How to test a secondhand car

A test drive is just a formality for many used-car buyers, but even buyers who do not know much about cars really need to pay attention to this important part of acquiring a used car.

Before anything else, check that you will be covered by the owner’s insurance if incase you crash the car during the test or is it, “crash it, it’s considered sold.”I have heard a few instances where the buyer crashes the car while testing. One was a new driver who was looking to buy his new car. The car that he crashed turned out to be his first car.

After the liabilities are clear, take a dispassionate look at this vehicle before test driving it. Entertain all the q’s inside your head like, Will it suit your use? Will it fit your garage space? Is it high enough to conquer the floods while going to work? Do you like its looks? Will you fall “out of love” for it after 2 years of ownership? Is it the right size for you and the family?

If it passes most of your questions, take a seat behind the wheel, but wait a few minutes before commencing the test drive. Ask yourself, are you comfortable? If not, adjust the seat and mirrors to suit you. Check your feet if they can reach the pedals comfortably. If all is good, you can now turn on the engine.

Before you proceed for a test drive, open the hood and check the engine for oil leaks. Open the engine cap and with a flashlight, peek at the insides of the engine if it’s dirty and not.  Dark colored burn oil sticking to the engine parts is usually a sign that the owner has not done a good job of maintaining oil change intervals. In the interior,fiddle with the controls (indicators stalks, wipers, headlights and hazard lights, to name a few). Crank up the audio system and check all its functions work, and try the air conditioning on different settings. Does the glove box open easily and close securely? A good indicator that the car has undergone bad handling are broken and faded, non-functioning switches or dash panels that don’t fit well, or lids and compartments that don’t close properly.

If it’s a high-end car, don’t forget to check all the other infotainment system if these are working up to specifications. That includes the GPS Sat Nav, smartphone connectivity, reversing camera display, the cabin lights and trim lights or even the sunroof, if one is fitted.

One way to pick the right car for your specific use is to imagine various scenarios such as loading shopping, picking up the kids or elderly passengers, and loading pushbikes or strollers. Imagine the kids sitting in the back seat and check if they have enough room to stretch out. Actual checking is always ideal.

Before you drive down the road, check the tailpipe and look for signs of smoke. While the engine is running, take out the engine oil cap and check for white smoke coming out of it. Walk away from a smoking engine and avoid an expensive fix. 

Drive the car on a number of different road surfaces. Seek out uphill winding roads, city streets, bad gravel roads with potholes, to see how the vehicle reacts. Test it on the kind of roads you expect to drive every day.  If you hear something unusual, its advisable to bring a qualified mechanic with you to check.

Test the power on clear roads, using it to pass and do sudden acceleration. Check if there is enough power to inspire confidence in driving it.

If it’s a manual, look for smooth gearshift and clutch action. Check if both feel precise and easy to use, or vague and notchy, or the clutch is slipping? Check if there are no gear crunches.

If you’re testing a 4WD, engage and disengage the 4WD to test how easy or intuitive it is to operate. If testing an automatic, test the smoothness of shifting.If it shifts appropriately at the right speed. There should be no abrupt jolts or lurches during shifts.

With the brakes, make sure it slows you in a straight, controlled manner. Brake softly, then aggressively to test the car’s reaction to sudden braking input. If it veers to one direction while your braking, that will mean it needs servicing.

Generally, a problem will always produce noise. Listen for excessive engine, interior, tire and suspension noise. 

Now, if you’re in the market for a used car, you’re ready to go out and test. Be tough, thorough and honest. Know what to look for and you’ll find the car that suits you best.  It is best to make a checklist of all these things. Remember, if the car doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!