|
The best way for you to determine if a car is the right one for you is to actually get behind the wheel and drive it. But what do you do once you're there? Many people don't really know how to properly test drive cars to really see if they like how the car performs. Here you will learn specifically what you should do on a test drive and what questions you need to ask yourself about the car.
Test-driving a vehicle will also help wipe away all of the unnecessary information that may have accumulated along the way. For example, a salesperson may throw facts and figures at you faster than you can think. These are designed to sway you into buying the car, obviously, because it's their job to sell you a car. Advertisements are also designed to do this, and it makes it possible for you to picture yourself in a car that's not right for you. But a car dealer can't tell you that a car handles the way you like. A television ad can't tell you that you'll feel comfortable in the seats. You have to find this out on your own.
* The first step is to make a visual inspection of the entire exterior of the vehicle.
* Check to make sure that all body panels and seems are put together and fit perfectly.
* Skim over the paint job and make sure that the finish is smooth and shiny and free of other paint job flaws.
* Next move on to the interior of the car and check that all apparatuses fit properly. (Arm rests, visors, seats, controls, and carpeting)
* Once seated inside the vehicle fasten the seatbelt and adjust the mirrors.
* Check to see if all controls and gauges are clearly visible and within reach.
* The #1 test is to make sure you feel right in the driver's seat. The pedals should be within comfortable reach of your feet and you should have a clear view of the road and other vehicles. Your back and thighs should be supported and never get sore.
* Take the vehicle out on the open road. The key components here are good pick-up, smoothness of ride and the vehicle's ability to maneuver bumps and curves. Also, check for noise levels of your car and how well your car keeps other noises out. This might be a good time to start thinking about the proper sound system for this vehicle.
* After you have a feel for the vehicle's ability to handle the road, check your rearview mirror for other patrons, if clear brake hard to see how the car handles abrupt stops.
* The final test is to back the car into a parking space. The car should react to your motions instantly and comfortably.
Since you're giving yourself time to spend at the car dealership, use it to get as much information as you can about the car. Find out about features like engine size, transmission speeds and fuel economy. Ask about the engines performance features like horsepower and torque. Ask what comes standard and what is optional. Ask the car dealer to compare a particular vehicle to a different model by the same manufacturer, or a model in the same class manufactured by a different maker. Ask about the safety features. Just be the curious car buyer.
| 
