Buying a car is always a big step, and it's only natural that you would want some peace of mind about your purchase. One of the best ways to gain peace of mind is to test drive the vehicle before you commit to buying it, getting a good sense for how it feels as well as how it sounds.
Yet, if you've never gone out to test drive a car before, it can be something of a daunting process. How can you ensure that you're getting the most out of your test drive experience? Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you visit the used car dealership.
Get the Most Out of Your Test Drive
- Do your homework. Before visiting the used car dealership, make sure you do some online research. Investigate different makes and models that fit your needs and your budget. Bring a list of three to five makes and models to the used car dealership and try to drive them back to back to back. That way, you can compare first impressions while they're still fresh on your mind.
- Make an appointment at the used car dealership. To maximize your time, you might want to call ahead and make an appointment. That way, the dealership can ensure they have the cars you want to drive and pull each of them to the front so you can drive them without much waiting around.
- Inspect the vehicle before you test drive. Even before you get behind the wheel, you should give the car a thorough visual inspection. Do you like the color? Does the body seem to be in good condition? Does it have sufficient space for cargo, child seats, etc.?
- Get the view from the driver's seat. We'd also recommend taking a few minutes to see how the car feels from the driver's seat. Some things to consider include access to controls; the ease of entering and exiting the vehicle; ergonomics of the seat itself; and visibility.
- Pay attention during the drive. Make sure you stay on the road long enough to really get a feel for how the vehicle drives. Some specific issues to consider include braking, steering, acceleration, suspension, and road/cabin noises.
- Test the tech. While on your test drive, make sure you ask the sales representative to demonstrate how all the tech works, from backup cameras to Bluetooth components. Be sure you're comfortable with how these features operate.
- Listen closely. One of our most important test drive tips is to keep your ears open. Be alert to any odd sounds from the engine or brakes. Often, these sounds can be an indicator that there's something wrong with the car.
Schedule a Test Drive at the Used Car Dealership
Ready to put these tips into practice? Contact Pro X Motors in South Gate, California. We'd love to set you up with a test drive or two here at our used car dealership.