Your first meet-and-greet—with your potential purchase
By Kijiji Autos
It’s done! Well, almost.
For weeks now, you’ve been scanning the used car ads and inventories looking for that rare gem, the one that will turn heads and take you and your family wherever you want to go.
You think you’ve found the vehicle you’ve been looking for, but you haven’t been to see it yet. You still have to meet the seller and take a thorough test drive to put the car through its paces in a range of road conditions. And here’s where you’ll need to apply a bit of strategy.
Booking a test drive should never be done on a whim, but rather carefully planned. For instance, you’ll want the best possible scenario and surroundings for your test drive, so it’s essential to take a few minutes to reflect before making an appointment.
Test driving and buying a used vehicle are not at all like buying a new one. For starters, the test drive should be booked during the daytime. It’s difficult if not impossible to visually inspect a vehicle using a flashlight. You’ll risk missing some fairly important aspects, such as the presence of rust or the wear on tires and other parts, to say nothing of the fact that some car colours look very different at night than they do in the light of day. A daytime appointment, even on the weekend, is therefore the best way to get the ball rolling.
Choosing the venue
Where you meet the seller of the used vehicle is just as important. Pick a neutral location – not your home or the seller’s – and check the surroundings of the place you choose.
Keep in mind that you’re about to take a test drive that should ideally, in the space of a few minutes and kilometres, include country roads, a section of highway and a few city streets. You’ll want to know how the vehicle handles when you hit the gas, apply the brakes, navigate curves, and manoeuvre through busy streets.
Not only will you have the chance to check out the mechanical behaviour of the car, you’ll above all be able to test the comfort of the ride. By driving slowly, you can assess the noise level of the engine while also using on-board systems like the sound system and GPS, if the car has one.
One more detail: don’t book your test drive during rush hour, even if you live in a small town. Traffic has become a problem just about everywhere, and you certainly don’t want to conduct the entire test drive at a snail’s pace.
And finally, while it’s important to plan your test drive strategically, don’t postpone it too long. Remember that used vehicles are in high demand, so putting off a test drive could mean missing out on the deal of the century! Visit Kijiji Autos for more tips on purchasing a vehicle.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search nowHow to buy your next car online in Canada
As manufacturers and dealers recognize that the global pandemic is a long-term reality, the auto industry is rolling out more services to buy a car online in Canada. From the comfort of your own home, you can easily browse the latest models, apply for financing, make a purchase and get your brand...10 popular SUVs and crossovers in Canada
There's no doubt that Canadians navigate a wide variety of weather and lifestyle conditions every day. This makes a fun, practical and comfortable SUV or crossover a solid vehicle choice, from coast to coast. Listed in no particular order, check out these 10 popular SUV and crossover models to...The best features of 10 popular hatchbacks
If you are in the market for a hatchback, you'll want to check out this overview of these 10 models and the features that make them so popular. Kijiji Autos will help you confidently choose between the best hatchbacks, including used, sporty and hybrid models – whatever is a priority for you.10 popular vans in Canada
Cargo vans and minivans can meet the needs of many drivers. There are plenty of models to choose from at various price points, which can make it difficult to pick the van that's right for you. Whether it's passenger capacity or cargo space you're after, Kijiji Autos is here to help with your search.Top 10 popular pickup trucks in Canada
The pickup truck has always been a symbol of utility and strength, and lately, many models have become luxury family vehicles that leave nothing to be desired. In no particular order, these popular brands represent a range of available features, engine types and towing capacities. Check out the...10 popular sedans in Canada
Sedans are versatile vehicles that meet a variety of driving needs. Are you looking for a sedan in your area? With so many different styles, sizes and price points to choose from, it can be difficult to pick a model from such a long list of award-winning vehicles. In no particular order, these...What you should know about these 10 popular wagons
If you are looking to buy a wagon, explore Kijiji Autos list of these popular models, and the features that make them a great choice for your next car. This list is in no particular order and will help you easily choose between great wagons, whether you’re looking for luxury, affordable, small...9 popular coupes in Canada
Sporty and sleek, the coupe is a popular two- or four-door car that puts the fun back into driving. Fuel-efficient and compact, this body style is designed for performance. Are you looking for a coupe for sale near you? In no particular order, here is a list of 9 popular coupes in Canada...7 popular convertible cars in Canada
Convertibles are fun and adventurous cars that are perfect for cruising around when the weather is great. Are you looking to buy a convertible? From roadsters to off-roaders, convertibles (or cabriolets) are a great choice for those who love driving for its own sake. Can't decide which...Things first-time car owners should know
A car can seem like a complicated machine, and most maintenance jobs are best left to a mechanic, but if you’re a first-time car owner about to buy that perfect first car on Kijiji Autos, here are some things you should know. Editor’s note: This article has been newly updated. However, there...