Should I test drive when choosing a used car? If you do not like the test drive but refuse to purchase it, you may hesitate to test drive because you think it is bad for the dealer. Or you may think that you don't need to actually ride it because you received a detailed explanation from the dealer. However, it is dangerous to buy without a test drive. Because the value of the car is determined by its movement.
There are things you can't understand until you try riding
Even if you receive a polite explanation from the dealer, there are many things that you will not know until you actually drive. For example, the degree of acceleration when the accelerator is stepped on and the degree of effectiveness when the brake is stepped on. Of course, since it is a car that has been inspected and sold, it is unlikely that it will not run or the brakes will not work.
However, the degree of acceleration depends a lot on how you feel. Even if the sales clerk says that acceleration is good, if you do not feel that way, you will be dissatisfied after purchasing.
Similarly, it is best to test drive the brakes to check how they work and whether there are any abnormal noises. It is important for the driver to check not only the reviews of other people but also the driver himself, as it will be the standard when checking the car he was in front of.
Not only the operability, but also how much the engine sounds in the car, how much vibration there is, whether the air conditioner works well, does not smell strange, etc. It is something that you can understand by driving.
Other factors such as the comfort of the seat, the usability of the drink holder, the operability and visibility of the car navigation system are difficult to understand without actually driving. These things are also a matter of taste, so be sure to check for yourself.
If you like the test drive
What should I be aware of if I actually drive a car and like it? It is to keep in mind that the fact that I was allowed to test drive means that other people may also test drive.
Unfortunately, some people don't treat it very carefully because it's a test drive. Even if you like it and want to buy it if you don't have another good car, it's possible for someone else to test drive and cause problems before making the final decision. For example, the interior of the car may be soiled, and in the worst case, the body may be scratched or an accident may occur.
Therefore, it is important to tell the dealer that you do not want other people to test drive the car you like. You may be wondering if you can do that, but if you tell us that you are seriously considering a purchase, it will take some time to prevent others from test-driving until you reply to the final purchase decision. is.
Until you reply, a tag such as "In negotiation" will be displayed on the car, and it is unlikely that other people will test drive it. Of course, make this request only when you are seriously considering purchasing.
Another point to keep in mind when test-driving
Keep in mind that you may be liable for yourself if you have an accident during your test drive.
Basically, used cars that can be tested are owned by the dealer. Therefore, the dealer should have car insurance, but if the insurance does not cover the damage, the person who took the test drive may be charged.
It is also possible that the dealer does not have any car insurance. Therefore, before you test drive, make sure that you have an accident. I think that you will receive explanations and sign documents before the test drive, but at that time you should read the documents properly and check with the dealer before driving if there are any unclear points or ambiguities. Is important.
Also pay attention to the test drive time
Just because you can test drive does not mean that you can test drive for hours or kilometers. Therefore, be sure to check in advance what you can understand without driving, such as the appearance of the exterior and the comfort of the seat. I liked the test drive very much, but if I later found out that the body was scratched and decided not to buy it, time and effort would be wasted.
The test drive time is limited, so when you start driving, start with the accelerator and brake conditions described at the beginning, and don't forget to check what you care about. When you start driving, you may forget the check items because the tension rises. In such a case, write down what you want to check in advance, or ask your family and friends to follow you when you test drive. Would be good.
summary
Buying a car is a big purchase. Also, just because you make a mistake does not mean that you can immediately return or exchange it. So choose carefully. Procedures and confirmations can be a bit of a hassle, but it's important to test drive because there are many things you won't know until you actually drive.