What To Look For When Test Driving a Used Vehicle

You’re looking for a vehicle but would like a bit more for your money. A used vehicle is a great choice for those of us on a budget who want something with some experience under the hood.

When you find the right one, take the time to look it over. Make sure it is in good condition; the body does not exhibit any damage, the tires are properly inflated with good tread, and the interior looks great. Then you pop open the hood. You want to make there are no issues with the engine, driveline, suspension, steering, brakes, and the chassis.

The next thing you want to do is to test drive it. To see if your next used vehicle is right for you.

U.S. News and World Report came up with some tips on what to look for when you are testing a used vehicle. They suggest that before you actually see the vehicle you are interested in, you do a little research on it.

We sometimes get busy with work. However, it is recommended to schedule your test drive during daytime hours. That way, you can experience the vehicle when you can examine everything in the light.

If you have more than one you want to see, allocate a block of time to inspect and drive them – approximately 20-30 minutes per vehicle. And know the type of driving route you want to take near the dealership to test out how it responds to you and that environment.

What should you look for when test-driving the vehicle? Feel the acceleration when you merge onto a highway or just go from a stop sign. Feel how the brakes work from the pedal to the wheels. Braking response is a telling sign of whether they will need servicing soon. When you turn the wheel, check to see how well the front wheels respond to the movement. There should be no vibrations or negative feedback.

A key thing to look for is how well you see out of your vehicle – front, back, and along the sides. A vehicle with good visibility should not yield any blind spots. This is also where you get to see how the driver assistance features, such as blind spot monitoring, work for you. While we’re there, you should check how the rear-view camera works when you’re backing up. You may want to bring your devices to test the infotainment system’s connectivity in the vehicles you are considering.

Lastly, take a moment to inspect the vehicle’s build quality. Has the interior held up over time? Are switches, instrumentation, and climate control systems functioning properly? Are you also hearing any road, wind, and/or tire noise around the vehicle when you are driving it?

It does take some time behind the wheel of your next used vehicle to see if it will become truly yours. At Barry’s Chevrolet, we’ll work with you to find the right vehicle that fits you the best. Contact us, and let’s get your journey to your next vehicle started.