What To Check When Test Driving A Used Car

Examination driving a used auto is quite dissimilar to testing a new car. You lot still need to cheque the car meets your needs, just you also need to cheque it's in decent condition.

Used car test drive checks

Test-driving a used motorcar often involves more checks than a make-new car. You however need to make sure the automobile meets your needs in terms of size, space, practicality and how it drives, but you as well demand to check the car is in decent status.
Earlier you lot examination drive a used motorcar, you should requite it a thorough going over inside and out, looking for any potential signs of trouble. That means looking over the body, as well as in the cabin, under the bonnet, and in the boot.

Trunk and paintwork

First, accept a good wait for any damage to the body: scratches, dents then on. Look for uneven gaps between the panels, too, as they could indicate bug underneath like poor repairs or damage from an blow.
If you're looking at a convertible, make sure the roof is in practiced condition. Keep an heart out for any tears in a soft top and check information technology all operates smoothly. The paint should exist an even colour all over the car. If information technology's not, that could be the sign of a shoddy repair. If any of the paintwork is bubbling up, be very wary, every bit this could well exist a sign of rust.

Tyres and suspension

Bank check the tyres have plenty tread on them. You lot tin can do this with the edge of a coin: insert a 20p coin into the grooves of the tyre – if the outer band is covered, the tyre is legal. Make sure whatsoever wear is even right across the tread. If it'southward non, this could exist a sign of something wrong with the break.
To check suspension, push down each corner of the car. If the automobile doesn't smoothly bounciness back upwards once again, there could be problems.

Cabin checks

Don't forget to check lights and indicators work, and that there's no damage to the lenses.
Make sure the mileage is consequent with the paperwork, then check the wearable in the car matches the miles on the clock. If the odometer says depression miles, but the steering bike or gear lever is smoothen, pedal rubbers are worn and cloth on the seats is frayed – the mileage may be much higher. Take a moment to see if the motel is comfortable, tin y'all see and reach everything easily enough? The key to a successful test bulldoze is to accept your time and bank check everything works: • Practice the seat belts pull out and retract smoothly? • Practice the adjustments on the seat and steering wheel work ok? • Practise the electrical windows or mirrors piece of work properly? • If the car has sabbatum-nav fitted, cheque information technology knows where yous are • Bank check the ventilation blows hot and cold and doesn't make any strange noises • Check all the equipment, including central locking, the stereo, interior lights and whatever trip calculator that's fitted. • If there are any controls on the steering wheel, make sure they work as well.

Car seats and boot

If possible, take your children to the test drive to see if they accept plenty room in the dorsum. If you utilize kid seats, take them with you and check they fit – simply check this is ok with the possessor before you practise so.
Picture your average week – is there enough room for shopping bags, prams and kids? Tin you fold the rear seats easily? When looking at the kicking, cheque if there'south a spare wheel and that it'southward in good condition. Besides assess if the kick is easy enough to get stuff in and out of.

Hyundai i10

Examination driving a used car

Commencement upwards, feel the bonnet to make sure y'all're starting the engine is starting from cold. This tin assist you spot any starting bug.
When driving, the engine should be placidity and smooth. Listen for unusual noises or rattles, and check for excessive fume when starting the car and when driving. • The steering should feel even and responsive, information technology shouldn't vibrate or feel lax. • Gears changes shouldn't crunch, and the clutch should bite at a reasonable bespeak – if the pedal is also high when it bites, the clutch might be worn. • Brakes should exist responsive, and the machine should stop in a straight line. If possible, match your examination drive to your usual journeys – whether that's on motorways or B-roads. And while you're out and nearly, practice manoeuvres and parking. If you lot accept time, driving on unlike types of road could give you lot a more rounded thought of what information technology'll be similar to bulldoze. As much as you're checking to come across if the car has any faults, y'all should likewise make sure you're comfortable getting in and out and driving effectually. The machine could be in slap-up condition, merely not right for you lot.

Does my car insurance cover a exam bulldoze?

If you're examination-driving as office of a individual sale, you'll need to cheque y'all're insured to exam drive the automobile.
Your auto insurance should specify that yous can "drive another car with the possessor's permission". This is normally third-political party just. If it doesn't, the seller might be able to extend their ain insurance to cover any test drive. Ask to check the seller's insurance if y'all're unsure. Alternatively, you can enquire your insurer for a temporary comprehensive embrace – which could be helpful if you plan on test-driving several cars. Dealerships normally have a special comprehend but bank check to brand sure this is the example.

Used machine paperwork checks

The car should come with documents detailing its maintenance history and previous owners. Always brand sure this paperwork is in order before you lot buy a used car.
Paperwork to ask for includes:

V5C registration certificate (logbook)

This tells you the basics about the car's history, including previous owners and its current registered owner. Check the seller's address is the aforementioned equally the one on the V5C registration certificate.
Also check who the car's registered possessor is. If it's not the seller, they may not be entitled to sell the vehicle. This doesn't e'er mean the car was stolen – they may be trying to sell the machine with outstanding finance (and may not fifty-fifty know it's illegal to do so). If you purchase a automobile with outstanding finance, even in skillful faith, you lot'll inherit any debt and it'll be your responsibility to settle the debt. Acquire more about buying a car with outstanding finance.

MOT certificate

If a machine is more than 3 years one-time, it must laissez passer an almanac MOT and get an MOT certificate that shows the vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. Without an MOT certificate, cars cannot be insured and so cannot legally exist driven on the road.
Always bank check the MOT certificate has the same vehicle registration and chassis number every bit the car you're viewing. Also cheque the mileage on the MOT certificate matches the mileage on the odometer. If possible, enquire for old MOT certificates too – this will testify you previous annual mileage figures and give you an idea of how much use the machine is getting (and much longer it'll final).

Get a free MOT check

You can become a free MOT check on the Gov.britain website. Merely enter the vehicle's registration number and either the MOT test number or, if this isn't available, the document reference number from the V5C logbook.

Receipt

If yous buy the auto, become a receipt that specifies the make, model, engine size, registration and chassis number. It should also include your address, the seller's address and the corporeality paid. Both buyer and seller should sign and engagement the receipt.
Larn more almost the paperwork needed to purchase a used car.

MOT certificate

Should I get a vehicle check?

Every machine listed on Auto Trader undergoes a free 5-point background check to assistance ensure it has not been stolen, scrapped, written off, imported or exported so you tin can shop with a sure peace of mind.
But you can likewise become a full vehicle check to be certain about a automobile's history and its value. Auto Trader'southward vehicle cheque service covers all central points – including the automobile'due south history, legal status, mileage, specifications, pollution and emissions ratings. It also gives you lot a money-back guarantee of up to £30,000 or purchase price for two years. Learn more than about vehicle history checks.

Negotiating cost

Remember, even if a car does have some damage, you lot don't accept to walk away. If the damage is but pocket-size, y'all can ask the seller to go it stock-still earlier y'all buy the automobile or to knock a few quid off the price.
Browse used cars on Auto Trader.