Are you thinking about buying a used car in Charlotte and a little worried that you’re going to get a lemon? The best way to guard against this is to do a test drive, especially if you’re buying from a private seller. We know you know the basics of how to test drive a used car – check inside and out, look under the hood, and make sure to note how it brakes, accelerates, and turns. However, we’ve got some not-so-common tips that might make you feel more at ease if you’re going to buy from a private seller without warranties or guarantees!
Test drive a used car like a pro!
When you’re test driving a Charlotte used car, you want to check the inside of the car. You should make sure everything is within reach of the driver, and also that everything works. However, don’t forget to check out the backseat, too! Make sure things like seatbelts, doors, windows, locks, and other features all work in the backseat of the Charlotte used car you’re thinking about buying, too!
You should also check all of the doors when test driving a used car in Charlotte. Open them up and take a good long look at the door jams – are they a different color than the rest of the car? If so, this could indicate that the car has been in a collision or accident, so there might be other underlying issues that the seller has yet to divulge.
Don’t forget to check the lights! You know to use the turn signals when you test drive a used car in Charlotte, but also check the brake lights, headlights, fog lights, and hazard lights. Sure, these parts are easy to fix, but if they’re broken it COULD indicate that the car hasn’t been maintained well, which means you could face more repairs and expenses in the future!
Learn how to check the ins and outs of a Charlotte used car BEFORE you buy it!
One thing you want to also want to check when buying a used car in Charlotte is the suspension. An easy way to check the front is to take it for a spin – if you can feel a ton of bumps, then there’s an issue. However, to check the rear put something heavy in the trunk! If the rear suspension isn’t in the best shape, you’ll hear odd noises or feel things bounce around a lot in the trunk. This could mean costly repairs coming out of your wallet later!
Drive it like you stole it. Well, not really… but you should put the Charlotte used car you’re considering through its paces! Hit the gas hard and slam on the brakes and test the car’s reaction – it should recover smoothly, and you especially want to ensure that slamming on the brakes brings you to a complete stop quickly for safety reasons!
Want more tips or want to explore our used vehicles in Charlotte today? Call us at (888) 883-3797! We’re just off I-77 at exit 23!
