Right then, a couple more tips on things to look out for when buying a second hand car, but this time we are going to think about what to look for on a test drive. There is lots to remember here, but is all common sense..
| Top Tip: |
| After start up, concentrate on how the car moves away from park. If the clutch feels really heavy or jerky or the gear change feels loose with a gearstick which moves around a lot – you are sitting in a very worn car. To establish if the clutch is worn out, put your foot on the accelerator in a high gear and listen to the engine note and watch the revs. It it changes pitch, especially increasing in pitch and revs without going faster, you have got a slipping clutch and one that’s on its way out. |
Now you are on your way, don’t stop concentrating….
| Top Tip: |
While driving along feel for the car wandering off line and look for this under braking. If it wavers, something is not aligned and that means failing suspension or its been in a bump. Try the brakes and listen and feel too for juddering – this means failing brakes.
Cruise along and when gently accelerating or cornering or braking, just listen for any groans, creaks, knocks, clumps, anything out of the ordinary. Iff it don’t sound healthy, it aint! |
Also, the biggest, biggest tip of ALL when it comes to a test drive…
| Top Tip: |
| Make sure you are insured! An accident in a car that isnt yours will be sure to cost the Earth, if not your license! |