SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – FEBRUARY 2, 2021

TEST DRIVING A CAR BEING SOLD BY A PRIVATE PARTY Keep Notes Take notes on each car from a private seller that you test drive. If you’re really organized, make a spreadsheet, and grade different categories relating to each car. This should include brakes, sound system, interior wear, comfort of seats, maintenance performed on car, tires, how the steering feels, road noise, and smoothness of ride. Make sure that any special notes are documented, like if the car will need new tires soon. This will help you to keep track of each car you test drive and make the best decision on which one to ultimately purchase. Don’t Rush Through the Test Drive Take your time when test driving a car from a private seller. Don’t rush through it, and don’t let the seller rush you, either. A good benchmark is to drive it for at least 10 miles. This allows you to see how the vehicle handles, optimally on different types of roads if possible (highways and back roads included). Use The Same Routine on Every Test Drive If you are test driving many different vehicles, make sure to do the same things on each test drive, so that you can make a fair comparison among them.  Turn the wheel at least 30 degrees in both directions. Accelerate up to 60 mph on a highway and 35 mph on surface streets. Test the brakes. Feel how the suspension reacts when the vehicle hits bumps in the road. If you notice problems, write them down in your notes. Drive as you normally would, but pay attention to how the car responds. Once You’ve Evaluated the Sound System, Turn It Off The sound system in a car is important, but once you’ve decided if you like it or not, turn it off. Don’t have the blower for the heat or air conditioning up too high, either.  In this way, you will be able to hear noises the car makes during your test drive. Get a Second Opinion It’s a great idea to bring a friend along when you’re test-driving a car from a private seller – firstly, for security purposes, but also, so that your friend can test drive the car and give you their opinion. Whether or not you do this, make sure to take any vehicle you’re seriously considering buying to your mechanic for a full inspection before you buy it. Make It A Champion Day!

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Shop Smart Autos is not responsible for any errors in price or vehicle information provided to us from our dealer partners. We take every precaution to ensure the information is accurate and correct. Any questions please contact the dealer.