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Tips for Test Driving a Used Car

Get a Great Deal on a Used Car at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

When you are test driving a used car, or any car for that matter, you need to pay attention to detail. It will save you a lot of time and a headache later and help you get the car you want. According to the numbers, nearly 50% percent of Americans spend less than 30 minutes test driving a vehicle before they end up buying it. No matter what kind of vehicle you're test driving, you need to have all the information so that you can make an informed purchase that will allow you to be driving your vehicle for years to come. Make a good choice by following these five steps, and when you're ready, head down to Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM and test drive some pre-owned cars on our lot.

Test Drives Begin as Soon as Your on the Lot

When you first arrive on the lot, start by inspecting all of the vehicles you are interested in. Do you like the color? Is the body of the vehicle to your liking? You should also check out things you wouldn't normally think about, such as the windshield wipers and the windshield itself. Next, take a peek inside the vehicle to check out the interior. Do you like the seats and the material? When you're done inspecting the interior, move on to the tires. You're going to want to make sure they have enough traction to suit your needs. Finally, check out the brake light and the turn signals to ensure they are bright enough and can be easily seen in the dark.

Start the Car and Let it Idle

Now it's time to get behind the wheel! Get in the car and start the engine up. Does the engine sound right? Will it provide you with enough power? Next, turn on the radio to see if it works to your liking. You'll also want to check the heater and the air conditioner and then adjust the seats to your liking. Then adjust your mirrors and check out where all the controls are. It's important that you can locate the position of all the controls, pedals, and turn signals because when you purchase the car, you want to make things easy for yourself. Also, if you're uncomfortable, you're not going to give the car a chance to wow you, and you're putting your safety at risk as well.

Take Your Time

Before taking off, be sure you agree n how much time you are allotted for the test drive, and don't cut it short. If you don't know the neighborhood well, you can always ask one of our associates here at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to suggest a route for you. It will allow you to cover a wide range of roads you can drive to travel at different speeds so you can get the full feel of how the car handles. We also recommend taking the car through a couple of parking lots and practice parking a couple of fo times, so you get the feel of how the car handles in this scenario. If you are close to your home, it's time to see how easily your car fits in our garage or driveway. Most people only take 20 minutes to test drive a car, and that's nowhere near long enough. You're going to want to spend a little more time test driving a car that you're going to be driving for years.

Feel How the Vehicle Drives

When you get behind the wheel, you're going to want to get the full feel about how the vehicle drives in terms of its acceleration, braking, steering, and ride quality. Make sure you're not pushing too hard down on the gas pedal when you're out on public roads. Make sure that everything happens smoothly, the engine performs smoothly, and the brakes quickly react. You only have a set amount of time to test drive your prospective purchase, so you're going to want to test everything possible.

Does the Car Fit Your Needs?

The most important thing about purchasing a used car is you need to make sure that it's the right car for you! If you find that your back is aching or your knees are hurting after your test drive, then it's probably not the car you will be enjoying driving long-term. However, if the car fits you like a glove in terms of its comfort, engine power, and space, then you have probably found the right car for you. Once you are finished with your test drive, it's time to start filling out the paperwork and negotiating for the best price, but only if it's for a car you know you're going to love!

Get a Terrific Used Car at Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Have you been searching for that perfect pre-owned vehicle that fits all of your needs? Head down to Temecula Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM and check out our vast selection of pre-owned vehicles. You're sure to find something that suits your needs, and if you want to take a test drive of any of the vehicles on our lot, be sure to speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly sales team members who are more than happy to accompany you on the test drive, so you get used to all the features. If you find something you like, be sure to check out our finance department, where we will help you get the deal you're looking for. Can't make it down to the dealership right now? Be sure to check out our full pre-owned inventory here on our website!