On the Road: The Test Drive

Never buy a used car without test-driving it first – and don’t rush this step. A proper test drive will tell you a lot about the car’s condition and whether it’s a good fit for you. Here’s what to do on your test drive:

• Vary your route: Drive the car in different conditions. Start in a neighborhood or city setting to feel how it behaves at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. If possible, also take it on a highway to see how it performs at higher speeds . You’ll learn different things on city streets vs. the highway – for example, a car might feel fine at 30 mph but vibrate or wander at 60+ mph.

  
  

• Acceleration and engine performance: Accelerate normally and also try a quick acceleration if safe (like merging onto a highway). The engine should respond smoothly without hesitations, stuttering, or strange noises. For an automatic transmission, shifts between gears should be barely noticeable – no hard jerks or slipping. Listen for any clunk when shifting into Drive or Reverse on an automatic ; a loud clunk could indicate transmission or engine mount issues.

  
  

• Braking: Find a safe stretch of road and do a firm brake from about 30–40 mph. The car should brake in a straight line without pulling sharply left or right, and without any ABS warning lights. No squealing or grinding noises should come from the brakes (. A slight vibration in the brake pedal could just mean the brake rotors are a bit warped (a common wear item), but heavy shuddering or poor braking effect is a red flag.

  
  

• Steering and handling: Note how the car steers. The steering should feel responsive and not excessively loose. On a straight road, see if the car tracks straight or drifts (hands lightly on the wheel) – pulling to one side could indicate an alignment issue or uneven tire pressure. When you make a turn and straighten out, the steering wheel should return to center smoothly on its own. Listen for any clicking or clunking noises when turning at low speeds (which could indicate CV joint or suspension issues).

  
  

• Suspension: Drive over a few bumps or rough patches. The car should absorb minor bumps without excessive bouncing. Clunks or rattles over bumps could mean worn shock absorbers or suspension bushings. An older truck or SUV may ride a bit stiffer, but you still shouldn’t hear alarming noises.

  
  

• Noise check: During the test drive, turn off the radio and fan for a while so you can listen for odd noises. Pay attention to any unusual engine sounds, whining from the transmission or axle, or wind noise from windows at higher speeds. Any persistent strange noise is worth investigating.

  
  

• Climate control and comfort: If you haven’t already, turn on the air conditioning while driving to ensure it blows cold and doesn’t strain the engine too much. Also test the heater. Make sure the cabin remains comfortable and that using these systems doesn’t cause any erratic behavior (like the car stalling when A/C is on, which would be abnormal).

  
  

• Dashboard monitors: Keep an eye on the gauges and warning lights as you drive. The temperature gauge should stay in the normal range (roughly mid gauge) once warmed up. No new warning lights should pop up. If the check engine light comes on during your drive, that’s a concern – you’d need to find out why.

  
  

• Parking and maneuvers: Try parallel parking or a three-point turn to get a feel for the car’s turning radius and to see if the steering remains smooth at full wheel lock. This is also a good time to test the parking brake – stop on a slight incline, set the parking brake, and see if it holds the car in place . A weak parking brake might just need adjustment, but it’s good to know.

  
  

• Overall feel: Ask yourself if anything feels “off.” Does the car start easily and idle smoothly? Does it accelerate, brake, and turn without drama? Trust your instincts – if the car feels labored or exhibits worrisome behavior, you may want to have a mechanic inspect that specific issue or consider a different vehicle.

  
  

During the drive, don’t hesitate to ask the seller about anything you notice. A private seller might explain a car’s quirks, and a dealer might offer to fix an issue as part of the deal. If you still like the car after a thorough test drive and inspection, the next steps are getting a professional opinion and negotiating the sale.

Consider a Professional Inspection.

Even if the car seems to check out fine in your own inspection and test drive, it’s often worth getting a second opinion from a professional mechanic. You may not spot every issue – especially those lurking underneath or inside the engine. An experienced mechanic can put the car on a lift and perform a detailed evaluation, including a diagnostic scan of the engine computer for error codes.

Many auto repair shops or mobile inspection services offer pre-purchase inspections for a fee (often around $100–$200, although some comprehensive inspections can cost a bit more). While it’s an added expense, it can save you from expensive surprises down the road. In fact, a professional used-car inspection by a trained mechanic is “critical to uncover issues that aren’t visible” to an untrained eye. If the inspection reveals serious problems, you can walk away or renegotiate the price to account for needed repairs.

If a seller refuses to let a mechanic inspect the car, consider that a major red flag. A reputable seller (dealer or private) should accommodate a pre-purchase inspection. For remote or online purchases where you can’t see the car in person, hiring a local mechanic or inspection service to check the car for you is highly recommended.

Negotiating and Closing the Deal

So you’ve found the right used car, checked its history, inspected it thoroughly, and test-driven it – now you’re ready to buy. The final steps are negotiation and paperwork:

• Negotiate the price: Use the research you did on market value and any issues you discovered during inspection as leverage in price negotiations. Point out anything that might require money to fix (worn tires, upcoming maintenance, minor cosmetic damage) politely and see if the seller is willing to come down on price. Remember, negotiations should be friendly and reasonable – you’re aiming for a fair deal for both parties. If you’re at a dealership, be prepared for some back-and-forth. Since you’ve done your homework on pricing, you’ll know if their offer is in a reasonable range or not.

  
  

• Understand “As Is” vs. Warranty: If you’re buying from a dealer, look at the Buyers Guide sticker that’s required to be displayed on the car. By law, dealers have to show whether a used car is being sold “as is” (no warranty) or with a warranty. If it’s “as is,” the dealer isn’t obligated to fix problems that arise after purchase, so double-check you’re comfortable with the car’s condition. If a limited warranty is offered, the Buyers Guide will list what parts are covered and for how long. Make sure any promises the dealer makes are written into the contract and reflected on the Buyers Guide – spoken promises can be hard to enforce later. Don’t sign anything until you’ve read and understood it. For private sales, cars are generally sold as is by default (unless you arrange something different in writing).

  
  

• Paperwork: Ensure all the paperwork is in order. For a private sale, you’ll typically need the vehicle’s title (signed over to you by the seller), a bill of sale, and then you’ll go to your local motor vehicle office to handle the transfer of ownership. Verify that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the car – it sounds obvious, but always check. If the seller still owes money on the car (there’s a lien), make arrangements to pay off the lien and get the title from the lender. Never pay a private seller for a car without getting a proper title signed over, or you could be left without legal ownership.

  
  

• Fees and taxes: In a dealer sale, the finance/business office will walk you through title and registration paperwork. There will be sales tax (in most locales) and possibly dealer document fees – review these line by line. In a private sale, you may pay sales tax when you register the car, depending on your state/province.

  
  

• Payment and final exchange: For private transactions, it’s wise to exchange payment and title at a bank if possible. Cashier’s checks or bank transfers are safer than carrying large amounts of cash. Make sure you get all sets of keys and any remote fobs for the car. If the car has owner’s manuals or service records, collect those too.

  
  

• Insurance: Don’t forget to arrange insurance to take effect as soon as you take ownership of the car (in fact, in many places you need proof of insurance to register it). Call your insurance provider beforehand so you’re covered when driving your “new” used car home.

  
  

Finally, once everything is signed and you have the keys in hand, congratulate yourself! You’ve navigated the hard part – now you can enjoy your car.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with all the guidance above, it’s easy to make mistakes when buying a used car. Here are some common pitfalls to be mindful of (and avoid):

• Falling in love with one car: Don’t let excitement cloud your judgment. One of the biggest mistakes is getting emotionally attached to a specific car model or a particular vehicle you’ve seen (. This can lead you to overlook problems or pay more than you should. Stay objective and be ready to walk away if something isn’t right – there are always other cars out there.

• Skipping the test drive: As mentioned, never skip the test drive. It’s surprising, but some buyers don’t thoroughly test a used car before purchase – a known mistake according to experts . Always drive a car in various conditions to spot potential issues. A 10-minute spin around the block is not enough; take your time.

• Not doing your research: Going in blind on price and model information is risky. Avoid diving in without adequate research on the car’s reliability, common issues, and market value . Use resources online to educate yourself first. This will help you identify a fair deal and steer clear of notoriously problematic models.

• Ignoring the vehicle history: Failing to check the car’s history report or not asking the seller about past accidents and repairs can lead to nasty surprises later. Always review the vehicle history report (Carfax, etc.) and ask about maintenance records. If a dealer or seller is reluctant to share the history report, that’s a red flag. Not asking about a used car’s history is cited as a frequent mistake – you want to know if the car has been through events like accidents or flooding .

• Skipping a mechanic inspection: Just because the car looks and drives fine to you doesn’t guarantee it’s perfect. Many buyers make the mistake of not getting a used car checked by a mechanic . A pro inspection can reveal hidden issues (for instance, frame damage or engine problems) that you might miss. Invest a little now to avoid huge expenses later.

• Rushing the deal due to pressure: Whether it’s a salesperson pressuring you that “someone else is interested” or your own impatience, don’t rush. Take the time to follow all the steps – research, inspect, test drive, and consider. High-pressure tactics are a sign to slow down, not speed up. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, take a step back or come back another day. A good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow, and if it’s gone, it wasn’t meant to be.

• Neglecting paperwork details: Another pitfall is not double-checking the paperwork. Make sure everything that was agreed upon is written in the contract/bill of sale. Verify that the title is clean (no liens) and will be properly transferred to you. It’s easier to sort out errors or omissions before you sign than after.

By keeping these cautions in mind, you can avoid buyer’s remorse and costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Buying a used car can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not a gearhead. But with the right approach, it can be rewarding and economical. Remember to take it step by step: choose the right type of vehicle for your needs, do your research, check the history, inspect and test drive the car, and handle the purchase details carefully. When you invest time and diligence into the process, you greatly increase your chances of ending up with a reliable ride and a great deal.

In the end, the goal is to drive away confident that you made the right choice. Armed with this guide and checklist, you’ll be well prepared to find a used sedan, SUV, or truck that you can enjoy for years to come. Happy car hunting!

 A variety of used cars on a dealership lot. Shopping for a used car offers many choices – take your time to find the one that best fits your needs. 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and inspect the car with the seller or dealer. A reputable seller will allow you to thoroughly examine and test drive the vehicle.

 Checking under the hood is a crucial part of the inspection. Look for any signs of leaks, poor maintenance, or parts that might need replacement. 

Take the car on a thorough test drive, including highway driving if possible. This will help you detect any performance or handling issues that may not be obvious at low speeds.

Seal the deal only after you’ve done all the checks and are satisfied. Whether at a dealership or in a private sale, complete the paperwork properly and ensure you get a clear title.