Tips for Test Driving Used Cars in Bozeman MT

by | Jul 2, 2024 | Cars

Latest Articles

Categories

Archives

Is it time to think about another car? If so, you can save a lot of money on new car depreciation when you visit local used car dealerships in Bozeman MT. Test driving is an important part of car shopping and here are some test-driving tips to make you a more effective shopper and help you get the car you really want.

Checking Out the Car

If you are checking out top quality late-model vehicles at used car dealerships in Bozeman MT, you may not need a pre-test inspection. These cars are in excellent condition, and everything gets checked out. However, if the car is several years old you should check these features:

   * Underneath the chassis – look for signs of fluid leaks

   * Oil dipstick – look for bubbles, rust, or signs of poor maintenance.

   * Lighting – make sure brake lights and turn signals work

   * Tires – check for uneven wear

Starting the Test Drive

Before leaving used car dealerships in Bozeman MT turn off the car radio and roll the windows down part way. You may want to leave the heater or AC fan off for a few minutes too. This gives you the chance to evaluate unusual noises.

Roll down the back windows while driving. Do you hear an unusual vibration noise? Some cars make this noise when the back windows are down. It is part of the body design.  If you cannot live with this, you may need to check out another model.

Drive to a Parking Lot

When you get to the parking lot, roll the windows all the way down. Drive slowly and turn the steering wheel sharply. If a car has problems with the CV joints or steering, you may hear popping or clicking noises. Check for play in the steering wheel also. These tips can help you avoid many expensive repair issues.