What to Pay Attention to When Test Driving a Car

[RichardDella]

When test driving a car, pay attention to the following points: 1. Bring your driver's license, which is a mandatory requirement, regardless of driving experience. 2. Ask whether the test drive car has insurance. 3. Try riding as a passenger first before test driving, and when switching drivers, it's best to check the exterior: if there are any existing scratches, it's advisable to inform the salesperson in advance and take photos as evidence to avoid unnecessary trouble. 4. It's best to first listen to the salesperson introduce the functions and operation methods: don't be overconfident or reckless, considering your own safety. 5. Be responsible for any violations: if the customer flees and cannot be found, the salesperson will be responsible for the violations.

[CamillaDella]

Test drive vehicles are crucial inspection targets when buying a car! Last time I went car shopping, I specifically crouched down to check the tires—those with deeply worn treads were an immediate no-go. Remember to take a sniff when you sit in the driver's seat; if the smell of smoke or perfume can't mask odors, it suggests rough usage. After starting the engine, don't just listen to the sound—test all the power windows, as many demo cars have sluggish window mechanisms. Try scheduling the test drive on a rainy day to check for sunroof leaks. Don't overlook the undercarriage either—ask the salesperson to lift the car and inspect for scratches, especially on SUVs where underbody damage is common. Finally, start negotiations at least 20% below the MSRP, as demo cars, despite low mileage, may have wear comparable to vehicles with tens of thousands of miles.

[ValentinaLee]

As someone frequently involved in maintenance, I recommend focusing on three key points: First, ask the salesperson to present the complete maintenance records—avoid cars with unreported minor collisions. Second, turn the steering wheel sharply while stationary to listen for unusual noises, as many demo cars have damaged steering mechanisms. Third, bring an OBD scanner to read fault codes; some dealerships clear codes before reselling. Pay special attention to frequently test-driven hybrid models, as battery cycles can degrade range. I've seen demo cars with just 3,000 km where the brake disc grooves were nearly beyond limits. Remember to bring a flashlight to inspect engine bay screws—any that have been turned indicate prior incidents.

[LaKathryn]

Test drive cars may seem cheap, but they're full of tricks! We young girls are most afraid of buying problematic cars. Last time, when I accompanied my best friend to test drive a new energy vehicle, we found the slow charging port was particularly loose, and the salesperson said all cars were like that. It wasn't until we checked forums at home that we realized this batch of test drive cars generally had poor charging port connections. Now, when looking at test drive cars, we first check if the charging plug feels normal when inserted and removed. The interior also needs careful inspection—leather seats with excessive wrinkles indicate they've been sat on by people of different body types every day. During the test drive, we deliberately look for speed bumps to drive over; any suspension with strange noises is immediately eliminated. Turning on the phone's video recording function and placing it in the cup holder is particularly effective for recording noise on bumpy roads.