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Hey I plan on making an appointment to test drive a car at a used car place and this will be my first test drive ever. I’m already young (and female haha) so I don’t want to show any signs that I’m a newbie. Please just feel me in on anything before, after, or during the drive. Like will it cost, will I be alone, basic things to be aware of, ect ?

Thanks

4 Comments »

1. 

   Ask this:
   Is it a one owner? Was it a rental/lease car?Has it been in an accident?Was it a flood car??Can i get a carfax report on it BEFORE i buy it,that is IF i buy it.(DON’T take the dealers report for being any good).
   That alone will show that YOU know something about maybe buying a car.
   Now then:
   When driving take your hands off the steering wheel if road is not very busy and is straight/level surface to see if it pulls to one side or the other(if it does it may need tires,an alignment or mechanic parts).
   When braking does it brake evenly or pull to one side,does it make noise,groan.
   See what the RADIO stations are set on,if a dealer says an older person drove it and all or most stations are punk rock,rap,hard rock etc it may be that a younger person drove it.(u can catch the salesperson in a possible lie).
   When you first start the car does it smoke out the tailpipe(not good if it does).
   Does the engine make sounds like squeeling(bad belt(s).Is the engine clean(some dealers clean them).Is the oil level good,clean(some change oils).
   Radiator fluid clean,radiator cooling fins clean if you can see them,you will see the aluminum if coolant is low.
   Is the coolant overflow tank clean or filthy(may be a bad sign if filthy).
   Turn ALL the lights on and LOOK to see they all work,same with interior lights,do all the switches work?
   Is the trunk dirty,LOOK UNDER the mat if you can pull one side up.
   LOOK under the seats for garbage.
   How does it shift,is the transmission fluid clean,a little brown is not bad just shows wear.
   Are the tires still useable or are the worn out?Is there a spare tire?
   LOOK at the underside for leaks,wetness BEFORE you start it and after you drive it!
   I know…alot of things to do but NEVER take a dealers word for anything…EVER!
   If you buy a car and it needs work like brakes,steering pulls and so on,MAKE THE SALESMAN sign a promise to repair work order/sheet along with the sales manager! That makes them have to do the work without you paying for it BEFORE you sign the deal! Even if it is on a sheet of blank paper along with the work to be done and have BOTH sign and date it! DO NOT take their word for ANYTHING!!
   You didn’t say what kind of car so if you can let us know BEFORE you buy.
   Good luck to you.
   I may have missed something but this is a great starter point for you.

   Comment by Bri — July 27, 2011 @ 9:04 am

2. 

   first off, bring someone with you that knows what the hell they’re doing. if you’re young, female, and don’t know much about cars, a lot of dealers will take advantage you considering you’re a prime target. test drives are free, and a salesman will usually ride along with you to make sure you don’t do anything stupid. as i said before, bring someone that knows what’s up. if you don’t know about cars, you won’t be able to tell if the transmission is shifting a bit harder or if the belts need replacing, etc.

   Comment by Mel Gibson — July 27, 2011 @ 9:04 am

3. 

   The most important thing is to know how to spot a lemon over a great car. The link in the sources is an instructional video by Jason Dawe, used car buying guru and ex-host of the critically acclaimed automotive show ‘Top Gear.’ Follow his advice very closely. Do keep a checklist of what to look for.

   Also, keep a poker face. If a dealer sees your excitement he will keep the numbers high and you don’t want that.

   Comment by TheSpaceCowboy — July 27, 2011 @ 9:04 am

4. 

   They will usually want to prequalify you first to make sure you CAN buy.
   They may want to see and/or make a copy of your license.
   They may ask if you are ready to buy today and if you say no, they tell you to come back when you are.

   Much depends on if they view you as a ready, willing & able buyer or a joyrider.

   Comment by whocares — July 27, 2011 @ 9:04 am

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