Take your car for a test drive

Apart from the obvious – like smoke coming from the engine and alarming rattling sounds – what should you look for when you test drive a car?

Warning signs

1. Steering
   Check that you are happy with the car’s steering – that it's not too heavy, or unresponsive, and that it does not pull to one side while driving.
   
2. Acceleration and brakes
   Check the car on the flat, and up and down hills if possible to see how the acceleration and brakes fare. Does the car continue to remain steady at speed, or does it become imbalanced? Also, are the brakes hard or soft? If you are not happy, it's worth having a mechanic check them. Also try the handbrake on a hill to see whether it holds the car firmly.
   
3. Changing gear
   Find out how easy it is to change gear, and whether it makes an alarming noise when doing this. It is worth having the radio or stereo turned off so you can concentrate. Check the reverse as well as keeping an eye on the revs as you come up to a change of gear, and listen out for the engine straining unduly when it should be fine.
   
4. Comfort and noise
   Consider the overall ride itself, the comfort and level of noise from the engine. Is there sufficient leg room once you have adjusted your seat, and are you comfortable? Being uncomfortable in the driver’s seat will be a huge compromise, particularly if you plan to travel distance, so ensure that the car is right for you.
   
5. Storage and entertainment
   Do you have enough boot and storage space for you, your golf clubs, cases, family and pets? Also, check that the radio, CD, DVD, air conditioning, alarm, automatic controls, windows, etc, all work properly.

Beware salespeople
Finally, remember that it's your test drive, and be conscious of the sales techniques that may be employed:

• Make sure you drive so that you can see for yourself what the car is like
• Try your own route so you can test the car in different types of traffic and on different types of road
• Make up your own mind and try not to be swayed by the salesperson
• Just because you have had a test drive doesn't mean you have to buy the car, nor do you have to say why you don't want it
  

Thanks to Privilege, car insurance is one thing that can be worry free. Go online and get a car insurance quote today!

Sources:
www.whatcar.com
www.channel4.com/4car

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