Tips for Test Driving a Used Car

Before stepping behind the wheel of the car you're test driving, take a walk around the outside to inspect the exterior. First, take notice of the overall size of the vehicle. This is especially important if you often navigate tight parking spaces or need to fit in a garage. Also, the car's paint color can be distorted by a computer or phone screen, so it's important to make sure the color is still what you expect in person. Lastly, we recommend closely observing the wheels, bumpers, and fenders for any imperfections.

After evaluating the exterior, you should look inside and do the same. Inspecting the interior will ensure that you have enough space for your cargo and passengers and that everything is functioning and in good condition. Starting in the trunk, make sure it has enough space for any cargo you frequently need to carry. An important thing to remember when doing this is that if you're moving or doing something that requires you to move lots of cargo at one time, you probably won't need all that space on your everyday drives after that move. Remembering this will ensure that you don't end up with a full-size SUV when all you'll need for your daily drives is a sedan. Next, make sure the back seat has enough room for any passengers you frequently bring along. Finally, it's time to get behind the wheel. The first thing you should do when you get behind the wheel is adjusting the seat and mirrors to where they are comfortable for you. Then, test out the controls and touchscreen on the center stack to ensure they're working properly and within easy reach.

Now that you've made sure you like how the vehicle looks, it's time to make sure you like how it drives. To get the most out of your test drive, there are a few important things you should do. First, try to take a route that offers varying conditions. For instance, if you can find a route that takes you through stop and go driving, winding roads, and roads that require higher speed, this will give you a feel for how the car performs on any road you travel on. As you drive, pay attention first to the car's acceleration and make a note of how quickly it gains speed and how smoothly the transmission operates. Also be sure to listen for any noises that could be out of the ordinary. As you drive through turns, pay attention to how easy the steering wheel turns and note any unusual difficulties. When you come to a stop, it is critical to your safety that you pay close attention to the brake's performance. Notice how quickly the car comes to a complete stop and listen for any grinding or squealing noises. Additionally, make sure to take note of how the pedal feels under your foot, as a pedal that is too hard or too easy to press can become a safety hazard.

We hope that with this page, you can more confidently take a test drive and make the decision on which car is right for you. If you're still searching for your next used car, please consider the inventory here at Bud's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We have dozens of high-quality used cars that have been serviced, cleaned, and inspected to meet our top-notch quality standards. Shop our full used inventory right here on our website or visit our sales team in-store where an expert will happily show you our used inventory and accompany you on a test drive. We look forward to earning your business!