A car may appear to have all the features and looks that you are after, but only after a test drive can you be sure that it is the right one. For example, you may find during a test drive that the car is uncomfortable to drive, the ride bumpier than you expected or that gear changes are difficult.
Licensed dealers will usually allow you to test drive the vehicle (or a demo vehicle when purchasing a new car) before you purchase. Some will allow you to test the vehicle overnight or over a weekend, but most will prefer to accompany you on a short drive within the vicinity of the dealership.
Auction houses won't usually let you drive the vehicle before auction day. However they will usually allow you to inspect the vehicle as much as is possible without driving it, which may include starting the engine. If considering a purchase at auction, it is a good idea to test drive a car of similar make and/or model prior to the auction if possible.
For private sales, test driving the vehicle is completely up to the owner. You will need to negotiate this with them and may need to offer some form of ‘security' to them (e.g. giving them your driver's licence or keys to your current vehicle to hold).
Before you take a car out for a test drive make sure you understand your legal liability should you be involved in an accident during the test. If test driving a car through a licensed dealer, they should be able to advise you regarding this.
Take the car for a test drive along a variety of different roads and speed limits. Practise parking the car, and perform a U turn to establish the turning circle of the car.
Vehicle inspections
With a second-hand car it's a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a professional before you buy it. The RAA, MTA service centres and qualified independent mechanics all offer this type of service and will provide you with a comprehensive written report on the vehicle.
Always inspect the car to the best of your ability before you arrange the inspection – this will save you the cost of a mechanical report if you decide the car simply isn't worth it.
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Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60
Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61
Privacy
The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html
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