Tips for Test Driving a Used Car

Tips for Test Driving a Used Car
Advice from Dave Smith Nissan of Spokane, WA
Before You Test Drive a Used Car…
What should I look for during the test drive?
Bringing a trusted friend or family member along on the test drive isn’t a bad idea for many reasons, not the least of which is having another set of eyes and ears on board. Because they won’t be as emotionally invested in the car as you, they may see things more objectively.
First, start with a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s exterior. Look at the body panels to see if everything looks good. Look under the car for anything that’s hanging down, and look for drips of fluid under the vehicle. Also, take a look at the condition of the tires. If they don’t match or show wear, it’s not a total disqualifier, but you may want to budget for replacements.
Where should I drive the car?
If you’re considering buying a pre-owned car from a dealership, you’ll likely have to go there to take a test drive. However, some dealers are increasing their home delivery options, so you may be able to find one that’s willing to bring the car to your home. Contact Dave Smith Nissan for more information about this.
The location you choose to drive needs to have easy access to a variety of roads. While driving around a parking lot for a few minutes can tell you many things about a car, you’ll also want someplace where you can get up to highway speeds. Driving on a rough road is a great way to identify any noises and suspension issues.
Check out the interior features then hit the road
Once you’re in the car, you want to get comfortable by setting the seats, mirrors, and steering wheel into a good position. Make sure you can see what you need to see through the windshield, in the mirrors, and across the dash. You need to find a car that offers both visibility and comfort. Also, check out the heating and air conditioning system. Even if it’s cold outside, you’ll want to make sure the A/C works, and certainly the heater. Manually adjust the fan, making sure you don’t hear any noises. Use the dash controls to redirect the air to the floor, dash vents, and defroster to ensure all of the modes work.
The Next Step
If your test drive goes well and it looks like you want the vehicle, you might want to get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic. A qualified mechanic will be able to identify issues you missed on the test drive, but they’ll also be able to take your checklist of problems and tell you how much each will cost to fix.
Dave Smith offers Certified Pre-Owned Nissan vehicles
If eliminating buying risk is an important thing for you, you should consider a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Nissan. CPO Nissan vehicles come with a stamp of approval because each goes through a 167 point inspection and each vehicle includes a comprehensive warranty package. Potential buyers are also able to view a Carfax Vehicle History Report.
Dave Smith Nissan of Spokane has a large variety of Certified Used Cars for you to choose from. You are invited to view their online inventory here.