{"id":64714,"date":"2023-04-28T14:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T12:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage-wp.eurococ.eu\/used-car-test-drive\/"},"modified":"2024-10-01T18:51:51","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T16:51:51","slug":"used-car-test-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage-wp.eurococ.eu\/en\/blog\/used-car-test-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Things To Do On a Used Car Test Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you been thinking about buying a used car? Unsure about what you should be doing on a test drive?<\/span><\/p>\n

This blog post will cover all you need to know about test-driving a used car. You will discover what checks should be carried out before you get behind the wheel, and what you should be paying attention to on the test drive, and you will learn about the paperwork and insurance checks that need to be done before the test drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to know how to register a used car with the DVLA? Need to know if you need a new registration for your vehicle when moving to a new country in Europe? Looking for information on registration plates in the UK? Click these links to find out more!<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-Test Drive Checks\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you are buying a used car through a reputable dealer or a private seller, there are a few checks that you should always endeavour to make before buying a used car.\u00a0<\/span>Carrying out these simple checks before you make a purchase will reduce your chances of buying a car that\u2019s being sold illegally or has had major repair work carried out on it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You should consider doing this no matter who you are buying the used car from.<\/span><\/p>\n

Checking Vehicle Details\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Gov.UK <\/span><\/a>provides detailed information on the checks you should complete from a legal and safety standpoint before purchasing a used car.<\/span><\/p>\n

In order to check that the information you have been provided about the vehicle is correct, you will need the vehicle’s registration number, make, model and MOT test number.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You will also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).<\/span><\/p>\n

You can use this information to check the following through the GOV.UK website:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Check the details you’ve been given match <\/span>DVLA<\/span><\/a>‘s information<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Check the vehicle’s <\/span>MOT history<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Check the log book isn’t for a stolen vehicle<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you are satisfied that all of the information you have been given about the used vehicle is correct, legal, and up-to-date you can then arrange to see the vehicle in person and take it for a test drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Inspecting the Vehicle\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    You should expect to have to spend more time checking a used vehicle than you would with a brand-new car.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Not only do you need to ensure that the car meets your needs in terms of how the car drives, the practicality, and the size of the car,\u00a0 but you also need to check that a used car is in good condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Before you take a seat behind the wheel of a used car, you should make sure that you carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle both inside and out and take note of any areas that are cause for concern\/<\/span><\/p>\n

    That means looking over the outside, as well as inside of the car, under the bonnet, and in the boot.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Outer Checks<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Firstly, be sure to take a good look for any damage to the body of the car noting any scratches, dents etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Look for uneven gaps between the panels as this may indicate problems underneath like shoddy repair work or damage from a historic accident.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ensure the roof is in good condition. And if you are viewing a convertible, look for any tears in a soft top and check the roof operates smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The paint should be an even colour all over the car. If it isn\u2019t, that could indicate bad repair work. Pay attention to any signs of rusting such as bubbling or crumbling paintwork.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Check the tyres have enough tread on them and make sure any wear is even across the tread. If it\u2019s not, this could be a sign of something wrong with the suspension.<\/span><\/p>\n

    To check the suspension, push down on each corner of the car. If the car doesn\u2019t smoothly bounce back up this could be a sign of a suspension issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Inside<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Check that all lights and indicators work. This will involve getting in and out of the vehicle to ensure everything is working as it should.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Check that the mileage is consistent with the paperwork, then check the wear in the car matches the miles on the clock. If the odometer says low miles, but there is extensive wear within the vehicle, the mileage may be much higher.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Take a moment to see if the cabin is comfortable. Can you see and reach everything easily enough?<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some key things to check that people often forget are:<\/span><\/p>\n