Test Driving a Car
March 30th, 2006 by admin
Things to look for when test driving
Fun but scary, buying a new car is an experience that really can’t be compared. One of the most intimidating things about buying a new car is the test drive.
What questions do you ask? What do you need to take with you? How do you KNOW if you are getting all the answers?
I surely wish I could take a mechanic and an impartial car salesman with me when I am test driving, but since that’s not possible, I try to read all I can to prepare.
Peter Johnson has written a check list of things to look for when test driving a car. These are things we should all look the next time we test drive 
a car.
Preliminary questions before you take the test drive.
– Does the vehicle look attractive to you?
– Is it available in a color you like?
– Is the vehicle easy to get into?
– Does the interior come in a color you like?
– Is their enough headroom, legroom, etc. when the seat and steering wheel are properly adjusted? Sit in the front and the back.
– Are the gauges easy to read?
Answer these questions while you’re test driving the car.
– Is the engine as quiet and smooth as you expected?
– Does the steering have a nice feel to it?
– Does the vehicle have adequate power for acceleration? How about with the A/C on?
– Does the vehicle handle well?
– How are the brakes? Does the vehicle stop safely? Try the vehicle on a variety of roads, including the highway.
– Does the suspension absorb road irregularities well? Is it too soft or too hard?
– Are the interior noise levels okay on the highway? Listen for the engine, wind and road noise.
– Try all of the accessories including the radio, heater, A/C, and power features to ensure that they operate to your liking.
Once you’re back in the dealership, consider these questions.
Try parking the vehicle. Does it have any blind spots?
– Walk around the vehicle with the engine running. How does it sound? Also, take a look at the engine while it’s running. Does everything seem in good order?
– Check the trunk. Is it large enough? Is the trunk opening large enough for balky items?
– Do the rear seats fold down?
Then, consider the long-term aspects of maintaining the car
– Will the car manufacture warranty cover everything I want and need?
-Should I consider an extended warranty?
– Does the vehicle look attractive to you?
– Is it available in a color you like?
– Is the vehicle easy to get into?
– Does the interior come in a color you like?
– Is their enough headroom, legroom, etc. when the seat and steering wheel are properly adjusted? Sit in the front and the back.
– Are the gauges easy to read?
Answer these questions while you’re test driving the car.
– Is the engine as quiet and smooth as you expected?
– Does the steering have a nice feel to it?
– Does the vehicle have adequate power for acceleration? How about with the A/C on?
– Does the vehicle handle well?
– How are the brakes? Does the vehicle stop safely? Try the vehicle on a variety of roads, including the highway.
– Does the suspension absorb road irregularities well? Is it too soft or too hard?
– Are the interior noise levels okay on the highway? Listen for the engine, wind and road noise.
– Try all of the accessories including the radio, heater, A/C, and power features to ensure that they operate to your liking.
Once you’re back in the dealership, consider these questions.
Try parking the vehicle. Does it have any blind spots?
– Walk around the vehicle with the engine running. How does it sound? Also, take a look at the engine while it’s running. Does everything seem in good order?
– Check the trunk. Is it large enough? Is the trunk opening large enough for balky items?
– Do the rear seats fold down?
Then, consider the long-term aspects of maintaining the car
– Will the car manufacture warranty cover everything I want and need?
-Should I consider an extended warranty?
See Also
- Need an Extended Warranty?
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