Test-driving a certified pre-owned car one of the most important steps in the buying process, offering insights into the vehicle's condition, how well it meets your needs, and if it feels right for you. But how do you know what to look for in when you’re shopping? At State Motors Lincoln, we are here to help make your car shopping process as easy as it can be. Here are the top 10 tips to ensure you get the most out of your test drive:
1. Do Your Research
Your test drive begins before you start by considering the size of the vehicle you require (sedan, SUV, truck), fuel efficiency, the primary use (city driving, long commutes, off-road), passenger capacity, and cargo space. Next, determine your budget, including the purchase price and the total cost of ownership: insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repair costs. A budget will guide your research towards vehicles that are financially sustainable for you in the long run. Once you’ve narrowed down the type of vehicle you’re interested in, research any recurring problems reported by owners. Check if that model has been subject to any recalls and how these issues were addressed. Also, look at the safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2. Check the Exterior & Interior
Before you sit down to take your test drive for a spin, give it a solid inspection, inside and out. When inspecting the exterior, start with a walk around to assess the body condition, looking for any signs of damage like dents, scratches, or rust spots. Check the edges of doors, the hood, and the trunk, as these areas are more prone to accumulating water and rust. Inspect the windows and lights, ensuring all are intact without cracks or moisture inside the housings, and verifying that turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are all in working order. Tires require a close look as well; uneven wear might point to alignment or suspension issues. Checking the tire's DOT code to determine their age, as tires older than six years may require replacement, even if they appear to be in acceptable condition. Lastly, assessing the frame alignment by looking at the car from a distance can reveal if it sits level or if there are any gaps between body panels, which might indicate previous accidents or frame damage.
Once inside, inspect the upholstery and carpets along with the roof lining for any stains, tears, or signs of excessive wear. Your nose will tell you if there is an odor of mold or mildew, which could hint at past water leaks or flooding. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine, allowing the dashboard lights (such as check engine, airbags, ABS, etc.) to illuminate briefly and then turn off. This will ensure all systems are functioning properly. Next, check the air conditioning, heater, audio system, and navigation proper operation. Check other electrical components like windows, locks, mirrors, and powered seat adjustments.
3. Look Under the Hood
Pop the hood and conduct a visual inspection for any signs of leaks, both under the vehicle and around the engine compartment. The presence of fluids such as oil, coolant, brake fluid, or power steering fluid either on the ground or coating the engine's surface can be indicative of leaks. Next, closely examine the belts and hoses for any signs of cracks, swelling or fraying. These components, while relatively inexpensive to replace, can lead to significant problems if they were to fail. Check the battery for corrosion around the terminals, which might suggest a leak or poor electrical connections, and make sure the battery's hold-down bar is securely fastened to prevent potential short-circuits or damage. Evaluate the general condition of the engine compartment; an unusual amount of dirt or oil can indicate leaks or neglect. Keep an eye out for any components that appear misplaced, loose, or are held together with temporary fixes, all of which can be indicative of underlying issues.
4. Start it Cold
A cold engine demands more power to start, placing extra stress on the electrical system. Difficulties in starting or a noticeably slow cranking speed may signal issues with the battery or starter. The initial start also serves as a test of the engine oil circulation; thick or degraded oil can lead to sluggish starts, suggesting poor maintenance or the need for an oil change. During a cold start, certain engine components might also produce noises—such as ticking, knocking, or rattling—that typically subside as the engine warms and parts expand, indicating possible valve train wear, piston slap, or other internal engine problems. Similarly, the serpentine belt and its accessories, including the alternator and water pump, may produce squealing or whining noises on startup, hinting at wear or misalignment. Identifying these issues during a cold start can serve as an early warning for potentially severe problems that could escalate to costly repairs if unchecked. Additionally, uncovering such issues can offer leverage during price negotiations, providing tangible evidence of the vehicle's condition and potential future expenses.
5. Pay Attention to Sounds
Listening for unusual noises during a test drive can reveal a lot about a car's condition. Engine sounds like whining or whirring may point to issues with the power steering pump, alternator, or belt-driven components. Ticking or tapping noises often indicate valve train problems, low oil levels, or poor oil pressure, hinting at significant engine concerns. A deep knocking sound from the engine bay is particularly alarming, as it may suggest serious issues like rod knock, which often requires an engine rebuild or replacement. When it comes to the brakes, a high-pitched squealing noise during braking usually means the brake pads' wear indicators are signaling the need for replacement, while a grinding sound indicates that the pads may be completely worn away, causing the metal calipers to contact the rotors directly, potentially leading to damage. Suspension and steering noises, such as squeaks and creaks heard over bumps or during turns, can indicate worn components like bushings or ball joints. More severe issues with the suspension system, such as damaged shocks, struts, or springs, may be indicated by clunks and bangs, especially noticeable over bumps.
6. Check the Brakes
When testing the responsiveness of the brakes, the reaction should be immediate and smooth, without any significant delay between pressing the brake pedal and the vehicle starting to slow down. Delays can signal issues such as air in the hydraulic lines, worn brake pads, or other hydraulic system problems. While braking, listen for any unusual sounds. Squealing or screeching noises usually mean the brake pads are worn and require replacement, whereas a grinding sound can indicate that the pads are excessively worn down, leading to metal-to-metal contact that can significantly damage the calipers and rotors. The vehicle should also stop in a straight line without pulling to one side; if it does pull, this may suggest a hydraulic issue, such as a stuck caliper or a collapsed brake hose, or possibly uneven wear on the brake pads or alignment issues. The brake pedal itself should feel firm and solid, not spongy, as a spongy feel can be a sign of air in the hydraulic lines, a leak in the brake system, or other worn-out components.
7. Feel the Transmission
When test-driving a vehicle, assessing the transmission's performance is crucial, regardless of whether it's automatic or manual. For automatic transmissions, gear shifts should occur smoothly and almost imperceptibly, without hesitation, jerking, or any unusual noises such as whining or clunking. In contrast, manual transmissions should feature a clutch that engages smoothly without grinding noises, and the gear shifts themselves should be precise and effortless, without any sign of slipping. Slipping can be tested by accelerating in a high gear or on a steep incline to ensure the engine's revs correspond appropriately to the car's acceleration. It's also important to use all gears, including reverse, to fully assess their functionality, and to check beneath the vehicle for any signs of leaks post-drive, as this could indicate a potential issue with seals or gaskets. Identifying any irregularities in the transmission during your test drive can help avoid expensive repairs later on or provide leverage in negotiating the vehicle’s price, but when in doubt, a professional mechanic's inspection can offer a more thorough evaluation.
8. Steering & Handling
When evaluating a vehicle's steering and handling, it's essential that the steering feels smooth and responsive to your inputs, ensuring a direct and confident connection between you, the vehicle, and the road. As you navigate through turns and maintain straight lines, there should be no excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel, as this can indicate wear in the steering components or issues with the vehicle's alignment. Vibrations through the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, can also be a cause for concern, potentially pointing to imbalanced wheels, worn suspension parts, or problems with the steering system itself. A vehicle that responds predictively to steering inputs and maintains its composure on a variety of road surfaces not only contributes to a more enjoyable driving experience but also enhances safety by ensuring you have full control at all times. Paying close attention to these aspects during a test drive can help identify potential issues and ensure the vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
9. Try Different Roads
To comprehensively assess a car's performance, you’ll need to test drive it on a variety of road types, including highways, hills, and roads with rough surfaces. This diversity in driving conditions allows you to evaluate how the car behaves under different stresses—how well it accelerates and maintains speed on highways, its stability and power on inclines, and its suspension and comfort over uneven or bumpy surfaces. Experiencing how the car handles bumps and potholes can give you insight into the condition of its suspension system and shock absorbers, while maneuvering through curves and inclines can reveal much about its balance, steering response, and the efficacy of its braking system. Such a varied test drive not only tests the vehicle's capabilities but also helps in understanding how it would perform in your daily driving scenarios, ensuring that it meets your needs for comfort, safety, and reliability across all the types of roads you frequently encounter.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Trusting your instincts plays a pivotal role in the process of test-driving and potentially choosing a vehicle. It's essential to tune into your personal reactions and feelings towards the car during the test drive. Assess whether you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel—does the seating position offer good visibility, do the controls feel intuitive, is the ride smooth enough for your liking? Your emotional and physical response to the vehicle is a good indicator of whether it meets your needs and expectations. If something feels off or doesn't sit right with you, even if you can't immediately pinpoint the issue, it's worth taking those feelings into account. This gut feeling, an often-underestimated aspect of the decision-making process, can be as significant as the technical evaluations and specifications. Ultimately, ensuring the car not only meets your practical requirements but also feels right, can lead to greater satisfaction with your decision in the long term.
Come See State Motors Lincoln
Whatever your choice in a certified pre-owned vehicle, your best decision will be to start the search with State Motors Lincoln. State Motors Lincoln has a long history of excellence that sets us apart from other Lincoln dealerships. Not only have we been serving the Manchester area for over a hundred years, but we are also the recipient of numerous honors, including the 2023 President’s Award from Lincoln Motor Company. When you are ready to choose your next car, we can help. Stop by our showroom today and let us show you the State Motors Lincoln difference.