Tips for Test Driving a Used Honda

It’s no surprise that most individuals are cautious when they attempt to buy a used car. After all, many pre-owned vehicles come “as is,” leaving new owners to wonder exactly what might be wrong with the vehicle. In addition, most come with a limited warranty or no warranty at all.

If you’re in the process of searching for a used Honda, there are steps you must take to ensure you aren’t taking a big gamble, and the first place to start is with the test drive. The test drive can tell you many things about the car you’re planning on purchasing, and can help you prepare for the expenses you may have to deal with after you make the purchase.

Test Driving a Honda

When you get ready to test drive a used Honda, keep these tips in mind; they may save you time and money when searching for the perfect pre-owned car.

• Rebound on Struts and Shocks- The struts and shocks on a Honda are the main car parts that allow the vehicle to remain stable when driving down the road. While you can’t know their long-term performance, you can test them to see whether they are still in good shape at the moment. Walk around the Honda, and at every corner, push down with your full weight. If the car comes back to its regular position, the struts or shocks are working. If it bounces, you could be in for a very expensive repair.

• Open Every Door- While many car buyers are more concerned with what’s under the bonnet than what’s in the backseat, opening each door can help you avoid expensive repairs later on. The doors should open easily, including the fuel tank door and boot, without making noises. Squeaking can indicate a need for lubrication, but it can also mean certain Honda parts, like the hinges, are failing.

• Inspect the Interior and Exterior- During the daylight, check out the interior of the car, including the seats, floor mats, the inside of the boot, under the bonnet, and the dash. Be aware of any burns, rips, tears, stains, or wear that is present. After this is done, move to the outside of the car to check for scratches, signs of rust, or dents. Compare the paint colour on the body of the Honda to the colour on the edges of the doors and in the boot. Changing paint colours could indicate past body work that was done after an accident.

• Listen to it Idle- If you want to avoid paying a lot of money for Honda parts during the next year, take the time to listen to the car idle before you get in it to drive. Listen from the interior of the car, the exterior, and with the bonnet raised. Make sure to ask about any noises and have them evaluated before purchasing the vehicle.

• Test the Alignment- Find a straight stretch of road and test the alignment of the Honda. You can do this by driving straight down the road at an even speed. Once you are comfortable with the speed, relax your hands on the steering wheel. If the car veers to one side, the problem could be faulty tyre pressure, or it could indicate the need for a front end alignment.

• Brake at Different Speeds- When you push the brake pedal down firmly and evenly, no matter what they speed, the result should be a smooth, clean stop. If for some reason this doesn’t happen, you hear squeaking, or the car shudders, it could mean these car parts are in need of repair.

Ready to test drive your first used Honda? Some problems you will be evaluating will occur while you’re behind the wheel, while others will need to be checked before you even get in the car. Make sure you take care to follow these tips so you don’t take a gamble on a used car.