Test Drive Checklist: Buyer’s Edition

Many buyers might overlook the important features to look out for during your test drive. Today, we will bring you a complete checklist of things to look out for when you go for a test drive before you make your purchase!

For a printable version of the checklist, scroll to the bottom of this article and download the file.

Before the Big Test Drive

1. Research

Make sure that you know what are you about to buy, along with the common problems associated with the car. Some of the common things to look at would be the mileage, the number of owners, whether or not the car has gone through an accident, and compare it to current market prices.

Furthermore, check out all the hidden costs for the transaction and who you are buying from. You should also mentally prepare for the highest price you are willing to pay for the car.

2. Bring along a person you can trust

Two is better than one. Having your friend around can keep the dealer busy, allowing you to thoroughly examine the car on your own. Study what you should look out for, such as dents, cracks or rust and also check the windshield for scuffs and cracks. Chat with the seller casually to see why he wants to sell his car. This way, you might be able to find out if the car has any major issues.

3. Tyre alignments

Before you go for a spin, check the alignment of the tyres with your naked eye. Also during the test drive, misaligned tyres will feel heavier than perfectly aligned one. You can also check if the tyres are aligned by letting go of the steering wheel while driving on a straight road. If the car drifts to the left or right, it’s likely that the tyres are misaligned.

Ask the seller about his/her latest visit to the car workshop and which workshop has serviced the car. Authorized workshops such as Borneo Motor Service Centre will ensure that the maintenance of the car has been done relatively well.

4. Check the electronics of the car

Ensure that all the electronics are in working condition, especially both the signals, brake lights and the aircon. Some other common electronics that cars might have would be the GPS and reverse sensors. There are a few cars that might have special features such as convertible roofs etc. If that’s the case, you’ll need to perform additional checks.

5. Listen to the engine sound

It’s easy to differentiate between a well-performing car from a poor-performing car. If the sound of the engine is soft and smooth, it’s good. If it makes a rattling, clicking or whining sound, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic before the purchase to see if you need to perform any major repair works.

6. Signing of Documents

To protect themselves, the seller might ask you to sign the test drive indemnity form. You will be liable for any damages or liabilities during the test drive. So, do drive carefully!

During the Big Test Drive

1. Check for noise

When you accelerate or brake, the brake pads and rotors will be doing their work. Please ensure that there is no squeaking or grinding noise.

While handling your car through potholes and rough roads, any knocks and rattles are indicators that there are some steering issues.

Find out where the weird car sounds are coming from here.

2. The Driving Experience

When driving, please make sure that the engine is not jumpy, sticky or loose.

To test the power steering of the car, conduct 90-degree turns and check for the resistance while turning. If you feel a laden weight when you try to turn the car it indicates that there is a problem with the power steering of the car.

Do make sure that there is an easy acceleration from gear to gear and control from one side to another to test the suspension and steering wheel. Most importantly, test the upshifts and downshifts.

3. Parking trials

Check for a stiff steering wheel and when reversing, check for noise, smooth transmission change, gas and brakes.

Also read: Prohibited Parking in Singapore

To summarize, here’s a checklist for your test drive.

If the picture below doesn’t load, you can download the checklist here: https://carro.sg/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/checklist.jpg

Now that you are ready for your test drive, you can book a test drive with your desired ride on Carro.sg. The entire car buying process is quick, easy and convenient – which makes your car ownership journey a breeze. Check out a premium inventory of used and new cars today!

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