Perhaps the most important part of buying a used car is taking it for a test drive. The reason for the test drive is quite simple, you are given an opportunity to analyze the cars functionality and condition and while you are taking the drive you are given the perfect opportunity to question the sales executive any questions you might have about the cars history.
Even before you get in the car do not be afraid to tell the sales exec that you would appreciate if he or she would give you the opportunity to get a feel for the road noise as well as the wind rush noise and the only way this will happen if they can keep the conversation to a minimum. Often the dealer will have a route that he uses when testing used cars in Palos Hills, pay no attention, take the car on roads with different gradients and surfaces; drive the car as if you have already bought it. Take it on roads that are full of potholes, take it on glass smooth roads; take it up hill and down and around tight curves. The objective of the test drive is for you to decide if the car is suitable for your purposes or not.
During the test drive there are a few more important things to pay attention to:
* Acceleration: When you press on the accelerator does the car jerk or hesitate? You want to be looking for smooth acceleration, if you hear odd noises when accelerating it could be a sign of engine problems.
* Alignment: When the car is travelling on a reasonably smooth surface at about 20 MPH take your hands off the steering wheel. If the car veers one way or the other there is a problem with alignment, the tires or steering linkage components.
* Braking: Before you start the car, pump the brake pedal. Hold your foot on the brake and start the engine. You should feel the pedal go down a little, if you keep the brakes on for a minute or so and the pedal continues to sink, the master cylinder may be faulty. Now drive the car at speed, at about 30 MPH step on the brakes hard, you are looking for a smooth, controlled stop with the car remaining in a straight line.
As well as acceleration, alignment and braking, test driving used cars in Palos Hills will give you an immediate impression of the steering, suspension, handling and mechanical components such as the transmission.
If you are looking for used cars in Palos Hills you are invited to stop by the used car lot of Hawk Ford in Oak Lawn. You will be pleasantly surprised at the wide range of quality used cars that are available priced from $5,000 and up.