How To Test Drive a Used Car

On the Road

1. Drive responsibly.
2. Mix the route up between local streets and highways
3. Check the steering – is there a lot of play in the wheel before the car responds?
4. Hit the brakes hard when it’s safe to do so. Does the car pull to one side? Do the brakes feel mushy?
5. Drive hands free in an empty parking lot. This will demonstrate how well the car is aligned.
6. Drive over a bumpy surface and see how the car responds. (Speed bumps will suffice if a bumpy road isn’t available.)
7. Keep your mouth shut. Listen for problems. Let the car’s owner do all the talking.
8. Try parking the car in a busy lot. Urban dwellers should parallel park the car. Both are good low-speed indicators of a vehicle’s visibility.

End of the Drive

1. If still interested, find out when you can have the car inspected by a mechanic.
2. Make notes right away so you can ask the mechanic about potential problems.
3. Rate the car from 1-5 stars to help you quickly sort among the cars you are viewing.
4. If you have any doubts, walk away. There are plenty of cars for sale.

Index: How To Test Drive a Used Car

1. Test Driving a Used Car
2. Before The Test Drive
3. While the Car Is Parked
4. Before Heading Out
5. On the Road
6. End of the Drive
7. QUICK REFERENCE-Part I
8. QUICK REFERENCE-Part II