Travel & transport @ ecitizen

Test-drive the car at a time that is convenient for you so you have enough time to conduct a thorough examination.

• Check all the buttons and knobs. Are they easily accessible and easy to use?
• Test the seat adjustment and check if you have enough legroom.
• Make sure the seatbelts are comfortable and don't easily get lost between the seats.
• Turn the air conditioner on and take note of how long it takes to cool the car.
• Go for doors that feel solid and close firmly, not cheap flimsy ones.

• Keep an open mind.
• Don't be swayed by the salesman. Tell him that you'll ask questions when you need to.
• Try out different roads (e.g. narrow, bumpy, curvy) to get a good sense of the car's suspension (too hard, too soft) and handling (see point 5).
• Try accelerating and braking hard for a feel of the car's performance and the responsiveness of the braking system.
• Try turning at different speeds. If the car handles well you should be able to feel in control of the vehicle when it turns.
• Do a couple of circles in a car park to get an idea of the car's turning radius, which is the tightest turn the car can make.
• Try changing lanes to see if you are comfortable with visibility in the car.
• Listen out for noise. You don't want to hear a lot of noise from the engine or from the outside.
• Drive safely!

If you are buying a used car, make doubly sure that everything is in working order. In addition, you should also take note of the following:

• Make sure the tyres more than 1.6mm of tread depth and that all four wheels are the same size and brand.
• Look under the car for any fluid leaks with the engine on and off.
• Look out for any signs of body repair on the car such as ripples and seams.
• Inspect the car for rust.
• Turn on the engine and listen out for any unusual sounds. Rattling, hissing and knocking noises may indicate potential engine problems.
• Try getting to the maximum speed allowed and watch out for any shaking or vibrating in the car as these may signal potential problems.
• Check that the vehicle does not pull to one side when you accelerate or brake.
• When stationary, pull up the handbrake and accelerate gently to test the torque of the car.

If you've done all the checks and tests but still aren't 100% sure if the car is right for you, here are some additional steps you can take.

• Get someone to ride in the back of the car during your test drive and get his feedback as a passenger.
• Try test-driving other cars. This will give you a sense of how well your desired car compares against other models
• Take the car for another test drive. You never know if you missed anything and it can't hurt to take a second look.