Test Drive Guide
It is easy to get carried away when visiting a car dealership, the whole expereince is aimed at selling - to you! There are all sorts of information, facts and figures to confuse you but the only way you can really find out which car is best for you and not for the salesman selling it to you is to drive it. To help you prepare for a test-drive and help you to think about the kind of questions you should be asking we have put together our 'test drive guide'.
Research
Before you even visit a dealership it is a good idea to do some research of your own, this will help you to understand the options available to you and make you start to think about what kind of features you require from your new vehicle. There are many sources on the web that can offer indepedent advice on everything from; Choosing your new car, the latest new car reviews to detailing technical information such as MPG or horsepower. You may event want to consider the latest industry news before making your final choice.
Take your time
It is not a good idea to rush your test drive, try not to 'nip out' on your lunch break. Instead, take your time and make sure you can gain all of the information required. Try to focus on the actual driving expereince rather than the salesmans pitch, and try to lead the conversation with your own questions that you have prepared from doing your research... Don't get frustrated by the salesman after all they are only doing their job.
Actually test the vehicle!
Most dealerships have pre-determined routes for your test drive but if you do not feel that you have learnt enough from their route then you may want to detour. Ideally you want to drive on different terrains and different roads so that you can test the handling, acceleration, suspension and overall comfort of the vehicle. There are many other things that you want to look at whilst in the vehicle such as; The turning capability (steering lock), the brake system, visibility (lane changing), all interior instruments and dials - rather like a child... play with them all! Why not take a passenger with you and determine the space in the rear and the whole experience of being a passenger. This will also allow you to adjust the seating and seatbelts accordingly and not have to take the salesmans word for it. Remember to listen for noise or rattles coming from anywhere on the vehicle, particularly from the engine, a decent car will have sufficient insulation for you to be able to enjoy your journey in peace.
Make some mistakes
We all have those moments where we leave our keys in the car by accident or leave the lights on when we get home after a long day... simulate theses scenarios to see how the car will react. Are there any warnings sounds or signs that can save you the hassle of calling the AA in the morning!
Consider your options
It is best to get a feel for the car you are testing and then go and comapre it to some equivalent makes or models, even if you think you have made up your mind you will only confirm that you have made the correct decision by trying an alternative. You never know you might find a feature that you really like, enough to make you change your mind... Or make a second test-drive appointment just to confirm your decision.