It is no secret that new cars have become expensive. Trust us, Michael Hohl Honda understands this; they are costly for us as well. While we believe it could still be worth your while to buy a new Honda, it might simply be outside your vehicle budget, which is why we always have a large selection of used vehicles.
There are several ways in which buying a used car is similar to buying a new one. You want to figure out your vehicle needs in advance, such as size, power, and fuel efficiency. You may have a list of must-have convenience or safety features and may even have strong opinions for or against certain colors. The big difference is that with a new car, you aren't really concerned with the vehicle's condition. You can expect the vehicle to perform as the manufacturer intended and for everything to be in working order. In fact, it is entirely possible that the car you test drive may be the same model, but not the actual car you purchase.
It is the test drive that should differ the most between used- and new-vehicle shopping.
When you're buying a used car, you are naturally going to give the exterior a good going-over. Occasional nicks and scratches can be expected on any car that has been out in the field for a few years, but you want to see them all to decide you can live with them. Also, look closely down the length of the side, the hood, and the trunk, if there is one. Look for subtle ripples on the surfaces, and if you spot something, ask the seller about it.
Once inside, you may be anxious to get going, but take some time first. A car at a dealer like ours has probably been well cleaned, but look for any remaining stains on any surface. If the seller couldn't remove the stain, chances are you won't be able to either. Keep in mind that any tears in the fabric surfaces or cracks in the dash will only worsen over time. Use your sense of smell to detect any odors, particularly those with a smoky or moldy scent. If the rear seats fold down, fold them. If it is a minivan or large SUV, there may be other interior configurations to test.
Start the car, but don't take off right away. Listen to how smoothly it idles. Is it steady, or does it fluctuate? Do you hear any unexpected sounds like clattering from the engine bay or a buzz inside the cabin? Use this time to check all the electronics, such as the audio system, climate control, and other interior features. If the car has a touchscreen, try testing all sections of it and double-check the most frequently used areas, such as main menu items. Pair your phone to ensure the system works properly and play a familiar piece of music to evaluate the sound quality. While doing this, adjust the balance and fader to confirm that all speakers are functioning. If the vehicle has wireless charging, check that; if not, have a cord on hand to check the charge ports.
Don't blast the volume, but turn it up a notch higher than your usual listening level to see if you can detect any buzz from the speakers or interior panels. Touchscreens can vary in sensitivity, but if you find yourself having to try several times to engage a function, it could be a red flag. Such things rarely improve over time.
Be sure to check the fuel level (or charge level on an EV) because you wouldn't be the first person to run out of gas on a test drive. Also, before leaving, plan the route you want to take. Make sure it includes a mix of city and highway driving.
Now, before you take off, turn the audio system off. You may want to turn it on again later during the drive, but initially, you should focus on listening to the car. Does the engine rev smoothly, or does it hesitate in places? Are there sounds you can't identify? Can you hear or feel the transmission gear changes? Be sure to look for any thunking when shifting from park to drive, and use reverse at some point to check for it.
In the city, test the smoothness of the brakes and see if the car pulls to either side when you use them. If the car has an auto-stop feature, try it out. If it has a brake hold, which keeps the car in place after you lift your foot from the brake, be sure to test it. This is also a good time to check visibility at all angles to determine if you feel sufficiently aware of your surroundings.
When checking acceleration, consider how you usually drive. If you don't typically engage in full acceleration from a stop, there's little point in checking that. Instead, focus on passing acceleration, which is more common during everyday driving. Make sure to check both at city and highway speeds.
On the highway, check for any unexpected vibrations or what seems like excessive wind noise. Listen for rattles and buzzes coming from the dash, door panels, windows, or anywhere else in the interior when driving at speed and as you roll over bumps. Make sure the steering doesn't pull to either side or shimmy at certain speeds. The shimmy or pulling to either side should be a deal breaker; whether the noises are, is up to you. Just know they are unlikely to go away on their own.
If the car has driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist, try testing them to see if they meet your expectations. If it has a blind-spot indicator system, look for opportunities to test it with nearby cars. Of course, emergency braking and steering features will remain untested.
If the seller is in the car with you, ask about anything that doesn't seem quite right and if they would be willing to address it before the purchase. If you are driving alone or with a friend, try to memorize a list of questions you want to ask upon your return.
Finally, if you truly like the car, despite the seller's desire to close the deal, arrange for it to be inspected by your trusted mechanic to identify any issues that may not be apparent to a layperson. This process takes time, and there's a risk that the car could be sold before you can schedule the inspection. However, it's the best way to ensure you've done everything possible to verify that this vehicle is a good investment for your transportation needs.
That seller may be Michael Hohl Honda, and as much as we like to close a deal, it is more important and better business to have repeat customers, so your ultimate satisfaction in your purchase is our ultimate goal.
