How to Evaluate a Test Drive

So you have set your finance in order and you are hunting for a new car. You have a few car models in mind depending on your budget but you have not decided yet. Experience has taught you that things are not exactly what they seem on magazines reviews and a car test drive will tell you more. An appointment with the dealership is marked on your diary but once you get there, you are not so sure how to do a professional test-drive evaluation. The salesperson will probably flatter you by saying you have chosen the perfect car.

Of course, the salesperson will also tell you the more expensive model of the same car is a far better option. Well, you can’t blame them….that is their job. In fact, some of them are so good at their job that they can probably convince you to buy snow in Antarctica. But if you stick to the following advice, you can confidently walk into a car showroom and get an accurate evaluation of a test drive.

Do your homework

Before you even step foot at the car dealership, you should do a thorough research on the car models you want to buy. Go to car reviews websites and inquire on the features of your next potential car. Doing your homework will help you identify any missing features especially when you are test driving a used vehicle. Instead of relying on sales personnel telling you the features of a certain car model, you will have it all in your head. Your only job should be to confirm if what you read was true through a practical test-drive.

Before the test drive

Assuming that you scheduled a test-drive appointment in advance to avoid delay, you should get a test drive provided you got a valid driving license. Most car dealers will have their own insurance cover but for those who are selling their cars privately, Driving Other Cars Insurance Cover or DOC is mostly required. Once you get access to the car, check out the technology interface first. Things like Bluetooth, GPS navigation, back up camera, steering wheel control, infotainment system and climate control should be match up with the reviews you read online.

If you are family person, it is recommended to bring your children and find out if they are comfortable in the back seat. You can also bring your child car seat to see if there will be sufficient space. Of course you have to check out the cargo space depending on the type of luggage you often carry.

During the test drive

Request the salesperson to allow you to drive through an area that matches your regular driving terrain. If you need a car to drive through the mountains probably for your farming needs, an upwards hill would be appropriate. But if you are the regular type of driver that gets on the highway on daily basis, the freeway is your best option. Once you are on the road, make sure to careful scrutinize the acceleration, braking, engine noise, suspension and steering wheel handling.

• How smooth is the steering wheel response?
• How fast does it accelerate on the highway or uphill?
• Does the car make a lot of noise while accelerating or is it quiet?
• When you pass through a rough terrain, does the car get too shaky inside?
• How fast do the brakes respond?

You can bring along a trusted friend or partner for a second opinion. Sometimes there are things that you will miss out that your friend or partner can point out. It is best to leave out children while driving since they can be a distraction and you require full attention to properly evaluate your potential next car. Expect the salesperson to talk a lot and ask you how you feel about it. No matter how much you are in love with car, do not show it on the outside especially to the salesperson. Remain calm and focused on your objective. Usually, 30 minutes test-drive on your preferred route is what most dealerships offer but don’t be shy to ask for extra time.

After the test-drive

It is obvious the salesperson will want you to start purchasing negotiations immediately. But taking some days off to think about it will help you notice something you might have missed out during the test drive. You want the best deal, right? Well, it is unlikely to get it through a hurriedly process. In fact, it is better for you to schedule more than one test drive with different dealerships within almost the same timeframe.

Keep in mind not to evaluate a test drive without considering the purpose of the car. For instance, SUVs and pickup trucks with 4 cylinder engines tend to make more noise on the road than sedans. Hence, the noise of some cars is part of the ownership experience and most people who own such vehicles are not bothered by it. For such reasons, it would be unfair to evaluate all cars equally.

Test driving should be a fun experience. Make sure you test drive at least 5 cars of almost the same range on different dealerships before you decide on which one to settle on. If a salesperson does not make you feel welcome, walk out at your own convenience. There are so many customer friendly dealerships that will give you adequate attention. Furthermore, you are spending your hard-earned money that will probably be a part of your everyday life and you deserve a fair test drive.