Test Drive
Before the viewing
Be sure to have insurance before taking a car for a test drive and note that some sellers may want to see proof of this before the test drive. Short-term cover is a very affordable option which could cover you for a period of 24 hours.
If you are selling, try and arrange for someone like a friend or relative to be present with you and keep the keys with you, when outside of the car.
Essential checks
Try starting the car with a cold engine and if it does not start straight away or takes too long, it could be an indication of something being wrong with the engine.
Once the car has started check the level of noise from the exhaust. If the noise is excessive it could indicate holes in the exhaust.
The colour of the exhaust smoke is a good indicator of any problems there maybe with the car. White smoke is fine but a blue colour means there could be an internal oil leak, which can be very expensive to repair.
Always turn the steering wheel to the left and the right, locking it each way. It should lock smoothly, without any banging or knocking sounds.
Check the handbrake by ensuring it is able to hold the car. If it is unable to, then it will need sorting out.
The test drive
Drive on as many different road and surfaces as possible attempting to use all the gears as well as reverse.
The gear changes should be smooth and the bite of the clutch should be closer to the top. If the clutch is not functioning correctly, it could be expensive to replace.
Find an empty road where you can accelerate hard and brake sharply. Whilst braking there should be no noises and ensure the car does not pull to any side as this could mean the brakes or tyres could need examining.
Do not get distracted by the seller attempting to talk over any sounds or turning up the radio.
<< Back
Be sure to have insurance before taking a car for a test drive and note that some sellers may want to see proof of this before the test drive. Short-term cover is a very affordable option which could cover you for a period of 24 hours.
If you are selling, try and arrange for someone like a friend or relative to be present with you and keep the keys with you, when outside of the car.
Essential checks
Try starting the car with a cold engine and if it does not start straight away or takes too long, it could be an indication of something being wrong with the engine.
Once the car has started check the level of noise from the exhaust. If the noise is excessive it could indicate holes in the exhaust.
The colour of the exhaust smoke is a good indicator of any problems there maybe with the car. White smoke is fine but a blue colour means there could be an internal oil leak, which can be very expensive to repair.
Always turn the steering wheel to the left and the right, locking it each way. It should lock smoothly, without any banging or knocking sounds.
Check the handbrake by ensuring it is able to hold the car. If it is unable to, then it will need sorting out.
The test drive
Drive on as many different road and surfaces as possible attempting to use all the gears as well as reverse.
The gear changes should be smooth and the bite of the clutch should be closer to the top. If the clutch is not functioning correctly, it could be expensive to replace.
Find an empty road where you can accelerate hard and brake sharply. Whilst braking there should be no noises and ensure the car does not pull to any side as this could mean the brakes or tyres could need examining.
Do not get distracted by the seller attempting to talk over any sounds or turning up the radio.
<< Back