test drive procedure when buying 2nd hand car?

[mike01]

how do you do this?

say i see i the car, can i just get in the car after permission from the owner and drive it?

or will the owner bring it to a much safer open space?

what are the step by step procedure to test each functionality of the car? say test gear 1, 2, 3 reverse , brakes, uphill, downhill, cornering, signal light etc.


which is a good place or route to do the test drive? how long should i test drive? around 2-3 hours, or more? in highway? how much fuel should i load the car with?

[niky]

It depends on where you are.

I'd say fifteen minutes should be long enough. Try to drive it in rush hour traffic (to see if there are any heat-related problems) and on the open road at about 100 km/h (better if the open road isn't very smooth, so you can feel for suspension problems).

Besides that, check each gear, the brakes, cornering, lights, etcetera... the usual stuff.

[gecotbonjo]

I've used this info I got from the web. last time I check a Vitara in Baguio.


Once you get behind the wheel, your first impression will be the way the car feels when you sit in it. Is it a good fit? Does it offer enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently positioned?

Try to arrange your test-drive so that you start the engine when it is completely cold. Ask the owner if it has been sitting overnight. Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when doing so, will reveal chronic problems. For example, blue or white smoke coming from the tail pipe can signal problems. Unusual noises — which quickly disappear — might mean the timing belt is severely worn and needs replacing.

Before hitting the road, adjust the seat and the mirrors. Ask yourself if it would be a comfortable car to take on a long trip or drive every day on a grueling commute. Turn off the radio before you begin driving — you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.

On the test drive, evaluate these specific points:

* Acceleration from a stop
* Visibility (Check for blind spots)
* Engine noise
* Passing acceleration (Does it downshift quickly and smoothly?)
* Hill-climbing power
* Braking
* Cornering
* Suspension (How does it ride?)
* Seat comfort and ergonomics
* Rattles and squeaks
* Interior controls
* Audio system (but don't test it while driving — you'll want to listen to the engine)
* Cargo space

On the test drive, take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, be sure to merge and take the car up to 65 speed. If you go into the mountains, test the car on a steep slope. You don't want to find out — after you've bought the car — that it doesn't perform as needed.

After the test drive, ask the owner if you can see the service records and if receipts are available. If so, note whether the car has had oil changes at regular intervals . Be cautious of buying a car that has had major repairs such as transmission rebuilds, valve jobs or engine overhauls.

[IIE]

I've used this info I got from the web. last time I check a Vitara in Baguio.


Once you get behind the wheel, your first impression will be the way the car feels when you sit in it. Is it a good fit? Does it offer enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently positioned?

Try to arrange your test-drive so that you start the engine when it is completely cold. Ask the owner if it has been sitting overnight. Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when doing so, will reveal chronic problems. For example, blue or white smoke coming from the tail pipe can signal problems. Unusual noises — which quickly disappear — might mean the timing belt is severely worn and needs replacing.

Before hitting the road, adjust the seat and the mirrors. Ask yourself if it would be a comfortable car to take on a long trip or drive every day on a grueling commute. Turn off the radio before you begin driving — you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.

On the test drive, evaluate these specific points:

* Acceleration from a stop
* Visibility (Check for blind spots)
* Engine noise
* Passing acceleration (Does it downshift quickly and smoothly?)
* Hill-climbing power
* Braking
* Cornering
* Suspension (How does it ride?)
* Seat comfort and ergonomics
* Rattles and squeaks
* Interior controls
* Audio system (but don't test it while driving — you'll want to listen to the engine)
* Cargo space

On the test drive, take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, be sure to merge and take the car up to 65 speed. If you go into the mountains, test the car on a steep slope. You don't want to find out — after you've bought the car — that it doesn't perform as needed.

After the test drive, ask the owner if you can see the service records and if receipts are available. If so, note whether the car has had oil changes at regular intervals . Be cautious of buying a car that has had major repairs such as transmission rebuilds, valve jobs or engine overhauls.

ok to a. save ko nga. thanks sir