One of the most important parts of choosing and purchasing a pre-owned Acura vehicle is going for a test drive. To ensure that it's right for you, follow these tips from our Acura of Sherman Oaks team. Once you're finished, visit us to put your newfound knowledge (and our cars) to the test!
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Examine the Exterior
Before even getting inside the vehicle, you should take a trip around the exterior. You can determine if a car has had previous repairs by checking the body panels and seeing if the paint looks uneven. Not all repairs will be listed in the vehicle history report, so doing this initial check can give you a lot of important info.
Test Interior Features
Once you're behind the wheel, it's essential to see if all the Acura parts work correctly. Adjust the mirrors and seats to the most comfortable position and check the A-pillars' position to ensure your line of sight isn't obstructed. Be sure to utilize the rear-view camera, if applicable, to see if it functions as it should.
Evaluate the Handling
After your test drive has begun, you should try the vehicle in multiple realistic scenarios. First, find a straight road without obstacles. After smoothly accelerating, take your hands off the steering wheel and see if the vehicle begins to veer to the side. This can indicate issues with wheel alignment.
Try the Brakes
Issues with your vehicle's brakes are easily identifiable on a test drive. Once you're traveling at a steady speed, softly press on your brakes and listen for squealing or screeching that may indicate worn brake pads. If the brakes are pulsing, it may mean your brake rotors need a replacement.
Go On a Realistic Drive
Instead of only driving on the highway or around the dealership, you should take the vehicle you're interested in on an accurate test drive. Some dealerships will allow you to take the vehicle home for a day to test it on your daily commute.
Find Your Next Acura Vehicle in Los Angeles, CA, Today
If you want to start the car-buying process, contact our Los Angeles, CA, Acura dealership. After you've determined the ideal vehicle for your needs, our team of Acura finance experts can assist you further. Give us a call for additional info!
