One of the most important parts of buying a car is the test drive. A car might look to be in good condition at first glance, but it’s only out on the road that you’ll find out if it’s a gem or a dud.
These are the things the experts agree you should ask yourself.
1. Is it a case of just jumping in the car and heading down the road?
Mismatched paintwork could indicate an accident, while if there’s major damage or corrosion it could mean the car failed its last MOT, so you may not want to take the test drive at all.
Driving.co.uk also says that any rattles from the engine or warning lights should not be ignored, nor should smoke from the exhaust.
Yes, always, if you want to drive on the road. If you have your own car insurance, check with your insurance company to see if you can drive someone else’s car. If you don’t have insurance, a trader or private seller’s insurance might cover you – you will need to ask them.
Some insurers provide temporary car insurance of between one and 28 days, which you could take out to test drive a car for a longer period.
3. For how long should you take the car out?
It depends, but get as much time behind the wheel as you can, on a variety of roads. WhatCar.com assumes you’ll only get about 20 minutes behind the wheel, usually on routes dictated by the seller (dealers often have set routes).
4. What surfaces should you test the car on?
As many different surfaces as possible!
CarBuyer.co.uk recommends driving on “fast dual carriageways, slow country routes and stop-start, speed-bumped town roads” as this will give you an idea of how the car behaves in most of the situations in which you’re likely to be driving it.
Broken, potholed roads can be particularly revealing.
5. What should you be looking for while on the test drive?
It’s all very well going for a test drive, but if you don’t know what you’re looking for it’s difficult to know whether the car is OK or not.
Luckily, most of it will be obvious: unusual clunks from the suspension, or creaks and knocking sounds during tight turns can indicate problems, and if you’re struggling to find gears it could be a fault with the car, not you.
Gear changes should be smooth and the clutch should bite about half way along the pedal’s travel, according to Driving.co.uk. Automatic gearboxes should also be smooth, with no jerkiness.
Check braking power as well: it differs between cars, but brakes should “at least pull the car to a stop quickly and without pulling to one side”. You should also check that the car doesn’t pull left or right when travelling in a straight line at a constant speed.
6. How can you test a car’s key features and specifications?
Each type of car will require a different focus.
“In terms of equipment, don’t expect executive levels of luxury in a supermini,” WhatCar.com says. “Instead, compare like with like, and standard equipment between competing models, to establish the value for money you’re getting.
7. What questions should you ask the salesperson?
Motoring journalist Leon Poultney says that although traders are trying to do a deal they can be turned into trusted advisers by simply asking what options and trim levels to avoid – certain features, such as colour options, may be a turn-off to prospective buyers when you come to sell yourself.
“Always ask ‘How low can you go on price’,” says Poultney. “It should give you an idea of wiggle room, but remember you may be able to get an even sweeter deal than they initially say.
Taking a test drive is important, but what to look out for – rattles, noises, comfort, reliability – is pretty simple to see. Just take your time and make sure that your purchase ticks all the boxes.