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Step
Four
Test-Driving a used car...
The moment has arrived to inspect and
test-drive the car you are considering buying. This is, of course,
an essential part of the process. You need to weed out the lemons
and find the cream puffs. Here are some tips on how to do that.
When you evaluate used cars, keep in mind these two main
considerations:
- Do you like the car? It could be a good car, but maybe
you don't like the color, the interior or the options. It might
not have enough legroom or headroom. You might decide you don't
like the styling. But once you've decided you like the car, then
you need to ask:
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- Is the car in mechanically sound condition?
In other words, you might find you like the car. But then you
have to turn off your emotional side and become rational. Ask
yourself, will this car serve you well in the long run? Or, in six
months or so, will it begin to break down?
Faced with these questions, many people throw up their hands in
despair and say, "But I don't know anything about cars!"
You can work around this by exploring the following options.
Shop for a Certified Used Car
In recent years, the sale of certified used cars has become
increasingly popular. A certified used car is one that has passed a
thorough inspection and is backed by a manufacturer's warranty.
Volkswagen, for example, subjects its cars to a 112-point inspection
and then certifies the car with a two-year/24,000-mile limited
warranty (a roadside-assistance program is also included).
But while buying a certified used car removes a lot of the guesswork
about the vehicle's mechanical condition, you pay for this service.
Certified used cars that sell in the $10,000 to $20,000 range are
estimated to be $500 to $1,000 more expensive.
Look for Used Cars Still Under Warranty
Most new cars are sold with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Therefore, if you buy a car that is from one to three years old,
with less than 36,000 miles on the odometer, it will still be under
the factory warranty. If anything goes wrong with the car you just
bought, the problem will be fixed for free.
How can you use this to your advantage when used car shopping? If
you look for cars less than three years old, and with less than
36,000 miles (cars are typically driven 12,000 miles a year), you
can rely on the warranty. In other words, if you don't take the car
to a mechanic, and it breaks down, you can still get it fixed for
free under the factory warranty. (Warranties vary from one
manufacturer to the next. Always read the restrictions of the
warranty before buying the car.)
In some cases, the current owner may have purchased an aftermarket
warranty. If so, be sure to verify that the warranty can be
transferred to your name when you buy the car.
Take the Car to a Mechanic
If you are serious about buying a used car but have doubts about its
condition, take it to a mechanic you trust. A private party will
probably allow you to do this without much resistance. But at a
dealership, it might be more difficult.
If you are considering a car that is more than five years old and
has close to 100,000 miles on it, an inspection by a mechanic is
basically a necessity. (This should cost less than $100.) "On
site" inspection services are also available in some areas
where a mechanic will inspect the car on a car lot or at a private
residence. However, if the car is newer, appears to be in great
shape and drives well, you might want to rely on the warranty. If it
is a certified used car, there is no reason to take it to a
mechanic.
What can a mechanic find that you can't spot on your own? For one
thing, the mechanic will put the car up on a lift. Oil or fluid
leaks are easier to spot. The mechanic can also do a compression
check that will sometimes uncover excessive engine wear. And
finally, the mechanic's expert eye might spot a problem you
overlooked. Additionally, mechanics have knowledge of which cars
have chronic engine or transmission problems and can steer you away
from such vehicles.
You may want to inspect the car yourself before determining whether
to pay a mechanic to go over it. Here are some things to look for.
Inspecting a Used Car
Before you drive the car, walk around it for an overall visual
inspection. Crouch next to the front bumper and sight along the
sides of the car. Make sure there are no ripples in the door panels
that might indicate it has been in an accident. Also, look for
uneven gaps between the doors and along the hood. Look underneath
for evidence of fluid leaks such as coolant (greenish), oil (black),
transmission fluid (pink) or gasoline (easily identified by the
smell). If possible, examine the car where it is normally parked;
spots on the pavement make it easier to see leaks.
Open all the doors and the trunk. Test all the lights, controls,
heater, air conditioner and the sound system. Open the hood and make
sure there are no leaks or sprays on the underside of the hood
lining that would indicate a burst hose or fluid leak. With the
engine running, listen for noises that might indicate a mechanical
problem such as knocking, ticking, hissing or whining. Finally,
check to see if the tires all match and have enough tread left on
them. Matching tires indicates a level of conscientious care that is
likely to extend to the entire vehicle.
Test-Driving Used Cars
Once you get behind the wheel, your first impression will be the way
the car feels when you sit in it. Is it a good fit? Does it offer
enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently
positioned?
Try to arrange your test-drive so that you start the engine when it
is completely cold. Ask the owner if it has been sitting overnight.
Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when
doing so, will reveal chronic problems. For example, blue or white
smoke coming from the tail pipe can signal problems. Unusual noises
— which quickly disappear — might mean the timing belt is
severely worn and needs replacing.
Before hitting the road, adjust the seat and the mirrors. Ask
yourself if it would be a comfortable car to take on a long trip or
drive every day on a grueling commute. Turn off the radio before you
begin driving — you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the
driving experience.
On the test drive, evaluate these specific points:
- Acceleration from a stop
- Visibility (Check for blind spots)
- Engine noise
- Passing acceleration (Does it downshift quickly and smoothly?)
- Hill-climbing power
- Braking
- Cornering
- Suspension (How does it ride?)
- Seat comfort and ergonomics
- Rattles and squeaks
- Interior controls
- Audio system (but don't test it while driving — you'll want
to listen to the engine)
- Cargo space
On the test drive, take your time and be sure to simulate the
conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of
highway driving, be sure to merge and take the car up to 65 mph. If
you go into the mountains, test the car on a steep slope. You don't
want to find out — after you've bought the car — that it doesn't
perform as needed.
After the test drive, ask the owner if you can see the service
records and if receipts are available. If so, note whether the car
has had oil changes at regular intervals (at every 5,000 to 7,500
miles). Be cautious of buying a car that has had major repairs such
as transmission rebuilds, valve jobs or engine overhauls.
If the car passes your inspection, and performs well on the test
drive, you will want to make an offer to buy it. We'll show you how
to do this in the next step.
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1.Choosing the
right car
2.Financing the used car
3.Shopping for a used car
4.Test-Driving a used car
5.Negotiating for a used car
6.Closing the deal
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