Important part of buying and selling a car:
The test drive
Whether you are planning to sell or purchase a vehicle: A test drive is one of the most important points that should not be underestimated. This way you can get a first feeling for the new car or you can impress the prospective buyer. But an ideal test drive requires excellent preparation and organisation from both the seller and the new owner. In our guide, you can learn how to best plan the test drive and what you should pay attention to. Additionally, we will inform you of the best routes and the most important liability principles so that in case of a mishap or an accident you are legally protected. Whether you are buying or selling a car, our test drive check list provides all of the relevant points at a glance.
Selling car: the test drive with the potential buyer
The preparation: If you would like to sell your car and you have placed a classified ad, it is possible that you may have many potential buyers. It is necessary to be well organised because the appointments with the buyers must be co-ordinated – it is recommended that you plan 45 minutes for each appointment where the test drive will take 20 minutes. But before the potential buyer shows up, the vehicle should be cleaned and personal articles removed. If the cleanliness of the car is noticed, this does not only increase the price of the used car but subconsciously the buyer is more careful with the car. Collect all of the important documents like vehicle registration, vehicle title, certificates for the last main inspection and emissions test, invoices, receipts and service book so that if they are requested you can show them immediately. You should also prepare an explanation that defines the liability principles. These forms are available free of charge in the internet and must be completed and signed by both parties – ideally with the length and route of the test drive. Lastly, it should be planned in advance that it contains many different sections. This way the car can be tested on the highway as well as main streets and side roads.
- Approximately 20-30 minutes should be planned for preparing the vehicle
- All relevant documents should be at hand
- “Agree to a test drive” – plan the route
The drive: Are the preparations complete and the prospective buyer is there and ready to do a test drive, first the agreement should be completed, then before the test drive the driver’s license and personal identification must be shown. If the driver’s license is not shown and you nevertheless, allow the prospective buyer to drive you are breaking the law and you can be charged or be sentenced to prison. If you allow the prospective buyer to drive alone, then let him know in advance about possible peculiarities, as you can be accused of attempting to deceive. Let him leave a deposit like a personal identification and agree to a time limit. The test drive should be during the day and not during rush hour so that the buyer can better concentrate on the car. If you will be doing the test drive with the buyer, you can then answer important questions, explain special operations and pay attention to a safe driving style. If the buyer is driving too risky, you have the right to stop him. If you are fined then, you can show the agreement that it was a test drive and that you were not driving.
- Complete an agreement
- Control the driver’s license
- Mention possible peculiarities
- Get a deposit
- Set a time limit
If you are the buyer: test drive with the car
If you are the one who will be doing a test drive, the focus has to be placed on other things. The proper time of day and traffic conditions are important but importance should be placed on the functions like the indicators, the clutch or brakes during the drive. Prior to doing the test drive, the details of the vehicle have to tested: Be aware of the manufacture year, the mileage, when the next main inspection is due and if there are any other special details. Prior to the appointment, based on the general details you can estimate the average value of the vehicle in order to compare it with the listed price.
Before the test drive, control the forms that you are given. Usually, these includes an exemption for prospective buyers from any and all liability, unless gross negligence or wilful misconduct exists. Once in the car, it is advisable to first test the seat, horn and mirror. Once you start driving, pay attention to the clutch – can you hear a rattling then the clutch release is probably damaged, if there is a scratching when you are changing gears it is probably caused by worn down synchroniser rings. A knocking muffler is a sign of a damaged catalyst. Test all lights and control lamps and do a brake check: the brakes should be tested on side street. You should step on the brake pedal when doing 40 and then let go of the steering wheel. The vehicle should not swerve otherwise the brake plates, brake pads or the brake piston have to be replaced. When you pull the hand brakes while driving slowly, the rear wheels should be immediately blocked if the brake pads and hand brake cable are intact. The vehicle should not steer left or rights on its own and the electric should also be tested this includes indicator, window controls, radio and such.
- Control the agreement
- Service check (Test clutch, seat, horn, mirror etc.)
- Check fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
- Control lamps and clutch check
- Lane check (test the steering on straight lanes)
- Brake check (full braking)
- Electric check (Test the radio, indicator, window controls etc.)
- Switching and full-speed check
- ABS and steering system check
Not interested in a test drive?
Since car sellers usually require lots of time and energy for a test drive and it sometimes involves risks, many try to avoid them. In such a case, you can bring your used vehicle to SellCarGetCash.com and sell it quite uncomplicated. You are not only avoiding stressful test drives but you will receive a professional car evaluation and a fair price. You don’t have to be afraid that the prospective buyer does not contact you again after the test drive or causes an accident.