I'm planning on buying a car and i was wondering what should i check on when i'm test driving...?

Question

I'm planning on buying a car and i was wondering what should i check on when i'm test driving...

Answer 1

Carfax it first if it's used, if you're not too knowledgeable on cars bring it to a mechanic for an inspection. Keep the radio off while driving and listen for odd abnormal noises, test all the electrical components to make sure they work. When done check underneath the car to make sure the oil pan/filter is not dripping oil and check the tranny pan to make sure it's not leaking. Check tires for wear, thickness of brakepads (if you can see), condition of rotors (should be smooth) etc.

Answer 2

Well you need to test all the internal functions such as wipers, lights, cruise, defrost, a/c, heat, vent, radio, cd player, seat adjustors, and dash lights, etc, also when driving note how the steering, brakes, traction control is, if it has a sun or moon roof open and shut it. I would have the sales person lift the hood and show me where things were located and note any wear and tear in there like taped wires, etc. If you are buying brand new usually there's not alot of stuff to worry about but you have to check, and be sure you get the VIN because you want to look it up before you commit to buying whether used or old because alot of the Hurricane Katrina cars were shipped to different states to sell and you could get a car and wind up with a mess down the road. Also you would be smart if it's a used car to put the money down for a smart choice or some sort of warrantee in addition to the Lemon Law one because if something big goes you would be stuck and say if it's a timing chain, gasket, transmission, you'd be out a ton of money yet still owe on the car so that's the smart thing to do. Also alot of places now offer at $150.00 extra insurance so if you were in a car accident and the car was totalled (you would not get full price if you have a loan on it as car values go down so fast) the insurance money you get would not pay off the car so for that extra $150.00 insurance while you ahve a loan that lender would pick up the rest of the cost of the loan for you, so at least you wouldn't owe money on a totalled car. Just some tips, I'm buying a car very shortly myself and really looked around and asked people what to look for and check out for insurance ect.

Answer 3

First...Look at the body lines. Make sure they are equally spaced all over the vehicle. This will be one way to tell if it has been wrecked. Then look at the color from panel to panel and make sure its the same color and not a different shade. While driving, look for any smoking from the exaust or odd smells from the vents. Then find a big parking lot and turn the vehicle all the way right and left and drive slowly in a circle. Listen for any "clicking." this will tell you if the tie-rod are good. Clicking = Bad. Look under the hood and look for any leaks around the head and listing for knocking in the engine. Most used car dealers can also do a CarFax report. Have them do that while you are on the test drive.

Answer 4

get a professional to test it. like the mobile mechanics with 100 point tests and written guarantee. some major vehicle testers have the 100 point (or less, or more) tests that include an insurance warranty. for the price of a check you will save thousands.

so test drive it, and if you like it ask if you can get it tested by someone of YOUR choosing. look through the phone book for a reputable tester.

you will not be sorry, I was when I thought I knew what I was doing, and it was a very pretty lemon. for NZ$120 I would have saved 3,000. better to lose 120 dont you think?

Answer 5

Definitely www.carfax.com. Also, if you are buying it from an individual, you need to make sure there are no tickets or penalty fees due to the DMV.

Answer 6

brake, accelration, noise,haking,warning lights,stop lights, head lights, wiper, wiper liquid, CDplayer and radio and cassete, transmittion changes smoothly, AT or MT , many things!