Buying a new car is an exciting time. It’s also a big investment so it’s one you want to make sure you get right. You could be paying tens of thousands of pounds for your new vehicle so you’d be wise to do your research properly before signing on the dotted line.
Whether you’re buying your dream car from a Mercedes Dealership or a second-hand vehicle through the AA – https://www.theaa.com/used-cars/, always take the car for a test drive. When you’ve set your sights on your dream car, it can be hard to look at it objectively which means you could miss some crucial warning signs.
To avoid making a choice that’s going to cause you more of a headache than anything else, below we share five things to look out for when test driving a car.
Is it suited to your driving needs?
Test drive your car where you’ll be using it the most. If it’s a commuter car for example, head to the motorway. If you’ll be driving down winding country roads, go there because it’s important to know that the car drives comfortably where you need it to.
The engine
Without a decent engine, your new car isn’t going very far. Look out for excessive exhaust smoke, strange noises, oil leaks and also make sure you start the car from cold. A warm engine can potentially mask issues.
Brakes
Your and other road users’ safety is dependent on the effectiveness of your brakes. When you apply the brakes, the car should stop in a straight line and there shouldn’t be any vibrations or rubbing noises. It’s also a good idea to test the handbrake on a hill start – there shouldn’t be any slippage.
Signs it has been in an accident
A car that has been involved in a minor altercation is unlikely to cause you any long-term problems but one which has been in a serious accident could affect the safety and roadworthiness of the vehicle.
If you’re buying second-hand, you’re relying on the honesty of someone who is likely to be a complete stranger so it’s a good idea to know how to spot the signs that a car has been involved in an accident.
Remember to check the outside too
Don’t forget to have a thorough inspection of the outside of the vehicle because this can give you a good idea about the health of the car.
Things to look out for include:
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