When you’re looking at used cars, it’s easy to be distracted by things like features and comfort. While these things surely are important, the most important thing to do during a test drive is to assess the mechanical reliability of the vehicle.
When you’re driving a used car, turn off anything that might make noise like the radio or a fan. Listen carefully to how the car sounds when you pull away, to see if anything jumps out at you.
When you’re on a test drive you need to listen to how the engine performs. The engine should run smoothly without any extra noises.
You also want to make sure the transmission shifts smoothly, and that there are no lurches, whirrs, or clunks when you shift.
The steering on the used car should be smooth and easy. There should be no pulling on the steering. While pulling steering can indicate something as simple as improperly inflated tires, it can also indicate bigger problems.
If possible, try to ride in the vehicle with someone else driving. Watch to make sure the car seems to line up with the position of the steering wheel. Pay attention for jumps, rough shifting, or engine noises that you might not notice when you’re driving.
Ultimately, the test drive is one of the most important steps in inspecting used cars.