Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson

Call 920-542-6506 Directions

How to Test Drive Used Cars 

Adding used cars to your family is often a wise decision to get the most bang for your buck for a large investment. Used cars can often last for a long time and may not require extensive repairs until long after you purchase the used vehicle.
But how do you know if the used car you are looking for will stay out of the mechanic as much as possible? How do you avoid choosing a lemon at the used car lot? We have a few pointers to help you select a used car you can feel confident driving away off our lot.

couple purchasing a vehicle in wisconsin

At Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson, you never have to worry about the quality of used cars at our Janesville Ford dealership. Our knowledgeable sales staff is teamed up with a certified Ford service center, offering exclusive Ford service specials to keep you in a safe and affordable car you trust.
Our dealership also offers a Ford certified body shop. Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson offers everything you need to keep your vehicle on the road. Develop a relationship with our dealership today for true vehicle peace of mind.

Stay observant the entire time

Your inspection of the used car should not start when you begin to drive, but rather as soon as you approach the used car you have researched. Check the exterior for major damage and dents and see if there is rust accumulating on wheel wells or any cracks in the windshield.

Let it idle

Before you start to drive away, turn the car on and let it run for a little while. Pay attention to the sounds it makes and how smooth it was to turn over the ignition. Review the instrument cluster for any worrying signals and make sure things like the turn signals and radio work properly.

Drive in a neighborhood

Stop-and-go traffic is helpful to be able to listen to how the engine and brakes react to a more strenuous type of driving. Do the brakes feel sticky or are they responsive? Does the engine roar when you touch the ignition after stopping at a stop sign. Use all of your senses to analyze.

Take it up to speed

In addition to driving in a slow, halting neighborhood environment, be sure to also take the car into a highway driving situation as well. See how the vehicle reacts to a higher speed, quickly changing lanes, and other demands of freeway or highway driving.
Used cars are in-demand so it’s important to feel confident in your investment. The team at our Ford dealership near me will make sure you are connected with the best vehicle for your lifestyle.
Explore our full assortment of used cars, from vehicles listed under $15,000 to certified pre-owned vehicles. There is an exceptional vehicle for everyone at Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week. MSRP may not represent the actual price at which vehicles are sold in this trade area.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license and $399 service fee. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week. MSRP may not represent the actual price at which vehicles are sold in this trade area.