Archive for June 14th, 2009
Test Driving Your Car – part 2
Poke around. Look for signs of water damage. For example, waterlines in the trunk or engine compartment, mud or dirt under the carpet, water or rust in the spare tire well, and frayed, loose or brittle wires. Turn on the fan for the heater and air conditioning to see if the air smells musty or mildewy.
Perform a Safety Check. Try on the seat belt and take a test drive to ensure that you are comfortable while driving the vehicle. Make sure head restraints, roof structures, and windshield designs do not interfere with your ability to see clearly. Test the vehicle at dusk or early evening to determine your comfort with the visibility provided by the headlamps. If you already have a child safety seat, install it to check for compatibility.
Hit the Road. Take the vehicle up to 35-40 MPH. Make sure shifting is smooth and steering is straight. When braking, a pull to the left or the right could indicate a brake problem. The steering wheel should not shimmy at high speeds and
cornering should be smooth.
Check the Sources. Buying through the classifieds? Check the name on the title and match it to the name on the seller’s driver’s license. Many individuals disguised as private sellers are actually unlicensed, unregulated curbstoners, who may pass problem cars on to unsuspecting buyers.
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