DRIVE TEACHER

Whether you're buying privately or from a dealer, make it a priority to take a test drive, long before you start talking money.

A test drive is vital – it's your way of making sure you're comfortable, that you'll enjoy driving the car and that it's right for your needs.

Franchised dealers may even be prepared to let you test drive a new car for an extended time. Don't be shy to ask. After all, you're about to spend thousands of pounds.

If you're buying a second–hand car, the test drive is even more important. It's your main opportunity to make sure everything's in good working order – unless you've arranged for an engineer to look over the car for you.

Car Insurance

Make sure you are insured to carry out the test drive. Dealers will have cover specifically for this purpose but there is a high risk that you might not be covered if you test drive a car being sold by a private vendor.

Check your own car insurance – you are looking for the words on the policy that says you can 'drive another car with the owner's permission'. This is known as DOC or Driving Other Cars cover. Not all insurers include this so it really is important to check. Also, you should be aware that such cover is usually third party only. You can also check with the vendor to see whether they have extended their cover temporarily to 'any driver' so that they are covered while you test drive their car.

Talk to your insurer if you are unsure. Also, for a small additional premium they may offer you comprehensive cover over a short period of time so that you can test drive cars you are thinking of buying.

Engine & Suspension

Make sure the engine's cold before you start – feel the bonnet. If the car's warm, the seller could be trying to hide a starting problem. Check for signs of excessive smoke when you start the car and when you're driving. The engine should be quiet and pull smoothly. Make sure there are no unusual rattles or clonks from the suspension.

Steering & Brakes

The steering should be responsive. You should feel no vibration or 'free play'. The brakes should give you confidence and should stop the car in a straight line.

Clutch & gears

Check you can get the car into all gears smoothly without crunching. If the clutch doesn't start biting until the pedal has nearly reached the top, the clutch could be worn and may need to be changed.

For more information on what to look for during and after the test drive, see our DIY inspection.

Take your time

It's vital to take your time on a test drive. Take at least half an hour, even if you feel the seller breathing down your neck. Remember: you're about to lay out a lot of cash on a car you'll spend a lot of time driving.

You should aim to test drive two or three cars to get a feel for what you like and what you don't.

Family

Take your children with you if they're going to travel with you regularly. It's better to hear their objections before you buy a car, rather than every time you take them out.

Seating

If a car has removable seats, ask if you can take them out to see how easy it is. Seats can be heavy and awkward to carry. If it takes two people to do it, you might not want to go ahead with the purchase.

If you use child seats take them with you and make sure they'll fit as not all seats will fit properly in all cars.

Make sure you can adjust the seat and/or the steering so you've got a comfortable driving position. If you suffer from back pain, this is particularly important – think about hiring the same model for an extended test drive to be sure.