ALT-1 Tips for Test Driving a used Car
Unless you're a car expert, be sure you take along a friend, relative or other person who knows all about cars. If you're looking at a used car offered for private sale, ask the seller for all required paperwork to make sure it is a perfectly legal transaction. If it involves a car on a dealership or used car lot, also be sure you see all the paperwork.
It is important that you know all about the prospective buy, including repair record, accident history, body condition and if the car had ever been damaged in a flood or other disaster. If there is any hesitation on your requests for information, turn around and go home.
Thoroughly check the used car with your expert companion(s). Inspect the quality of the interior and outside for wear or damage. If all is OK, it's time to hit the road. And be sure you hit it hard! Get the car out to the highway and drive it for at least 15 minutes at the speed limit. When you're in a safe area, try starting and stopping suddenly many times to make sure the brakes are in good condition. Drive at moderately high speed around curves and turns. If there is a rattling or shaking problem, it may indicate the car's frame was damaged in an accident.
When you're satisfied with the car's performance, and after a thorough look at the transmission, tires and under the hood by your expert(s), it is time to discuss price. You should have previously checked with the Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports to have an idea of what the used car is worth, based on mileage, condition and other factors.
If the exterior is a bit banged up, but you still want the car, try negotiating the price down if you intend to spend some money fixing it up. If you're buying from a used car lot or a dealership, you may want to request a 30-day return privilege.
