According to stats collected by Autotrader, car buyers spend 59% of their time researching before they make a final decision. Most of these serious buyers spend 1-3 months at least before making a purchase, and if you’re one of them, then it’s good for you. When buying a car, be it new or used, you need to be careful about the make and model because not every vehicle is going to fit your needs. Research and testing become all the more crucial when you’re considering to purchase a used car because you need to make sure that everything is according to your requirements.
You need to remember that while you will need to compromise on a few of the physical attributes of the used car, you shouldn’t have to settle for any performance issues. You may be able to detect a lot of problems when you take the car for a test drive. It is also integral that you run some vigorous testing procedures. Running these inspections will make sure that the technology in the vehicle works perfectly and won’t let you down once you’ve signed on the dotted line and made the bargain.
However, before we plunge into the techniques through which you can check the technology in a used car, let’s see why it is so vital to do so and what will happen if you ignore this precautionary measure.
Why testing used car technology is imperative
Helps you in negotiating
Every individual car dealer or seller won’t be upfront with the problems the vehicle has and will try to trick you in several different ways. While transparency on their part is integral, you shouldn’t be naïve enough to think there aren’t any issues only because the dealer says so. Deciding to check the various technologies will help you pinpoint any major or minor glitches and negotiate the terms and conditions accordingly.
Won’t leave you stranded
Imagine this, you’re on your way to your parent’s house which is another state, and suddenly, it starts to rain and the cold creeps in. In such a scenario, think about the dire consequences you may have to face if the car’s lights aren’t working correctly or if the heating doesn’t function as it should! Testing your used vehicle’s technologies will make you rest assured that everything is alright and that it won’t bail on you last minute.
Buy what you’re paying for
Often, you buy a car because it has a sunroof or offers a seat heating option. The prices on such a vehicle vary because of the technologies provided. Now one mistake that you can end up making is to take the dealer’s word for it and think that the technology you require works. As a result, you don’t check the tools and purchase something which wasn’t worth the money.
What type of tests should you run
Now that we’ve established just how essential it is to run technology tests on used cars let’s look at some of the tools you can benefit from.
Inspect the lights
One of the most fundamental things you may miss if you’re taking the car for a test drive in the morning or afternoon is the vehicle lights. Remember that though the problem may be as simple as a bulb being out, there is a chance that other wiring issues are responsible for the problems. If you can’t inspect after sunset, make it a point to change the lights at different stages and get out to check how they are performing. Bear in mind that because lights are a significant part of your vehicle, you shouldn’t ignore their operations.
Source
Check the gadgets
When you’re sitting inside the car, make it a point to check every device and switch available to you. Turn on the radio and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection if the car has it and ensure that it syncs with your smartphone without hassle. Also check the heating and cooling system, electric windows, and any other devices found inside the vehicle. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t be rushed during these inspections because you don’t want to buy something which wasn’t worth it.
Don’t forget the history
Though you’ll need to check a lot of other vital features when you’re buying from we buy any car retailer, one thing you shouldn’t miss is the history test. Carry out a vehicle history check because it won’t just provide you protection from used car scams but will also reveal any recurring issues which the vehicle has had but which aren’t apparent at first look. This is especially important when you’re buying a smart car or one with lots of advanced features because while damages to the body or chassis are visible at close inspection, the performance of gadgets isn’t guaranteed.
Take it out for a spin
Finally, the best thing you can do when you’re buying a used car is to take it for a test drive. Make an appointment with the dealer and ask him/her if you can drive it on your chosen path. Don’t be afraid to explore the vehicle from front to back because this is the primary purpose of a test drive. Again, bear in mind that though the car won’t drive like a Ferrari, you should be getting what you were promised.
Purchasing a used car is an investment that you’ll benefit from for years to come. This is why it is essential that you know what you’re paying good money for. Make sure you do your research, pinpoint the vehicles that will suit you, run technology checks, compare different models, prices and dealers and then make an informed decision. Taking all these critical steps will ensure that the used car you’re purchasing is up to par and won’t let you down only because it was previously owned.
