Test-driving is a crucial step in buying a vehicle.  However, when you get behind the wheel you have a short amount of time to make important decisions.  There are some important things that you need to look out for.

First, you should take your time.  Before getting in the car take a walk around it and look inside of the trunk.  Determine if it is going to be big enough to meet your needs.  Also, look for things that could affect your visibility while driving.  Take a look to see if the fenders flare out.

Now you can go ahead and get behind the wheel.  Take advantage of the car being parked to make adjustments to the seat and steering wheel so that it fits you well.  Also, take a moment to play with the radio and adjust buttons and knobs on the dashboard.

When you drive out of the dealership determine a test-drive route that will allow you to see how the car handles in various conditions.  Make sure to drive in traffic, in a parking lot, and on the highway.  This will give you an indication of how the vehicle handles at low and high speeds and how it is to park.

Lastly, if you are happy with the car that you drove, go drive a few more.  It’s not a good idea to buy the first vehicle you see.  Of course, when you find the car that you can’t live without, purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself from unnecessary repair costs.