe and check over the vehicle, without the watchful eye of the salesperson! If you’re unsure of what to look out for, you can start with the tyres. Make sure there is sufficient tread depth (you can do this using the 20p coin trick), ensure there’s no obvious wear or tear and check for any cuts, bulges, or cracks. A nearly worn tyre can be a cause for negotiation or a request that the seller have them replaced before buying.
Test the brakes and clutch.
If you’re not very car savvy, you may be worried about checking over the brakes and clutch of a car you’re interested in buying. However, it can be pretty easy. Get inside the car when stationary and test the brake pedal feels smooth with a progressive increase in force when pressed. When on the road, the car should respond pretty much instantly to the brake pedal being applied. Your clutch pedal and clutch should feel smooth and responsive when using, and there should be no unusual noises or sounds.
Check the description.
The final part of test driving a used car is to ensure the car matches what it is being described as. Check things like the mileage (located on the car’s dashboard) matches that of what is advertised. And ensure the registration number, make of the car, and the model match that of the advert or logbook.
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