Test Drive a Used Car Like a Pro
Follow our step-by-step used car inspection process and you’ll test drive a used car like a pro. No two used cars are alike – but every test drive should be. We’ll point out what to do after you’ve completed a thorough interior and exterior inspection.
How To Test Drive a Used Car
You set the agenda when it comes to your test drive – not anybody else. If any aspect makes you feel uncomfortable – walk away. Trust your gut feelings. Preparation is key. Make sure you’re an informed used-car shopper before the test drive. A little homework will put you in a car that exceeds your expectations. The most important thing to remember is you are the customer. You’re always right.
You set the agenda when it comes to your test drive – not anybody else. If any aspect makes you feel uncomfortable – walk away. Trust your gut feelings. Preparation is key. Make sure you’re an informed used-car shopper before the test drive. A little homework will put you in a car that exceeds your expectations. The most important thing to remember is you are the customer. You’re always right.
Quick Clues to Sniff Out a Lemon
You don't have to be a mechanic to spot issues with a car. Here are 10 easy things to look for from Carey Caldwell, purchasing manager for used-car chain CarMax. Above all, he says: "Don't be afraid to ask hard questions when you find something funny."
You don't have to be a mechanic to spot issues with a car. Here are 10 easy things to look for from Carey Caldwell, purchasing manager for used-car chain CarMax. Above all, he says: "Don't be afraid to ask hard questions when you find something funny."
Print This Before Your Test Drive
Enterprise Car Sales, which sells the rental car companies used vehicles, has a handy sheet that you can print out as a reminder on what to look for when test driving a used car.
Enterprise Car Sales, which sells the rental car companies used vehicles, has a handy sheet that you can print out as a reminder on what to look for when test driving a used car.
Sneaky Ways To Test a Used Car
Points 1 and 14 in this list are worth remembering. The other steps are fairly routine and covered well by me on About.Com. I’m not afraid to share good ideas when I see them, though.
Points 1 and 14 in this list are worth remembering. The other steps are fairly routine and covered well by me on About.Com. I’m not afraid to share good ideas when I see them, though.
Advice from the Better Business Bureau
You can never go wrong following the advice of the Better Business Bureau. A lot of this is dedicated to new car buying, but its segments on test driving are applicable for used cars as well.
You can never go wrong following the advice of the Better Business Bureau. A lot of this is dedicated to new car buying, but its segments on test driving are applicable for used cars as well.