6 steps to follow when test-driving a used car, according to a motor expert

Ask for the service history, do a walk-around – and look out for dashboard warning lights.

FINDING THE RIGHT car for your needs, lifestyle and budget can be a tricky process. We want to help streamline the search. As part of our Insights series, every week we’ll take a different car-buying question to the experts at the heart of the motor industry.

This week, we’re figuring out how best to judge if a used car is safe, reliable and suits your needs – all from a short test drive. We asked Philip Mallon, Director at Joe Mallon Motors in Naas and Portlaoise to weigh in with some expertise.

Here are six crucial steps to follow when test-driving a used car, according to Philip…

1. Ask to see the car’s history

shutterstock_575875978 Shutterstock / Aris Suwanmalee Shutterstock / Aris Suwanmalee / Aris Suwanmalee

Before buying a used car, you’ll want to know where it’s been before. With a large, established dealer, you’ll get all of the history as standard, including details of services, repairs and any other vital information.

With a private sale, the seller might not be so forthcoming with the information, so be sure to request everything rather than just taking his or her word for it that the car is sound. If a car has been properly cared for, a private seller should have no problem handing the information over.

2. Before getting in, check the tyres

shutterstock_701404348 Shutterstock / MaryMistan Shutterstock / MaryMistan / MaryMistan

It’s important to judge general wear and tear before getting into the vehicle. With tyres, you can’t tell much by eye, but even running your finger along the inside of the tyres and feeling the tread depth can reveal a lot. If the tyres feel bald or don’t seem roadworthy, ask questions.

3. Look for scratches and dents

shutterstock_313841234 Shutterstock / Timcharinee Shutterstock / Timcharinee / Timcharinee

Do a full walk-around of the car and look for dents, badly secured panelling or any other potential signs of severe damage.

Larger, established dealers won’t put a car on the forecourt that unless it has been fully repaired and checked, but you can’t be as sure of that with a private seller. A good move is to look for recent NCT certificates. If a car’s NCT is out by a long time, that could be a red flag.

4. While driving, be mindful of tracking and alignment

shutterstock_523654333 Shutterstock / Farknot Architect Shutterstock / Farknot Architect / Farknot Architect

Don’t just take the vehicle around the car park. Bring it on a road where you’ll get a decent chance to drive it. As you’re moving, take note of the tracking. Is the car pulling to one side or is it driving in a straight line?

We do the same test drive loop with most customers. It takes around 15-minutes and features some main roads and a couple of roundabouts, which is usually enough to give an indication of performance.

5. Watch out for dashboard warning lights

shutterstock_616632698 Shutterstock / Natural Mosart Shutterstock / Natural Mosart / Natural Mosart

Don’t ignore the dashboard lights. Modern cars are built to warn drivers if anything is wrong or needs fixing, so keep an eye out during your test run and get the problem fixed now, before you buy. Key ones to be mindful of include service lights, tyre pressure warnings and engine management lights.

6. Unsure? Consult an expert

shutterstock_667380964 Shutterstock / Standret Shutterstock / Standret / Standret

With a private sale you may wish to ask a mechanic you trust to take a look over the car, to ensure everything is in order.

In general, if you need a second opinion, bring someone along on the test drive with you who has a good idea of how cars work and who also knows your needs. You want a car that’s safe, roadworthy, and suits your lifestyle now and in the long-term.