Test Drives and Inspections

From the buyer’s perspective, the most critical aspect of buying a car is the test drive. The test drive is more than just a nuts and bolts experience to see if the vehicle appears in good working order. It’s also a time for the potential buyer to see how the car feels. As a seller, you want to make the test drive a pleasant experience for your buyer and a comfortable and safe one for you.

Be Prepared

First, decide where you and your buyer will meet. If you feel uncomfortable about meeting outside your home or workplace, choose a public place where you’ll feel comfortable. A location with security and surveillance makes sense, like outside a bank or in the parking lot of a police station or fire house.

Once you’ve decided on your meeting spot, scout out a test-driving route. Plan a route that travels on both the highway and surface streets, is no longer than 15 minutes, has minimal traffic, and has only right turns. This will minimize the risk of an accident and allow the potential buyer to experience different speeds as well as braking and cornering.

After you’ve determined your route, test it out with a friend. Have the friend drive and note how long it takes. During the drive, ask your friend to point out anything about your car that might concern a prospective buyer, such as noise, vibration, or other issues.

If you find something that is a cause for concern, you may want to get a mechanic to look at it before putting the car on the market. Be prepared to explain any issues if your buyer comments on them.

The Meeting

When you meet a potential buyer, record their full name, street address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Source this information from the buyer’s driver’s license and insurance card. Include the expiration dates of both documents. Let the buyer know you’ll need these documents when you communicate with the potential buyer to set up the meeting location and time.

You’ll need to decide whether you’re more comfortable going with your buyer on the drive or staying behind. If you’re not comfortable going alone, consider having someone with you who would be comfortable riding along.

Make sure that someone staying behind knows your exact planned route, when you expect to return, and your cell phone number. If you decide to let the potential buyer take your car alone, ask them to leave their keys with you while you wait. Be very specific about the maximum length of time you expect them to be gone.

During the drive, you’ll want to take the opportunity to point out any special features or other strong selling points about your car. The test drive is a perfect time to discuss your car’s excellent condition, low mileage, and unique features.

Getting an Inspection

Some potential buyers will want to have a used car inspection by an independent mechanic before they decide to buy. It’s safest if you bring the car to the mechanic instead of the prospective buyer taking it in alone. Stay with the vehicle if you can, but if that’s not feasible, do some investigation to ensure the mechanic is reputable, such as by calling the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce, and perhaps checking online review services.

If the prospective buyer wants to bring the car to his mechanic in a different town and you don’t feel comfortable, you can tell them to choose a mechanic in your town.

You can often avoid a used car inspection by providing copies of your receipts showing all the repairs and maintenance. You can also take the car to a dealer or mechanic for a car check-up right before you put it up for sale, and share a report of their findings.

Buying a car is a significant purchase for most people, so be prepared for potential buyers to be looking for issues and asking questions about your vehicle during the test drive to use during the negotiation process later. If you’re prepared to address any concerns and answer questions thoroughly, you’ll be relaxed during the test drive and more likely to make a sale.

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