Share

21 things to check when buying a car!

Share your Subscriber Article
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
loading...
Loading, please wait...
<b>TEST-DRIVE PITFALLS:</b> Don’t be suckered into a quick test drive around a showroom. Test all facets of a potential ride and if possible try and take the car for a spin on your own.<i>Image: Shutterstock</i>
<b>TEST-DRIVE PITFALLS:</b> Don’t be suckered into a quick test drive around a showroom. Test all facets of a potential ride and if possible try and take the car for a spin on your own.<i>Image: Shutterstock</i>

You’ve done your research and have short-list of cars you’re interesting in buying. All that’s left is the test-drive, which is where many people become unstuck.

Do you know what to look out for when behind the wheel of what could be your new - perhaps very expensive - car? Knowing what to look for during a test drive could mean the difference between a good car and a lemon.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

According to Martin Janse van Rensburg, for Budget Insurance, there's a number of things you should watch for during that vital test-drive. He explained: "We can be so impressed with how a car looks and in the gung-ho excitement that we can be side-tracked and not look for the necessary things on the test drive.  

“You definitely don’t want to suffer buyer’s remorse so it’s essential to test-drive the car properly before buying. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that just because a car is brand-new, that it’s the right car for you.”

Here’s 21 things to check before you buy your next car:
1 - Make sure to drive the particular model you intend to buy.
2 - Once behind the wheel, review how well the primary controls are laid out. Ergonomics can make or break a good car.
3 - Observe how certain features might become an irritation over time, for example inadequate storage or a boot that’s difficult to operate.
4 - The driver's and front passenger doors may be large and easy to open but don't forget to check the size of the rear doors. Examine access for rear occupants - and if you intend to install a child seat.
5 - Make sure the rear seats are adjustable, comfortable and large enough. Can they be folded to enlarge the boot space?.
6 - Review safety features, such as air bags, active-safety electronics and adjustable seat belts.
7 - Make sure the primary controls are easy to use and that the clutch isn’t too hard or steering too heavy. Look for adjustable controls – adjustable steering wheel and pedals can be a great benefit.
8 - Ensure that the seats are comfortable and supportive.
9 - Make sure there are sufficient gauges and display screens.
10 - Bring your iPod/Smartphone along to check the audio system, ease of use, connectivity.
11 - Does the car have Bluetooth connectivity and voice activation; how well does it function with your mobile device.

BRAKES, STEERING, EASE OF PARKING...

12 - If you opt for satnav, make sure it is intuitive and accurate.
13 - If possible, take the test drive alone. Experience the car on multiple road surfaces and at varying speeds. Don’t be pressured into a quick jaunt around the block.
14 - Make sure that the vehicle has enough power for its intended use.
15 - Ensure that its brakes have a solid and reassuring feel.
16 - Take several corners to evaluate the vehicle’s composure when changing direction over a rough surface as well as how smoothly the transmission operates when driving.
17 - Check its manoeuvrability during parking. Take note of the vehicle’s ground clearance.
18 - Visibility is important. Observe how well you can see in all directions, particularly through the rear window and blind spots.
19 - Listen out for noise levels inside the vehicle – how much outside noise and wind enters the cabin and whether the tyres drone.
20 - If you’re buying a second-hand vehicle, the first test-drive is not only for your evaluation but also offers a chance to jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), so you view a report of the vehicle’s history.
21 - The second test-run for a used car will be to take the car to a trusted mechanic for a second opinion.

Janse van Rensburg concludes: "Make sure you drive your potential car candidates back-to-back on the same day for a proper comparison. Take time to reflect on each vehicle and which one suits better. This preparation will make you more confident in your final decision for this major purchase."

Read this for free
South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we're about to enter a new chapter of fearless journalism. Join our free subscription trial to unlock this story and a world of news aimed to inform, empower, and inspire.
Try our free 14-day trial
Already a subscriber? Sign in
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE