|
Finding reliable used cars almost always comes down to the test drive. Here are ten simple tips that will help you separate clunkers from keepers. 1. Perform Pre-Test Inspection You don't have to be an auto mechanic to tell if a vehicle is in good shape. In addition to examining the exterior, you should always look under the hood. Are the fluid levels within the normal range? How about the tires? Keep in mind that uneven wear may indicate a worn suspension system. 2. Smell Around Whether inside or out, overpowering odors are a sure sign of mechanical problems. More often than not, these often expensive issues are caused by fluid leaks that may compromise driving performance and safety. So if a vehicle has an unpleasant scent, walk on by. You should also take a whiff of the inside. Do you detect the faint scent of tobacco being masked by the pine-scented air freshener? 3. Take Notes Both before and after the test drive, make sure you record your thoughts, feelings, and impressions about the automobile. You might even want to grade it on major areas such as driving performance, comfort, appearance, and condition. 4. Take Your Time The number one mistake most shoppers make when test driving used cars is that they settle for a short ride. As an interested customer, you should never let the seller pressure you into rushing. Let him know from the start that you intend to take the car out for ten miles or more. If he has a problem with an extended ride, it's probably best to walk away. 5. Drive Normally There's no need to drive like a maniac in order to uncover possible mechanical problems. If they're there, you'll be able to detect them if you simply pay close attention to what the vehicle is doing. The one exception to this rule is if you're trying out a sports car. In that instance, you might want to ask the owner if you can drive a bit faster to see how it handles at higher speeds. 6. Turn Off The Radio After testing the sound system, you should switch the radio off during your ride. You cannot, after all, listen for strange noises with the music blaring. And, if you happen to hear an odd sound, attempt to isolate it by changing speeds or switching to a different road surface. 7. Check The Heat/Air Because the heating and cooling system generally works best when the vehicle has been running for a bit, it makes sense to try it out during the test drive. 8. Test The Brakes Because brake repairs can be expensive, it is important to keep an ear out for strange stopping sounds during your entire ride. Make sure you listen for squeaks and squeals when coming to a complete and rolling stop. 9. Practice Parking Because steering and turning problems are quite common in used cars, you should find a spot where you can safely make slow, controlled turns. An empty parking lot or dead-end street should give you the space you need to make these maneuvers. 10. Get A Second Opinion If you are truly interested in a secondhand ride, take it to your mechanic for a thorough inspection and another test drive. If everything checks out okay, you may have struck oil. These simple tips should help you find a reliable pre-owned vehicle on your next trip to the car dealership. When considering used cars, Springfield residents visit Central Chevy Auto. Learn more at http://www.centralchevyauto.com/CertifiedVehicles.
Related Articles -
used, cars, springfield, ma,
| 
