3 Tips to Test Drive a Used Car Like a Pro

What’s the most crucial part of buying used cars in Spartanburg, SC, or anywhere in the world? Of course, you need to find a trustworthy seller who won’t run away with your hard-earned money. Also, you need to research used car prices and negotiate with the seller to ensure that you get the best deal.

But all your efforts would be in vain if you fail to properly test drive the vehicle before buying it. Now, if you’re looking to buy a used car, you already know that taking it out on the road is essential. It helps you understand whether you’re comfortable driving the car around.

Whether buying from a dealer or private owner, you’d never want to skip this step. Most reputed used car dealers, such as Family Auto Sales, let you take the vehicle of your choice out for a ride and patiently answer all your question. They let you take your time to test drive the car and understand whether it’s the right fit for you.

However, the purpose of a test drive isn’t restricted to that. You can use the opportunity to identify serious flaws in the vehicle that the seller might have tried to hide from you. That’s why it is crucial to keep a plan handy before going out for a test drive.

Here are a few tips you should keep in mind before taking a used car out for a test drive:

1. Plan Your Route

This one’s a no-brainer. If you head out of the dealership without knowing where and how far you’re going to take the car, you won’t make the most of the test drive. Instead, you’ll spend your time looking at directions and landmarks.

The best way of avoiding such a scenario is to thoroughly plan your route a day prior. Make sure you choose a route that includes plenty of traffic signals. It’ll help you understand how the vehicle will perform during peak traffic hours. Also, choose a route that includes a few narrow and bumpy roads.

When you have the route planned out, you can focus on other aspects of the vehicle while you’re driving.

2. Drive a Similar Car

This one might seem like a bit of a stretch. But driving a car in the same or similar segment will give you an idea of what to expect. It’ll create a benchmark for you to compare the used car’s performance.

So, if you have a friend or co-worker who owns a similar car, ask whether they’ll let you take it out for a spin. Alternatively, you can visit a couple of new and used car dealers and ask to test drive cars in the same segment.

3. Take Pictures

So, the day of the test drive has arrived. But before you take the car out of the seller’s premises, make sure you take pictures of its exterior and interior. That way, the seller can’t blame you for any dents, scratches, bumps, or marks that are already there on the vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Harnessing the full benefits of a test drive requires adequate planning and foresight. Start by chalking out a route that includes a few traffic signals, potholes, and bumpy roads. Also, make sure you drive a similar car to get a first-hand experience of what it feels like. Lastly, don’t forget to take clear pictures of the vehicle and share them with the seller before the test drive.