The only way to find out is stopping by your local dealer to take a good look at all your potential choices—after all, it’s not only an investment, it’s going to be with you for an extended period of time. Test-driving cars allows you to get a better feel for what you could be getting into before actually committing to it for certain. Here are five helpful tips you can prepare yourself with before hitting the showroom floor.
1. Research
It goes without saying—pick a few models ahead of time before you go to the dealer and educate yourself online for each model’s features, that way you can focus your energy on the part that matters most which is the test drive.
2. Get to Know Your Cars
Don’t be afraid to test drive cars. Going on a test drive is a part of the job and something we really enjoy doing —you can compare all the different models by getting a first hand experience driving it on the road. We encourage this thoroughly. We have models with varying options and powertrains, and ultimately you’ll want to test drive the car that meets your particular needs. Look around until you find the one or wait until one’s available if it’s not. Do a thorough walkaround of the car and spend some time sitting inside to see if the features are to your satisfaction. Don’t forget to ask about special finance and lease offers. You can take advantage of great lease deals or financing rates almost every month if you do your homework.
3. During the Drive
Here’s the fun part—driving, and it’s also the most important. Create a mental (or physical) checklist—how is the acceleration, check braking response, and does it have responsive steering? You also want to take note of the driving comfort like how is the overall ride feel? Are there large blind spots? Does the road noise resonate through the interior cabin of the car? Whatever it is, make sure it jives with your driving style and preference!
4. During the Drive—The Flipside
Another thing you can do after you drive is to go for a ride as a passenger, that way you can check out the things you can’t play with while you’re driving (audio, climate control, etc) and just relax, see how comfortable the car is. Take the time to ask your salesperson more questions if need be.
5. After the Drive
Once you’ve finished test-driving, it might be time to go and make a deal but even before you do, take a few minutes to go explore the dealership because chances are you’ll be returning for maintenance and it’s important to see how the service department works.
Once you’ve completed your online research, test driving cars, getting a feel for all the features on the car and figuring out your lease and financing options, go over the pros and cons to figure out what car is best for you. If you feel necessary to take some time to think over, do it. But don’t rush. You want to be sure when you’re driving off the dealership lot that you are happy in your new car!
