Testing a car before buying

Testing a car before buying

Whether you are buying a new or a used car, a careful and comprehensive test drive is crucial to the process. It provides the perfect opportunity to find out if the vehicle you're interested in is right for you and your driving style, or if you should look elsewhere for your needs.

The more time taken over a test drive the better. You cannot get a picture of how a vehicle performs in the myriad of different driving conditions and situations with just a ten minute drive around the block. A minimum of half an hour's test drive is recommended, but you should take as long as you want to make sure if you are comfortable with the vehicle, no matter if the vendor is starting to breath down your neck.

Ideally you should test drive on the kinds of road you expect to be using the most; if you're a motorway driver, testing the vehicle down suburban roads won't be any real use to you. Take time to find whether you can get into a comfortable driving position easily, and if all the instruments and controls are clearly visible. You are likely to be spending a lot of time in that seat, so make sure it can be adjusted to your needs.

Check all the vehicle's doors open and close properly, and if the boot is easy to access. You may even want to take a sample load in the boot if you often cart around luggage.

You may find some individual sellers want the test drive out of the way as quickly as possible, or get a bit shirty should you want to inspect the vehicle further. A decent dealership will be more accommodating, with many offering you the chance to take extended test drives, and in some cases can lend you the vehicle overnight. Just ask - the worst they can say is no.

Another popular option is to hire the car, or a similar model, for a few days to properly drive around in and get a feel for a vehicle. UK car hire from Hertz.co.uk offer a lower rate to customers interested in buying a used hire vehicle, with up to ten days to really try it out. Should you then be interested in buying the vehicle, all rental charges are waived. This method of test driving is perfect for those who just want to get their own feel for a car without all the pressure and rhetoric from salespeople or the haggling with individual used car sellers.

However you plan to buy your vehicle, don't do it blindfolded. There is no better method to finding out how a car will perform for you than to actually driving it yourself.

---

---