Buying a used vehicle can be an exciting thing, but it can turn into one of your worst nightmares very quickly if you don’t take the proper precautions, so we have prepared 5 tips for test driving a new vehicle.
1. Check Under The Hood
This should go without saying, but when you are looking at buying a used vehicle you absolutely need to observe the car under the hood while it is running to see any leaks that may be there and also check the fluid levels to see if the vehicle is properly maintained as this is a good sign the regular maintenance of the vehicle was not done.
2. Test the Steering
Take the vehicle down to a parking lot or somewhere there is lots of room to turn. Now try and maneuver the car in as many ways it can be steered while having the windows down to listen for any strange noises. This is a great way to tell if the car has any steering issues right away.
3. Get a Second Opinion
Ask the person that is selling you the vehicle if you can take the vehicle to be inspected by a mechanic or bring someone along with you that has good knowledge of these types of things. Most mechanic shops charge a bit more than $100 dollars to have a minor inspection done to the vehicle so it would probably be worth it if you are really considering purchasing the vehicle.
4. Inspect the Interior Thoroughly
If the car has a musty smell or is overly dirty that is another good sign they don’t take care of the vehicle. Also make sure all the seats work properly and the doors open as those can be costly to repair, a few tear marks or stains never hurt anybody, but again that should be noted and should change the price if they are asking too much.
5. Check for Rust
Now if you are looking at buying a vehicle that will last (which most people are) look for rust on the vehicle as rust will spread, but it can be slowed if you sand it and paint it. if you are not concerned about the look of it just make sure there is no rust on parts that will compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.