Having appraised thousand of vehicles, here is the simple steps I used on every test drive, I don't expect you to be an expert overnight but pick up a few pointers will help you getting valid value for your bucks.
Starting the test drive...drive the car slowly at first, feel and count the shift changes, Any slipping ? Any hesitation ? Any vibrations ?
Drive... long enough to get the engine warm as most cars indicator lights warning of engine trouble wont glow until it is thoroughly warmed up.
One of the most important steps in the whole process when buying a used vehicle is taking it on the Highway for a test drive,if you don't here, are some things you could experience that you would not have noticed driving the car around the area
- does it handle well on the on-ramp
- does it merge well into traffic
- how's your vision over your shoulder when merging and changing lanes
- excessive wind noise from windows
- Whirring sound from tires
- Testing cruise control
- Is there a lag between stepping on gas and accelerating
- At 100 km an hour hit the brake - does it pulsate? Does it pull left or right? Does the body of car swerve?
- Does engine strain at high speeds?
- Acceleration satisfactory when passing?
You may have heard the term a car feels TIGHT if you have tested all of the above questions and you feel the car passed every test and you've been feeling like the car responds like being part of you when driving then the vehicle is TIGHT and you could consider bringing it home.
Remember the Dealer can't tell you that a car handles the way you like - you have to find out on your own.
From experience about 80% of consumers buy a used car without testing the vehicle on the highway, and a huge percentage of these buyers will return within 24 hrs with some problems related to above questions
About the Author:Involved in the automotive industry for 30 years. Areas of knowledge and expertise include Management, Retail and Wholesale, Auctions, Appraisals, Vintage Automotive. I am currently retired, and spend much of my time working on my website and helping others www.usedcartips.org
Latest Automotive Articles
Hydrogen for Cars - Build Your Own Hydrogen Generator Car
By: Richard Legg | 26/07/2008
If you are one of the many people who are looking to make some savings on gasoline, or are trying to find ways to increase gas mileage, then you have probably heard talk of hydrogen for cars and ways to build your own hydrogen generator car. And if you are anything like me, you probably thought that it all sounded ridiculous and a bit Sci Fi.
Picking the Best Auto School
By: Tom Tessin | 25/07/2008
If you have an ambition of making it big in the automotive industry, you have to plan yourself for success and hard work. However, if you have ambitions more than just been a lube mechanic or a tire mechanic, get education from a good automotive repair or automobile training school.
A...
Water As Fuel For Your Car
By: James Gold | 25/07/2008
Recently the internet has been raving with topics about converting car to run on water as fuel supplementing the gasoline consumption.
This is highly attributed to the fact of soaring oil prices and global environmental issues.
It is pressing for common individuals relying on car transportation to make a living and many...
Taking a Glance at Electronic Automotives
By: Tom Tessin | 25/07/2008
Everything around has become smarter with the invention of technology, especially electronic automobiles or automotives. With the invention of electronic and digital components, life in the office and home has become much easier than it could have been.
Life for auto users has become easier and comfortable due to the increase...
What is a Hypermiler?
By: Mick Legg | 24/07/2008
I came across what I thought was a new word the other day "Hypermiler." I had just come home and caught the end of some show or documentary on the TV and it kept referring to this strange word "Hypermiler." Now as I didn't know what it meant but the...
Leasing vs. Buying a New Car
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
Getting a new car is always an exciting time - whether the car is bought outright or leased from the dealership. Many people believe that their car, much like their home, is an extension of the person they are or indicative of the person that they may become. A car...
How to Find Good Motorcycle Boots
By: Frank Medley | 24/07/2008
Your motorcycle boots need to be able to do a variety of things. You want them to be comfortable, but also sturdy and protective. They must also have great traction and not wear out quickly. The reality is that a motorcycle boot must also be able to protect you properly...
How Gas Discount Cards Save You Money on Gas
By: Tom Tessin | 23/07/2008
At present, people have started complaining on the skyrocketing gas price and are finding difficult to pay for it.
The introduction of gas discount cards acted as a boon for auto users, as they have made them to purchase auto fuel at an affordable price. Certainly, this is also a good...
Automotive 
