What You Should Know About a Test Drive

You’ve finally decided to get a new ride- congrats! You’ve probably decided the size you want that’ll fit your family and lifestyle. You may also have identified a few models from brands that interest you. But before you get those keys to your new car, it’s crucial to test-drive it. A test drive is an opportunity to evaluate how a car performs in different scenarios and if it lives up to your expectations. Keep reading to learn more about test drives and how to get the most out of them!

Key Takeaways:

• As great as cars look in photos, taking a test drive is an excellent way of ensuring the vehicle meets your every need.
• Ensure that you inspect the car’s exterior for any color discolorations, dents, or anything that could be hanging underneath.
• Listen out for any noises during the test drive- that includes banging, whining, hissing, ticking, or anything else that doesn’t sound like it’s within the norms.
• If you don’t feel at ease and comfortable during the test drive, you probably won’t feel at ease and comfortable in the car every day.

The Test Drive: What to Do Before Getting in the Car

A good test drive isn’t only about the drive. The process should start at the salesperson’s desk:

Ask to see the vehicle history report: A car history report will inform you if the vehicle has been in any accidents. Minor fender-benders might not be a big deal, but if it’s something significant that required a tow truck, you may want to reconsider.

Ask to see the reconditioning paperwork: This is the list of things the dealership or seller did to the car after they purchased it. It’s crucial to ask for the list as it gives you aspects to look for and pay attention to when test driving. Are the brakes too grabby? Or does the new suspension feel squishy? At the minimum, there should be a basic oil change with lube and filter replacement- get that list.

How to Visually Inspect the Car Before the Test Drive

Once you’re satisfied with the paperwork, you should evaluate the car in person. Give the car a thorough visual inspection:

• Examine the windows and body panels: Ensure there are no cracks on the windows. For the body panels, look for signs of scratches, rust, dings, and places where touch-up paint was applied.
• Check the tires: Many car buyers fail to look at the tread on the tires. That’s a huge mistake- and if you have to replace the tires in a few thousand miles, it’s like adding over $700 to the car’s price. The good news is that you don’t need an expert to check tire wear. Use the penny test- place a one-cent piece in the grooves of the tire tread. If you can see most or all of Abe Lincoln’s head, the tires don’t have much life left.
• Open and close every door: Don’t simply look at what it’s like to get in and out of the driver’s seat. You may want to see how it feels to be a passenger. If the doors don’t open and close smoothly, it could mean frame damage occurred at some point.

Tips for Test Driving

Here are a few tips to consider when test driving:

Examine the Interiors

Check the car’s interior before getting behind the wheel. You should examine the trunk and ensure it can fit anything you need to fit there. Also, assess the back seats to ensure there’s enough space for children’s car seats and adult passengers.

Get in the Car and Get Comfortable

Before turning the key, take some time to get comfortable when you get in the car. You could even get in and out of the car to ensure the seats aren’t back-breaking. Move the seat to a comfortable position, adjust the mirror, and look over the left shoulder to check out the blind spots. Also, let the air conditioner run for a while, and see if it’s functioning properly.

Now, Hit the Road!

The main aim of a test drive is to ensure that the vehicle can stand up to your everyday drives. As such, you may want to look for and do specific things to ensure it’s the car for you.

• Ignition: Does the vehicle start smoothly? Are there any concerning noises when you shift gears? Are these sounds coming from the engine? Are there any warning lights on?
• Acceleration: Does the vehicle speed up and shift smoothly? Does the steering wheel shake or vibrate at all? Does it feel responsive?
• Braking: Do you notice any noises or squeaking? Does the vehicle respond immediately when braking? How does the pedal feel under your foot when you hit the brakes?

Park the Car

It’s crucial to practice parking to see if you can get in and out of spaces and parallel parking easily. And if the car has a reversing camera, this is an excellent way to test it out.

What to Do After the Test Drive

While you may have loved everything about the car, don’t be coerced into buying right away. It’s wise to test drive at least three cars and keep your options open. If the car is one that you believe you’ll be buying, ask questions about aspects that might influence your future costs, including:

• What’s the car maintenance schedule?
• What’s included in the car warranty?
• What does the dealership charge for basic services?

Want to Learn More? Consult the Experts!

Test driving is an excellent way for you to judge how well your new ride will fit into your life. A subjective and hasty once-over can result in issues down the road that could make you regret the purchase, and spend more money than intended. For more information about test drives and the overall car-buying process, consult our auto experts! We’re readily available and willing to help you with all your car needs! Call us today!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »