One of the most important things anyone purchasing a new or used car from a dealership needs to do is take the vehicle out for a test drive. No one buys a house without considering the features it must and must not have. You should take the same reflections when it comes to buying motor vehicles as well. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of a test drive.
- Have an Idea of What You're Looking For
Research. Think about the kind of life you live. Find a car that suits your work, hobbies, and dreams. Does your car need four doors? Hatchback or no? How often do you go camping? Is a tow-bar necessary? How much space do you need in the back seat for your kids or your pets? Or when it's your turn to carpool?
Give yourself about three solid vehicle options. It'll help focus your final decision at the dealership. Don't risk it — be convinced. Make buying a car an investment worth taking.
- Ride in Comfort
If it's not comfortable now, it probably won't be comfortable in a year's time, either. Nestle yourself in before you take off for your test drive. Adjust both your seat and your mirrors to how you like them and make sure you are satisfied. Then, think of your other senses. Are all the components smooth to touch? Do you enjoy the smell? Does the car hum quietly? Does it taste good? Actually, we can probably skip that last one.
- Test Yourself
Give yourself a challenge. If possible on your test drive, take a route that covers many road styles and terrains that you may experience often. See how well the vehicle handles itself and how well you handle the vehicle. Would you be confident driving down winding country roads in this car? Or long highways? How about making sharp turns?
Are the brakes fluid? Can you park it well? Hills — how does the car pull when you're on one? All these questions ultimately serve to help you narrow down your choice.
In addition, see if you can schedule a test drive at night or in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set. Visibility is important,
- Sample the Features
If there's GPS, have the dealer run you through the basics, and decide if
this GPS is right for you. Test the air conditioning. Make sure the displays are concise and easy to read and understand. If you're a big phone user, you'll want to be on the lookout for a vehicle that accommodates a phone charger. Not that you should use your phone when driving, but having it fully charged always comes in handy in an emergency. If you live in an area with harsh winters, seat heating is something worth looking into as well!
- Bring a Friend or Family Member
Having a second opinion on the car can make all the difference during a test drive. If you'll be driving children often, bring one of them along. Have them experience what it's like for a backseat passenger in the car. Does the car adequately support the safety of both the front and back passengers?
At the end of the day, you're the one making the decision. Go in prepared and with an open mind. Give your four-wheeled candidates an honest chance to impress you.
Image via Flickr by
The National Roads and Motorists' Association
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.