How to test drive a used car

KUALA LUMPUR: Planning to buy a car – let me warn you its a complicated process, one that involves your laborious hours investigating, researching and gruesome decision making. And if you have plans to purchase a used car then prepare yourself to put in double efforts. Buying a used car can seem as a great deal, with many lucrative offers available, but often it's more than what meets the eye and we can end up getting our hands on damaged cars. Sellers to make the maximum profit often hide mechanical or body defects. But how can we determine whether the large investment we are about to make that will not just affect us monetarily but also emotionally, whether the used car will be our long term companion or die on us? You can do so by just taking a test drive. A test drive lets you experience the car, checks its driver ability and-and detect for defects if any. A test drive is a crucial task one that will let you decide whether the used car is for you or not. We at CarBay brings you few tips that you should consider when you plan to take a test drive of your used car.

Scrutinize its driveability:

While taking a test drive the most critical element to consider is vehicle's performance. If the pre-owned car you are planning to buy isn't through an authorized dealer who provides you with proper certification and warranties that the work is on you to check for mechanical problems, engine functioning and performance. The first thing to do is, start the car and let it idle for a while and check for and unusual noises or rattling. Post this also perform a quick test to check all the lights in dashboard. Take your car for a stroll and analyze the engine performance. Next step is to change the gears and analyze whether the transition is smooth, check the car on its speed limit, on turns examine if the steering feels heavier. If the car has cruise control or other braking systems, check them and see if they are in proper condition. Also let go of the steering to check for tire alignment and while applying brakes inspect for any vibrations and bumps if any. The last thing to do is, drive the car from different terrains, one similar to your daily drives and also the worn out ones to check the car's driveability.

Inspect for any wear & Tear:

Post the through scrutiny of car's performance, the next major thing to consider is to meticulously investigate the car's exteriors and interiors for any wear and tear. Even if the car's looks spic and span, don't judge the book by its cover and make sure you check the beauty skin deep. Look for chips or scratches on the car and windshield. Pop open the trunk and check whether it fulfills your storage requirements, also lift the trunk carpet and check for rusting if any. Step inside the cabin and check for any spots or stains on the seat covers and dashboard. Take a seat and feel the comfort and check for legroom and headroom. Also check the rear seats for the space constraints. After ensuring for the wear and tear and comfort, analyze all the control. Does dashboard controls work fine, air-conditioner and heater set the temperature properly and if your car has advanced gadgetry, make sure to check each and everyone.

Consult a professional:

No matter how good we are in judging a car – an expert in indeed an expert. Its always advisable to get a professional opinion before locking the deal on a second-hand car. To not miss on those hidden details that is missed by the eyes and can come to bite us later. You definitely should take along a professional or a mechanic who could throughly do a second inspection on the car and let you down on some crucial information. If this ain't possible, you could also search online for user reviews of the used car and get some insight on the car's elements that you have missed. They say old is gold, but everything that shines isn't gold too.

Now when you have finally completed the laborious task of taking a test drive and throughly checking your car from head to toe. The last thing to do is bargain, bargain, bargain till you are blue in the face and settle on the right deal. Ensure to check all paperwork and documentation. Now, just relax and take your car for a ride, you deserve a break after a tedious day.