American drivers are holding onto their cars, trucks, and SUVs longer than ever, with the average amount of time hitting a record of 12.5 years.

The primary cause of this is the global automotive chip shortage. Due to lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, facilities manufacturing chips had to shut down. And that shortage has driven up the cost of new and used cars.

While you can still get a good deal if you buy a used vehicle over a new one, can you get a reliable used car?

Read this used car guide to learn why you can trust used vehicles.

Why You Can Trust Used Vehicles

A new car loses up to 11% of its worth the moment it’s driven off the lot. It’ll lose around 20% of its value after one year, and a new car will depreciate between 15% and 25% annually until it’s five years old.

So, buying a new car means shouldering high depreciation. Considering that new cars cost more, you might balk at sinking a lot of money into buying one.

Buying a quality used vehicle from a trusted used car dealership means you can take advantage of a great price. Buying used means using depreciation to your benefit and getting a great car for much less.

You can trust pre-owned vehicles sold by a reputable automotive company.

Consider, as well, that vehicles these days can be more reliable than vehicles from the past. So, you can easily find used cars made to last.

Buying from a trusted used car dealership like Red McCombs Automotive means you can access a wide range of quality used vehicles. You’ll see that used cars can be a good buy in today’s market.

How to Choose Them

Do you want to know the best strategies to find trusted used vehicles? The good news is that it’s not a matter of luck. You can trust pre-owned vehicles on the lots of reputable car dealers with a track record of providing good service.

You won’t have to worry about getting a lemon when you buy a certified pre-owned car from a used car dealer like Red McCombs Automotive.

Our certified pre-owned vehicles undergo rigorous inspections, maintenance, and repairs. So, buying such a vehicle is like getting a reconditioned car that’s practically as good as new. And it’ll be a fraction of the cost of a new one.

If you want to test drive used cars made to last before buying one, visit one of our dealerships. It’s worth the drive to any of our Texas locations.

Used This Used Car Guide to Find Your Used Car

Are you looking for a vehicle? At Red McCombs Automotive, we sell quality new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles.

If you need a car but don’t have the budget for a brand-new vehicle, there’s no need to despair. Our used cars won’t leave you stranded.

After reviewing this used car guide, check out our selection of certified pre-owned vehicles. With our wide selection of used vehicles, you’ll find the perfect car for your needs. Stop by for a test drive.

Posted in Car Buying Guide, Car Industry News | No Comments »

There have been plenty of rumblings about what’s coming soon for cars; airless tires are just one example. The global tire market reached a whopping $122 billion as of 2021, and it’s only expected to grow.

If you’re looking for new developments in auto industry news, puncture-proof tires are an excellent example.

Read on for a list of five benefits of investing in airless tires to help you decide whether they’re right for you and your car.

1. No Flat Tire, No Worries

If you’re thinking of upgrading your tires, these are a good option once they’re ready for consumers to purchase. Since they don’t require air to keep them “inflated,” you’ll no longer need to worry about an unexpected flat.

Airless tires provide peace of mind knowing you won’t get stranded due to a flat tire. Not only will this keep the worry of a breakdown low, but it also prevents you from having to replace it with a temporary “donut” until the tire is replaced.

2. Airless Tires Mean Less Maintenance

One of the biggest pieces of auto industry news for airless tires is the reduction of maintenance and downtime. You’ll no longer need to head to the gas station to fill your tire with air and worry about PSI levels.

This is especially beneficial to fleet managers who deal with multiple vehicles at once. Not only do these new tires reduce the need for upkeep, but they also reduce fleet downtime, too. It also reduces the cost to replace traditional rubber tires.

3. Better for the Environment

You’ve heard plenty of automotive news about electric vehicles, but airless tires are also eco-friendly. Countless tons of scrapped rubber tires end up in landfills every year.

With these types of tires, there will be fewer punctured rubber tires sitting around in garbage dumps all over the world. Not only that, but this design uses a much more sustainable process in terms of manufacturing and materials as well.

4. Better Traction

These quality tires are actually heavier than radial tires and they have a much more evenly distributed tread surface. This results in better traction when turning and when you’re driving at low speeds.

Not only do airless tires work on standard vehicles, but they’re also great for forklifts and other industrial vehicles as well as ATVs. You’ll immediately notice an improvement in your vehicle’s performance overall with these tires on.

5. Great Fuel Efficiency

Airless tires are stiffer than rubber, so they tend to maintain their shape for longer. One of the main factors in the reduction of fuel efficiency is tire deformation.

With these puncture-proof tires, your vehicle should have the same or even better fuel efficiency than it would with traditional tires. This will save you money on fuel as well as the cost of worrying about replacing worn-out rubber tires.

Exciting Automotive News

While airless tires aren’t quite ready for the public yet, you can already see the benefits. If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-saving tire, then these quality tires could be the perfect solution.

At Red McCombs, our goal is to help you find your next favorite automobile, so be sure to visit our wide selection of new vehicles today!

Posted in Car Industry News | No Comments »

Do you want to purchase a vehicle with the best safety features and excellent technological advancements? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will delve into a new car guide and exactly what’s coming for new cars.

Our automotive predictions include the advancement of holographic dash displays that drivers can view when operating their cars and moving down the street. So, what are these displays and how do they work? Are top car brands adding such technology? Find out the answers in our new car guide below.

What Are Automotive Holographic Dash Displays?

The automotive holographic dash display is a type of dash screen technology that will provide the driver with a new type of experience. The drivers will view a three-dimensional, transparent display that provides a distraction-free operation.

Essentially, the holographic displays offer key information and data that ensures greater safety and provides the user with key details to avoid accidents and other errors.

Drivers today prefer more safety systems and features while ensuring overall comfort when operating the vehicle. The latest auto industry news involves car trends delving into augmented reality (AR) technology.

The Latest Automotive Trends Involve Augmented Reality

Today, automotive tech tools and augmented reality (AR) technology are coming together to impact car design. The company Envisics creates holographic head-up displays and supplied as many as 1.6 million AR displays in 2022.

The company further predicts that 19.1 million units will get sold by 2032. The AR technology involves a variety of features like speed information and showcases landmarks as well as possible collision points.

For example, the impressive AR holographic technology will better display whether any cyclists or pedestrians are nearby. That is especially useful when driving in the dark.

The Brands Embracing the Latest Car Trends

Numerous car brands are taking on this latest automotive trend, which includes Hyundai, General Motors, Stellantis, and Jaguar Land Rover.

These particular automotive brands have become significant shareholders in Envisics, a producer of holographic displays. BMW, Delphi, and Winstar Display are also key players in the AR technology market.

The Jaguar Land Rover was one of the first vehicles to incorporate a holographic head-up display in 2015. Since then, such technology has been expanding with more automotive manufacturers embracing the features.

Where You Should Go For the Most Advanced Cars

When searching for a quality vehicle and the latest technology, you should consider contacting Red McCombs Automotive from San Antonio, Texas. Here, you’ll find a great team of specialists who will provide you with all the information you need to pick the right automobile for you. Give us a call today!

Posted in Car Industry News | No Comments »

Last year, the car and automobile manufacturing market in the US was worth more than $100 billion. The automotive sector is one of the biggest in the United States, although it has taken a hit in recent years.

Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have had impacts on production and sales. Yet, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, now might be a great time to buy.

Here’s what you need to know about trends and what’s coming in 2023 for cars.

Vehicle Affordability Still Presents Challenges

There’s still talk of a possible recession this year, but there seem to be opposing views on the timing and severity. Factors such as high inflation are hitting many American families hard.

Thankfully, if you need a new vehicle, you have options. Buying used is one way to save during this time, and you’ll still find plenty of quality vehicles on the market. Wholesale pricing for used cars is expected to fall again as rates get closer to pre-pandemic rates.

You can apply for financing to create manageable payments. This is a great option if you don’t have the funds to buy a vehicle in cash.

The Year of Electric Vehicle Improvements

Expect the automotive industry to focus on basic performance upgrades for electric vehicles. Consumers tend to hold back on purchasing EVs until there are more upgrades in terms of range or decreased prices.

Experts also predict that there will be more incentives for businesses to make the switch. Some companies will likely incorporate EVs into their fleets thanks to electric vehicle tax credits and other incentives.

Compared to 2020, sales almost doubled in 2021 to 6.6 million. That’s roughly 16.5 million electric vehicles on the road.

Making upgrades to battery efficiency and adding more EV charging stations will help expedite the switch.

Vehicle Trends: Connected Cars

Connected cars are vehicles that can “communicate” with other software systems using short-range radio signals. These cars collect data from your surroundings, such as a vehicle on the side of the road up ahead that could be a potential traffic hazard or drivers running red lights.

The hope is that connected cars will reduce accidents and prevent fatalities on roads and highways. This technology has a significant advantage over other vehicle sensors and warning systems because it doesn’t rely on line-of-sight communication.

So, one of our 2023 automotive predictions is that we’ll see more of this technology being implemented in newer models.

More Online Research

Many consumers spend a great deal of time researching before even visiting the dealership. That’s not a trend that’ll end anytime soon.

Many people look up the latest new car guide for any models they’re interested in, reading about the pros and cons. They stay updated with the latest auto industry news, learning about trends and safety features.

As a result, buyers arrive at a dealership with a better idea of what they want and how much they’re willing to pay.

The Future of the Automotive Sector

Now that you’ve read our predictions for the automotive sector for the year, you have a better idea of what to expect. Now is a great time to buy a vehicle, whether you’re planning on getting a new model or a used car.

Here at Red McCombs, our motto is “Driven to Serve,” so we can’t wait to help you find your next favorite car, truck, or SUV. Shop our wide selection of new vehicles to find some amazing deals on your favorite brands, and then visit our dealership!

Posted in Car Buying Guide, Car Industry News | No Comments »

With the rise of shared mobility, connectivity services and feature upgrades, the automotive industry is set to revolutionize in the next few years. However, with all the new technologies and trends in the market, car shopping can be daunting.

Don’t stress, though. This 2023 car buying guide explains what to expect in the upcoming years and why choosing the right dealership is crucial. It also gives you tips on how to prepare for your car purchase. Let’s make car shopping fun and easy!

Why 2023 is the Ideal Year to Buy a New Car

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation due to technological advancements and changing consumer demands, resulting in an increased focus on diverse mobility options, autonomous driving technology, electric vehicles and innovative connectivity features.

Together, these trends make the automotive industry ripe for disruption. As a result, cars will increasingly become platforms for drivers and passengers to use their time in transit to consume new forms of media and services.

Furthermore, vehicle unit sales are expected to grow due to macroeconomic factors and the rise of new mobility services such as car sharing and e-hailing. For these reasons, 2023 is the perfect time to purchase a new car.

2023 Car Buying Guide: Preparing for Car Shopping in 2023

As the automotive industry continues to evolve and new technologies and trends emerge, it’s essential to be well-informed when shopping for a car in 2023. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your car purchase:

1. Research different car models and features: With the rapid technological advancements, it’s essential to keep up with the latest features and options available.
2. Set a budget: Before you start shopping, have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a car, keeping in mind your income, expenses and any other financial obligations when setting a budget.
3. Obtain financing: If you plan to finance your car purchase, research different financing options, and compare rates and terms to find the best deal. Understand the terms of the loan and the total cost of the car, including interest and fees.
4. Bring the proper documents and identification: When you’re ready to purchase a car, make sure you bring the necessary documents and identification, such as a driver’s license, proof of insurance and proof of income.
5. Choose a trusted dealership: Find a reputable dealership with a wide selection of cars and financing options, as well as a dedicated team of experts who can help guide you through the process.

Following these tips and preparing in advance will help you make an informed car purchase in 2023.

Upgrade Your Ride in 2023 at Red McCombs Automotive

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s vital to be well-informed when shopping for a car in 2023. You can confidently make an informed car purchase by researching different models, setting a budget, obtaining financing and choosing a trusted dealership. Visit Red McCombs Automotive and let us help you find your perfect car in 2023.

Posted in Car Buying Guide, Car Industry News | No Comments »

The 2022 model year will be the last for many car models across different categories, including economy cars, supercars and minivans. Automakers discontinue models for varying reasons, such as poor sales and changing consumer preferences. Let’s take a look at a few cars discontinued in 2023.

Acura ILX

The introduction of the 2023 Acura Integra was the death blow to Acura’s old sedan, the Acura ILX. The Integra is comparable to the recent 11th-gen Honda Civic, whereas the ILX is more akin to the 9th-generation Civic. The ILX’s end has been overdue since the release of the 10th-generation Civic.

Buick Encore

Buick’s Encore subcompact SUV has finally reached the end of its road after a nearly decade-long run. This comes as no surprise, though, considering the Encore has been jostling for showroom space as Buick’s similarly sized SUV, the Encore GX, since 2020.

Chevrolet Spark

With a starting MSRP of just $13,600 for the base model, the 2022 Chevrolet Spark was the least expensive new car in the United States. It packed several standard features despite its two-passenger rear bench seat being unsuitable for passenger hauling. However, its 4-cylinder 98-hp engine was unimpressive.

Ford GT

The 66-hp Ford GT paid homage to the Ford GT40 racecars that triumphed at Le Mans four times in the 1960s. The GT’s top speed surpassed 200 mph, thanks to a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It offered several special edition models throughout the years, the last of which was the special LM Edition.

Honda Insight

The Insight, Honda’s hybrid version of the 10th-generation Civic, won’t make it past the 2022 model year. Honda cast aside the Insight to focus on making hybrids of its principal models: the 11th-generation Civic, Accord and CR-V.

Hyundai Veloster

The 2021 model year saw much of the Hyundai Veloster line get shelved, with only the 275-hop Veloster N making it to 2022. Sadly, Hyundai has now dealt the death knell to make way for the Elantra N and Kona N. The Hyundai Accent and Ioniq models, too, will not return for the 2023 model year.

Toyota Avalon

After a nearly three-decade run, the Avalon has finally reached its finale. Toyota dropped this large sedan from its 2023 lineup. The carmaker replaced the Avalon with the hybrid-only 2023 Crown, a full-size sedan with a higher ride height and several SUV-inspired features.

Volkswagen Passat

Production of the Volkswagen Passat sedan ceases in the 2022 model year due to low sales. For those in the market for a Volkswagen sedan, the closest alternative is the Arteon midsize sedan, featuring a sportier design, superior performance and better driving mechanics.

Other Cars Discontinued in 2023

Several auto industry news stories broke throughout 2022, announcing the discontinuation of many car models. Here are more notable cars that won’t make it to 2023.

• Acura NSX
• Chevrolet Trax
• INFINITI Q60
• Jeep Grand Cherokee WK
• Lamborghini Aventador
• Lamborghini Countach
• Lexus RX L
• Mercedes-Benz A-class
• Nissan Rogue Sport
• Ram ProMaster City

Shop a Huge Selection of New Vehicles

Some cars being discontinued in 2023 are undoubtedly beloved in the car community. Others were living on borrowed time. Regardless, endless options still exist if you’re looking for a car that fits your preferences, needs and budget. Visit Red McCombs to find your car.

Posted in Car Industry News | No Comments »

The many electric cars coming out in the next few years mark an exciting time for the auto industry. The electric vehicles hail from manufacturers such as Tesla, Porsche, Audi, and Jaguar. Consumers can buy them at virtually any price and in any size and shape.

7 Electric Vehicles to Get Excited About

Wondering what electric cars are on their way? The offerings include Volvo EX90, Polestar 3, BMW i4, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Nissan Ariya, and Tesla Cybertruck. They are just a few among the many electric vehicles landing at a fast and furious pace in 2022, 2023, and the years to come.

1. Volvo EX90

Volvo aims for the EX90 to be an all-electric replacement for the XC90 crossover. (By the way, Volvo plans to go electric by 2030, and the EX90 is the flagship. It uses an abundance of sustainable materials. For example, 110 pounds of the car is either made from bio-based materials or recycled plastics. The company’s ambitions by 2025 include vehicles with 25 percent recycled or bio-based plastics.)

The EX90 should have between 400 and 455 horsepower and a driving range of at least 370 miles. Range is the distance electric vehicles can travel on a single charge.

2. Polestar 3

Expect the Polestar 3 to feature more than 300 miles of range and possess more than 500 horsepower.

3. BMW i4

This is BMW’s answer to the Tesla Model 3. Drivers can get a range of 300+ miles from the BMW i4 along with plenty of style and power.

4. Mercedes-Benz EQE

This car should deliver nearly 400 miles of range to drivers and an extremely luxurious cabin for a decadent driving experience.

5. Nissan Ariya

If you’re looking for a mainstream SUV type, then Nissan’s Ariya could be your answer. The various Ariya models feature different ranges (304, 216, 205, 270, 289, and 265 miles, for example) and horsepower. The pinnacle experience, the Ariya Platinum, features an extended range of up to 265 miles, 389 horsepower, and a motion-activated hands-free liftgate.

6. Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla features in auto industry news headlines a lot. The Cybertruck certainly looks like it belongs in the future and is supposed to go into production in early 2023.

The finished version should appear not quite as futuristic because it must meet legal standards to be driven on roads. If you like boating, here’s a cool fact: Elon Musk wants the Cybertruck to be able to double as a boat on calm waters for short times. Drivers can use this feature to cross rivers, lakes, and seas that are not overly choppy.

7. Lotus Evija

Evija drivers will get behind the wheel of electric vehicles with 2,000 horsepower and four electric motors. This is a hypercar made for drag racing.

If you are in the San Antonio area, check out Red McCombs. Plenty of new and used electric vehicles and hybrids feature among our offerings, and you can get them at multiple price points. Check out our selection here.

Posted in Car Industry News | No Comments »

The COVID-19 pandemic created an array of problems that affected every area of our lives. And the car market was certainly no exception. We saw new car supply chain issues that affected the global supply chain automotive industry. And those new car issues trickled down into the used car market as well.

Inflation, wildfires, hurricanes, drought, financial crises, the semiconductor shortage, and so much more all converged on the market to make it nearly impossible to produce and ship new cars throughout the world. This resulted in an increase in used car prices of over 40%, making it extremely difficult to purchase even a used vehicle.

But it seems that things are finally starting to get back to normal and we may see the used car market start to return to pre-pandemic levels. At least, the signs are there that things may be finally turning around. Already we’ve seen a 4% decrease over the month of August and prices seem to be dropping across the board, but there’s more to it than that.

Even though the pandemic is slowing and situations for many people are improving, there are still plenty who are struggling to make ends meet and that means they’re not able to afford their vehicle payments. As a result, repossessions and defaults on loans are increasing, which means that used cars will become more available as these vehicles are returned to the lots.

Along the same lines, there may be fewer people looking for vehicles because of their financial situation. The pandemic wreaked havoc on everyone and there may not be money in some people’s budgets to pay for a vehicle, whether new or used. As a result, the demand for some of those vehicles can also start to decrease.

Next up, vehicles that were seeing extreme inflation on their prices that was definitely not deserved are starting to see their prices fall even more. While some used cars are generally better at holding their value, during the new car supply chain issues we were seeing all used car prices skyrocket. That can’t hold when the market starts righting itself because those cars were never a great option for used car buyers in the first place.

As the global supply chain automotive industry starts to come around, we’re seeing new cars start to trickle into the lots again. And as those new cars trickle in the used car prices are going to start dropping down. That’s because demand for those used cars was inflated by the fact that people weren’t able to purchase a new vehicle.

As manufacturers begin to improve their process and new cars begin to roll off the line we’ll see some improvements to the used car market as well. Since the used car market is highly dependent upon people being able to buy new cars, it’s going to require a balancing act before things get back where we want them to be. But they are definitely starting to improve. The market is starting to adjust, cars are starting to become available, and used car prices are starting to fall.

What all this means is, if you’re in the market for a used car, it’s a great time to start thinking about buying. With less demand, prices are better than they have been in a long time, and it looks like that’s going to keep trending.

Posted in Car Industry News | No Comments »

All it takes is one domino to collapse it all. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that domino came in the form of global supply chain shortages.

Nowhere was this more apparent than in the automotive industry. It began with automotive supply chain news about a lack of chips for new vehicles. Then it snowballed into an issue with the entire global supply chain automotive industry.

As gloomy as this situation may look, there may be an upside. The supply chain turmoil may be remaking the auto industry into something more resilient.

Keep reading as we discuss how the automotive industry is bouncing back.

The Automotive Supply Chain News Is Promoting Vertical Integration
Vertical integration is when a company internalizes every aspect of production. That means, for example, making tires in the factory rather than buying them in bulk from other companies. And in a world dominated by outsourcing, this could prove to be a massive change.

Vertical integration has a lot of growing pains. It means expanding factories, expanding departments, and adding a lot more calculation to the mix.

But the end result is companies that are more resilient. Supply chain shortages taught the automotive industry that they couldn’t rely on foreign suppliers. The car supply chain in 2022 and beyond may be a more centralized one.

The Automotive Industry Is Sourcing Their Materials Directly
As a consequence of vertical integration, automotive manufacturers are buying raw materials for themselves. To give an example, Elon Musk is buying cobalt and lithium direct from mining companies. This allows him to make his own batteries in the factory.

Other automakers are taking a page out of his book. The supply-chain industry may look very different, as automakers become the primary buyers of raw materials.

The result may mean that the global supply chain automotive industry may reduce to an in-country one. That means keeping their parts close to home, leading to a very low risk of supply chain disruption.

New Car Supply Chain Issues Are Improving Innovation
Now that vehicle makers are looking to cut ties with outsourcing companies, that opens a new door: innovation. Rather than relying on the same part supplied to a dozen other auto manufacturers, they can make their own.

This opens the door for never-before-seen innovation. If you have to build your design around a pre-fabricated part, that limits your vision and forces you to make concessions. But when you can decide how to build the part, then the door is open to your imagination.

This allows automakers to cut down on costs since they create the parts exactly to their own specifications. We may see more auto designs that break away from the mold in the coming years.

Find a Vehicle Today
Automotive supply chain news during the pandemic was cause for panic, but now it looks like the industry will adapt. Our future automotive industry might have better vertical integration, have more robust supply chains, and promote untold innovation. Of course, the best we can do is wait and see.

New car supply chain issues have made it difficult to get a vehicle for a reasonable price. That’s where Red McCombs is ready to help. Check out our selection of new vehicles and drop by one of our centers for a visit.

Posted in Car Industry News | No Comments »

About 40 million people around the world are buying a used car every year and for good reason – used cars are a great investment! You save money when you purchase a used car, and when you find the right one it’s well worth the search.

Test driving cars is an essential part of the process. Do you know the difference between test driving used cars versus new vehicles?

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to look for when test driving a used car! At Red McCombs, we are passionate about providing superior customer service and giving our customers the best vehicle options.

Read on to learn our best tips to test drive a car.

1. Size It Up

It might sound basic, but the first thing you should consider when test driving a used car is how big the vehicle is.

If you park in a garage or have a parking space, you should know how big that space is and make sure the car can fit in that area. If you want your car to transport large or heavy items, make sure it’s big enough for your needs. Don’t be afraid to use measuring tape!

2. Check Out the Exterior

Make sure to look over every part of the car’s exterior before you step inside to start your test drive.

Walk around the vehicle and look for any scratches, dents, peeling paint, or any other signs of wear and tear.

Run your fingers along the gaps between the body panels to make sure the gaps are even, especially around the bumper and hood. Uneven gaps could imply previous damage from an accident.

Make sure to look at the tires and take note if the tires are from different brands or don’t pass the penny-tread test. Simply place a penny, with Lincoln’s head facing down, into the tire tread. If you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tires need to be replaced.

Move each mirror and make sure those work correctly. Press down on each corner of the car to make sure it doesn’t bounce.

3. Feel Out the Interior

Part of the importance of test driving a car is making sure you’re comfortable. The vehicle needs to be in good condition, but taking into account that you will be sitting in your car very often, it needs to be comfortable!

Make sure to sit in every seat, not just the driver’s seat. Check the front, back seat, and trunk for odd smells.

Lower each window and open the sunroof to make sure the windows work properly. Lift any carpets and check for rust or smells underneath layers of carpet. Check for tears or stains inside as well.

4. Notice the View

Once you’re settled into the driver’s seat, take notice of what your view of the road looks like.

Are there blind spots? If so, can you adjust your seat or yourself enough to work around them?

Make sure you like the view from your seat and that you’re comfortable with the placement of each window and mirror.

5. Drive Various Speeds in Different Places

Used car test driving comes down to finding out how the car performs on the road. This is the real test of whether or not you will want to buy the car.

Once you hit the pavement, make sure to drive the car at different speeds and take it on the freeway. If you get the opportunity, drive it over train tracks and gravel paths or other surfaces that will test the quality of the car.

6. Get Very Comfortable

Once you figure out how to test drive a car to check for quality, make sure you test out how useable and comfortable it is as well.

Adjust your seat, turn on the radio, test the speakers, and press all the radio buttons. Try to pair your smartphone with the car to make sure it’s possible. Test out any USB port and auxiliary inputs.

Use every warning light and turn on every light in the car. Press the horn and also try out the windshield wipers.

7. Look Under the Hood

If you’re not sure what to look for under the hood, make sure to take someone with you who does know about cars.

Generally, you want to check and make sure the various belts and hoses aren’t cracked or have holes. Check the color of the antifreeze to make sure it isn’t milky or rusty.

If possible, check the fluids as well. Check the oil, transmission fluid, and brake and power stealing fluids.

8. Listen and Feel

Make sure to listen when you test drive used cars. Listen to the sounds it makes while you drive and if it makes any sounds when you’re at a stop.

Listen for any sound the car makes when you’re in the process of braking and when you turn on the air conditioner.

Also, make sure to feel how the car drives as you steer it over different surfaces. If something feels off, it’s worth checking out or asking about.

9. Ask About Paperwork

Don’t be shy to ask about the vehicle’s history. That may mean asking to see reconditioning paperwork or the vehicle history report.

Reconditioning paperwork will show you what the dealership has done to the car since they purchased it. This will give you a better idea of what to look for when testing it out.

A vehicle history report will tell you if the car has been in any major or minor accidents.

10. Ask to Have the Vehicle Inspected

You can also ask to have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. It’s great to test out a used car, but it’s even better to have a professional give it a once-over before you make a purchase.

This way you will have an outside opinion to consider and feel better about your used car purchase.

Use These Tips to Test Drive a Car Today

Now you know all the best tips for test driving cars so you know what to look for and can make the most informed decision when buying a used car. When it comes to used cars, Red McCombs has all the best options, no matter what you’re looking for.

Check out all our available used vehicles before coming down to test drive one for yourself today.

Posted in Use Car Tips | No Comments »