After you have inspected the used car both inside and out (How to Inspect a Used Car), it is time to do a road test, or test drive. Again, it is wise to bring a friend or co-worker (the “observer”), as two sets of eyes are very helpful for many of these observations.
The goal of the road test is to observe anything that seems out of the ordinary. Strange sounds, vibrations, or smells typically mean something is mechanically wrong. Trust your instinct and have the car checked out by a certified automobile technician (The Pre-Purchase Inspection).
An Outline of a Road Test
The test drive will take about twenty minutes. During that period, you will be observing several different systems of the vehicle including the:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Climate Control
- Brakes
- Steering
- Suspension
If you are unsure of how an individual vehicle is expected to perform during a road test (you are test driving a pick-up truck for the first time, and you are used to driving an economy car), find another identical car or truck to drive the same route. Even if you are familiar with the vehicle, it is still often good advice to drive more than one example.
