How to Make the Most Out of Your Test Drive

So it’s time for a new car, and I’m glad you listened to the advice I gave in one of my previous posts to wait till August to get one! One of the most exciting parts of buying a new car, is probably by far the ability to test drive any model you want. You can finally experience that ‘wind-in-your-hair’ feeling even if it’s just for a matter of minutes. Some of your long harbored dreams will finally be coming true and who knows, maybe the experience is going to be one that you will not be happy with in the end (not to burst any bubbles) but isn’t it better to learn that BEFORE you invest all your life savings into living out that dream? 

If you have recently scheduled a test drive or are planning on scheduling one, it’s a good thing you came across this post when you did. Today’s post is sure to teach you about a couple of really important things to look out for, to make sure you really get something out of the experience. 

1. Make a checklist of important things to prioritize 

As much as you want to rely on your brain to remember things, I can assure you that you will forget. Why not save yourself the hassle, and make the list? Everyone has different needs and desires for why they want a car. Whether it be for more freedom to travel around, whether it was a dream that you have always wanted to fulfill, or maybe it’s just really to get you from point A to point B. 

Also there are different values for a person, and a test drive is the perfect way to figure out which car will help to achieve this. Whether it be the need for speed, the thrill for performance, or the comfortability of handling, each person holds a different value and no matter what it is, it will always be something that is front of mind when looking for a vehicle. So don’t forget your list and keep these things in mind for the test drive!

2. Bring a friend 

This might be the place where you actually need a second opinion. Mind you, one person’s bad experience with a particular type of vehicle does not mean that everyone will have the same happen to them. But it is good to know and keep in mind. Bring a friend, a trusted family member, or the person who will also be driving the vehicle along, because everyone’s opinion matters. The experiences from the passenger side may differ from those on the driver’s side and vice versa. As much as you might not want to (or want to) bringing along the extra person will really benefit you in the end. 

3. Plan your Route 

It’s one thing getting lost in your own vehicle, but its’s a whole other thing to get lost in someone else’s, so make sure NOT to drive in areas that you are unfamiliar with. The last thing you would want is to be stranded. Plus, think about it this way, if you go around places you are familiar with, wouldn’t it make logical sense that you will enjoy your test drive more rather than going places you don’t know and getting anxious along the way? 

Planning out your route is beneficial in more than one way. If you plan your route as efficiently as you can, then you will get to experience the different driving conditions; highways, places where you need to speed, places where you need to slow down, and even places where you have to stop. Getting the feel for driving in traffic or just among these conditions are really going to make your decision easier. 

4. Inspect the car inside and out 

This is important to do whether you are driving a new vehicle or a used one, so you know the amount of space the vehicle takes up, how much cargo fits in the trunk, where the mirrors are, what the buttons do, and how the display screen works. Knowing these things will help you when you hit the road in it and will probably be the deciding factor that makes or breaks the choice to get the vehicle. 

5. Drive how you normally drive 

Everyone has their own opinions on how to drive, but if you are the one driving the vehicle, you need to drive it how you would drive the one you currently own, or at least drive it the way you expect to, especially if this is going to be your everyday car. Ask yourself these questions to help guide you in the right direction:

• How easy is it to accelerate/decelerate?
• Is the speed acceptable for the way you drive? 
• Is the steering and handling of the car smooth enough for you personally? 
• Do you hear a noise when you are braking? 
• Do you feel safe in case of an emergency? 
• How does the car feel going over speed bumps and in stop-and-go traffic?

6. Test out the in-car features

Of course everything works when it’s supposed to, but this is a time to get yourself familiar with the features that might be used to save your life. When you are driving, see how accessible (or not) the buttons you need are. The buttons are not designed to distract you, so make sure that they aren’t. 

Testing the radio and volume buttons are important too as this can pose as a big distraction when driving. Another thing to check for is the air conditioner and heating systems buttons. No one wants to be uncomfortable when they are driving. Make note of in-car features that are lacking. Most times it can be an accessory that can be added on through the dealerships when you are ready to make the purchase. 

7. Try parking 

The biggest thing you need to be comfortable with as the driver is parking. Find a spot where you can safely parallel park and back up. This will help you gage how big your vehicle is and see if the blind spots really are blinding you. It is better to find all of this out as soon as you can rather than being stuck with it in a bad situation after you make the purchase. 

8. Take time and ask Questions 

Finding the perfect (or ideal) car for you is not easy, so ask as many questions as you feel necessary. The sales employees want to make the sale, but at the same time, they know they can’t rush it. Many people test drive many cars before settling, and this can be a long process for everyone involved. 

What better time to test drive than now? Go into your nearest dealership today!