Buying a used car can save you thousands of dollars and may even open doors to models you couldn’t previously afford. But what steps can you take to feel more confident in your purchase? To help you find the right pre-owned vehicle to suit your needs, follow these steps when you’re ready for a test drive.
Test Driving a Used Car
Complete a personal and professional inspection
Look for any obvious red flags. You may not be a licensed mechanic, but a quick look at the exterior can tell you a lot about how this car was handled. Look for any dents, scratches, or imperfections in the paint. Check to see if the tires have been worn bare, and take a quick peek below the car to see if anything appears to be leaking or hanging down. Then pop the hood to see if the engine appears to be generally clean.
You’ll want to get a second opinion from an independent mechanic before you close the deal, but taking a few moments early in the process can save you the headache of test driving a car that has been poorly maintained.
Test every advertised feature
You want the price point to reflect the value, so make sure every available feature works as advertised. Test the air conditioning, play the radio, and even check to see that every USB port is active. If the car has powered or heated seats, give them a try to make sure these are in working order as well. Report any discrepancies to the sales team so that the issues can be fixed or the price can be adjusted appropriately.
Take ownership of your ride
Don’t feel intimidated by the salesperson in the passenger seat. Take your time. Make yourself comfortable. Drive the car the way you would if you owned it. Drive long enough to get a good feel of how the car handles, accelerates, turns, and brakes. From time to time, turn off the radio and air conditioning so that you can listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate the engine isn’t functioning properly.
Finally, take this opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have about the car or vehicle history report. Doing so will help you feel confident in your investment.
Test Drive a Used Car in Wilmington, NC
You’ll find no unwelcome surprises at Matthews Motors Wilmington. We offer a large inventory of used cars for sale in Wilmington, North Carolina, and our staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Give us a call or stop by our dealership to get started.
