Test driving a vehicle gives you a better sense of what you’re looking for in a new car and helps you compare models firsthand rather than rely solely on the Internet. If you want to know whether a certain model is a good fit for you, check out these four ways you can plan for a successful test drive.
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Take Your Time
Spending at least 30 minutes behind the wheel is usually long enough to help you decide whether a car is a good match. During this time, you’ll want to drive it over different types of surfaces (potholes, bumps, railroad tracks) to test the suspension and, if possible, test other factors such as the headlights, steering and handling, acceleration, braking, and engine noise. You should also inspect the outside for scratches, dents, and other damages that could have been made by previous test drivers.
Taking your time can also help you figure out whether the features inside a car are user-friendly or outright confusing. By hurrying through the process, though, you might miss out on minor hiccups that could become frustrating later.
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Test Drive More Than a Few Vehicles
The more vehicles you test drive, the easier it will be to find a car that best suits your preferences. If you only sample one car or a few models, you could lose your chance to find something better. In fact, about 55 percent of shoppers only test drive one vehicle. However, you don’t want to miss out on the right car by choosing the first one that impresses you.
Sports cars, for example, look polished and refined, but smooth transitions over road dips and divots aren’t always their forte. However, you might find a Jeep, truck, or SUV that’s better suited to the task. If you often take road trips, you’ll need a car with good fuel efficiency — definitely not a gas guzzler. Test driving different cars back-to-back will help you distinguish the good ones from the ones you don’t want.
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Only Test Drive Cars You Can Afford
Shopping for a car that sits outside of your budget is a big no-no. Not only are you wasting the salesperson’s time, but also raising your standards to a level that’s unreachable for your current salary. You might convince yourself it’s just for fun, but test driving a car you can’t afford will only leave you feeling unsatisfied with anything less. So, save yourself the trouble and stick to your budget.
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Create and Follow Your Checklist
Does the car you’re test driving come with the audio or infotainment system you want? Does it have a rear backup camera or certain safety systems you like? Is it spacious enough for you and your loved ones? Can you easily fit a car seat in it? Ask yourself these questions and see whether the car you’re test driving lives up to the expectations you’ve set for your ideal vehicle. Do plenty of online research, look for vehicle reviews, and don’t settle for something with which you’re not going to be happy.
Knowing exactly what to look for during your test drive can make the whole process ten times easier. Call ahead for an appointment and keep these tips in mind to find your ideal match.
Image via Dodge.com
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