At one point, you may have probably bought a pair of shoes that looked fabulous in pictures on the internet, but upon trying them on, you realized that they weren't the best fit. Naturally, you returned them to the store and asked for an exchange. Well, buying a vehicle is quite similar to that. However, with vehicles, the stakes are higher given the more restrictive return policies. As such, you need to be sure that you made the right choice before making a purchase. So, how can you be confident that the vehicle you're eyeing is the best for you? How can you acquaint yourself with the machine that you'll be spending the top dollar on? Well, a test drive would do the trick.
That said, even though test drives are essential, many car buyers do no more than a perfunctory test on the vehicles. According to a recent survey on 2000 automotive consumers, 1 in every 6 car buyers opted not to take a test drive, and approximately half visited only one dealership before purchasing a car.
In a nutshell, purchasing a vehicle based on its appearance and reviews alone isn't prudent, given that you may realize later on that it doesn't suit you. With that in mind, here are some pointers on how to test drive your prospective car.
Research, Make a List, and Book an Appointment With the Dealer
First, you need to do some preliminary research on the vehicle models that appeal to you. Ensure that you take into consideration factors such as price, engine capacity, ability to handle various weather conditions, and the number of passengers the vehicle can accommodate. Based on those considerations, make a list of 3-5 cars that meet your preference, and then schedule an appointment with a dealership for a test drive.
Things to Check on Before the Test Drive
Even though turning the ignition may be your first inclination on a test drive, take time to inspect the vehicle. Here are some of the things you should assess to define your feelings towards the car.
- Measurements: Make sure that the vehicle you choose can fit your garage or driveway. One way of doing that is to include the mirrors when measuring the width of the car.
- Child seat, passenger capacity, and cargo space: Ensure that the car has enough space to cater to your passengers' needs. Also, check that it has enough space to accommodate a child's seat. Similarly, if you require a large space to carry items, ensure that the prospective car takes care of this need.
- Color of the vehicle: However trivial it may seem, the color of a car may impact your perceptions of it. Ensure that the paint is exactly as it appeared in the photo. Also, make sure that you choose a vehicle with your preferred color.
- The ease of entrance and exit from the vehicle: Confirm that the windows, power door locks, and sliding doors work without any strain such that you can easily get in and out of the vehicle.
- The ease of using the gauges and controls: The steering wheel buttons should be intuitive, and the gauges conveniently positioned such that you can easily read them. Also, assess the ease of adjusting the volume knob and the climate controls.
- Check the music system: Ensure that the CD player and the USB ports work effectively. Additionally, test how well the radio works. Tune in to different stations and check how well they get connected. Use the fader controls and stereo balance to listen to each speaker to ascertain that they work perfectly.
- The comfort of your sitting and driving position: How comfortably you sit and position yourself when driving plays a massive role in determining how safely you drive. As such, you must ensure that the driver's seat is designed in such a way that you have a clear view of the road. Ensure that there is sufficient head, hip, and legroom space. Besides the driver's seat, you should also check that the passenger seats are in pristine condition. Ensure that the seats are easily adjustable and the seatbelts work perfectly.
- Check the heating and air conditioning system: Ascertain that the A/C and the heater work flawlessly such that they do not make any unexpected noise or produce a foul smell.
Things to Check On During the Test Drive
Finally, it's time to hit the road. Suppose you can convince the dealer to let you drive alone, well and good. However, if they insist on driving with you, ensure that you have a mask on.
During the drive, ensure you try out smooth and rugged terrains to assess how effectively the vehicle performs in these terrains. Check the vehicle's ability to climb hilly terrain and how well it moves on flat surfaces. Moreover, you should assess how it performs at high speeds and how sharp its brakes are when you make a sudden stop.
While test driving, ensure that you pay attention to the following details.
- Engine noise and road noise: Assess the sound the car makes when you drive at high speeds and when you drive on hilly terrain. Does it make a lot of noise and sound like it's struggling? Also, pay keen attention to the noise made by the tires. The noise should be minimal.
- Acceleration: Does the vehicle downshift fast and smoothly? And does it have enough horsepower to go uphill or drive on a highway? Does it comfortably accelerate on a rough road?
- Ease of steering and handling: Ensure that the vehicle is responsive when you steer it. Also, can you feel the road via the steering wheel?
What to Do After the Test Drive
Most likely, the salesperson tried to sell you the car by informing you of additional features during the test drive. However, you should stay noncommittal and base your decision to purchase the vehicle on the little observations you made before and during the test drive. Only after you have ascertained that the vehicle meets all your requirements, should you go back to the showroom to start the buying process.
While it's said that purchasing a car should be a thrilling experience, that's only half true: test driving can be a daunting task. Nonetheless, it should be at the top of your priorities, given that it will help you choose the best car.
Are you looking to purchase a new vehicle? Choosing the best car dealership is vital for you to get a car that meets your preferences. Sarasota dealership is amongst the best there is. Our dealership is full of Cadillac experts who will help you get the best vehicle. You can contact us at (941) 312-2807 or visit us at 2200 Bee Ridge Road Monday - Saturday.
