Americans love nothing more than getting behind the wheel of a brand new vehicle. Indeed, around 17 million of them are sold in the US every year! Throw in the countless second-hand cars and trucks that exchange hands at the same time and our love affair with automobiles is clear for all to see.
But that doesn’t make car buying any less of a commitment. After all, whether they’re new or used, vehicles can come with significant price tags attached. The last thing you want is to rush this decision and buy something subpar.
That’s why test driving cars before you sign the dotted line is so important. It’s your chance to ‘try before you buy’; to experience how the car handles, how the car pulls, and how it feelswithout having to pay a dime! In other words, test drives are the perfect opportunity to ensure you buy the best possible vehicle for your needs.
Would you like some expert advice on how to take advantage of it? Let us help. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to test drive a car.
Assess Your Options
We suggest starting this process off with some thorough market research. After all, your area’s bound to be jam-packed with new and used vehicles for sale. You can’t test drive them all, so it’s important to narrow down your options ahead of time.
Browse the internet, read car forums and magazines, and seek recommendations from loved ones. Settle on three to four vehicles that a) you like, b) fit your budget, and c) match your lifestyle, and then contact the dealer/private seller to schedule a test drive.
Oh, and wherever possible, try to arrange them for the same day. That way, each drive will be fresh in your memory and help you compare one to the next.
Check the Parameters
A key step for anybody wondering how to test drive a car at a dealership is asking the dealer what you’re allowed to do and what’s covered by their insurance. For example:
Are there any limits to where and how fast you can go? How long can you test drive a car? Can you take the vehicle for a spin by yourself, or do they have to come along too? And, most importantly, would you be liable if you had an accident (or damaged the vehicle some other way) on the drive?
A reputable car dealership will have insurance coverage that protects everyone in worst-case scenarios, which means the answer to that final question should be a resounding “no”. There’s no harm in double-checking, though, just in case.
Take a Good Look
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to get behind the wheel either. When you eventually arrive for the test drive, take the time to assess each vehicle’s condition first. Do a thorough walk-around, inspect the paintwork, and look for any obvious issues (even on new cars!).
Assess the inside of the vehicle too. Make sure there’s enough space for you and your family (including baby seats!), look at the floor mats, see if there are any blind spots, and ensure everything’s in line with your tastes/requirements.
For used cars, it’s also worth checking the electrical systems operate as they should. Take a moment to turn on the radio, switch on the climate control, try the windscreen wipers, play with the electric windows, and check the head, brake, and warning lights, etcetera. Be wary of making an offer if any significant systems no longer work.
Be Thorough
Make the most of each car test by putting the vehicle through its paces. Drive the vehicle for as long as you’re allowed to and as you would normally. Practice maneuvers in the parking lot, take it onto the highway, see how it accelerates, test the brakes, and so on and so forth.
Pay attention to how it sounds and feels to drive too.
For example, are there any strange noises coming from the engine? How does the car respond when you ask something of it? Are the seats comfortable and supportive? Does the suspension, drive train, brake system, and steering wheel all perform as expected?
You could even write a new or used car test drive checklist ahead of time to ensure each vehicle ticks the right boxes. Approach each test like this and you’ll come away with a more accurate impression of the vehicle’s performance and whether or not it’s right for your specific needs.
Bring Someone Along
Bringing a friend or family member along for the ride is a clever tactic whenever you test drive cars. It benefits you in a variety of ways. For example, they can remind you what to look for when test driving a new car; of the particular attributes you want in any vehicle.
This might sound unnecessary. But it makes a big difference when you’re busy concentrating on the road, trying not to crash, and doing your best to pay attention to the driving experience all at once! With so much going on, remembering your test drive checklist is easier said than done.
Furthermore, whoever comes with you can talk to whoever’s selling the car if they joined you for the test drive. If you were alone, they’d be talking to you every step of the way, trying to sell you on the vehicle’s qualities. With someone else doing the talking, you can focus on what’s going on and make your own accurate assessment of the vehicle.
Remember This Guide to Test Driving Cars
Tens of millions of vehicles are sold in America every year. Yet that doesn’t make the task of buying one any easier! With large sums of money on the line, this is a process you need to take both slowly and seriously.
That’s why test driving cars is so important.
It’s a chance to get behind the wheel, try before you buy, and assess for yourself if the vehicle’s right for you. With any luck, this guide to test driving a car will help you capitalize on the opportunity. Keep these suggestions in mind and you should be one step closer to purchasing the perfect car for your needs.
Are you thinking about buying one second-hand? Don’t forget to check its vehicle history report first. Click here to do it now for free!
