Congratulations! You\u2019ve found a car you want to buy!<\/p>\n\n
Hopefully you\u2019ve already checked all the relevant paperwork and the condition and history of the car BUT before you hand over your money there\u2019s one more vital step - make time for a test drive.<\/p>\n\n
Yes, even for a test drive you must make sure you are fully insured.<\/p>\n\n
If you\u2019re testing a car at a dealership, you\u2019ll usually be covered by their insurance, but do ask. If you\u2019re buying from a private seller though, you\u2019ll probably need to use your own. If you\u2019re not sure whether you\u2019re covered, call your insurance provider and they\u2019ll be able to tell you.<\/p>\n\n
If you're a new driver and don't have your insurance it might be worth getting your parents to test drive the car on your behalf<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
When you arrive, put your hand on the bonnet. You want to start the car from cold to check for any issues it may have. If it's warm, say you\u2019ll wait around until it has cooled down or re-book for another day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
Don\u2019t rush, make sure you spend at least half an hour driving the car, and if possible take it on a variety of roads to give you the best idea of how it performs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
Do an emergency stop on an empty section of road to test the brakes - a bit of a squeak is easily fixed, a grinding sound is cause for concern.<\/p>\n\n
And don\u2019t forget the handbrake - stop on a hill and put the handbrake on. Needless to say, if you start rolling backwards, there\u2019s a problem!<\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n\n- \n
The steering<\/h4>\n\n
On a clear stretch of road, and at low speed, make sure the car doesn\u2019t pull to one side while you\u2019re driving by loosening your grip on the wheel.<\/p>\n
Also, feel for vibration of the steering wheel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
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Listen to the car<\/h4>\n\n
Any rattling, banging or any unusual engine sounds are a concern and should be checked over by a professional.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
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Smell the car<\/h4>\n\n
Don\u2019t literally mean sniff the car seats (ew) but any strong smell of oil or petrol could indicate a problem.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
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Look for smoke<\/h4>\n\n
If you notice any blue, black or grey smoke coming out of the exhaust it could indicate some serious problems.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
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Check the electrics<\/h4>\n\n
Switch on everything electrical from air-con to heated seats - and don\u2019t forget the windscreen wipers, even if the sun\u2019s shining!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n
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Be confident<\/h4>\n\n
If you have any doubts at all then have the confidence to walk away knowing it\u2019s not the right car for you. Don\u2019t be pressured by the seller and don\u2019t be afraid to take some thinking time or book a second test drive.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a big decision and you want to get it right!<\/p>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Congratulations! You\u2019ve found a car you want to buy! Hopefully you\u2019ve already checked all the relevant paperwork and the condition and history of the car BUT before you hand over your money there\u2019s one more vital step – make time for a test drive. Make sure you\u2019re insured Yes, even for a test drive you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":2877,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-and-selling-a-car","buying-and-selling-a-car"],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n