Why Test Drive Before Purchase

How can you be sure that hunk of metal, plastic and rubber that you are eyeing is right for you? How can you best acquaint yourself with what will be not only one of your largest investments but also a trusted long term companion on your daily life? One came and asked me which car is better? You may find all the information from different variants to different prices of each car on any automotive portals. But how sure that is the car you wanted, you may fall for the look but you might not like the feeling while you drive. A test drives of course, making the most of it a simple matter to suit your taste, careful observation and knowing what to look for.

Search Your Way!

There are so many automotive portals out there. You may do a little research on what suits your taste and budget. Don’t simply hop into any showroom to see what cars are available. Make sure, when you show up at the showroom, you should already know what model you want and what options you are interested in.

Do not constrain yourself with the budget. Because certain options and power car greatly alter the feel of a car, it is important to drive the particular model you intend to purchase. Although turning the key and mashing the throttle might be your first inclination on a test drive, instead walk around the car, hop into the backseat and feel it. Why backseat? The driver’s and front passenger’s doors may be large and easy to open and close, but also examine the ease of entry and exit for rear-seat occupants, including ingress and egress to the third row of seats, if applicable, and how difficult it is to install a child seat.

On the spot you may find out if the vehicle takes premium or unleaded petrol or if it’s a diesel and requires unique maintenance procedures. If it’s a convertible, how easy is it to raise and lower the top, and how much storage room is sacrificed when the top is stowed?

For pickup trucks, how heavy are the tailgate, and what options are available to improve the usability of the bed?

Joy Ride

Right now, you should be ready to climb behind the wheel, Get situated, and take stock of how well the primary controls are laid out. Ergonomics can make or break a good car, and because we spend most of the time inside our vehicles, automakers are putting ever-more effort into differentiating interiors with more style, the latest technologies, and unique layouts.

Take several corners to evaluate the car’s composure when abruptly changing direction over rough surfaces as well as how smoothly the transmission operates when driving spiritedly.

Take the time to learn how to park the car. Can you exit with the doors only partly open? How tight is the turning radius? Is the front end so low it scrapes on parking curbs? How difficult is it to parallel-park?

Your Driving Style

A salesman will always be a salesman; they know the best time to make the best deal in you once you return from a test drive. Always remember, do not fall into the trap. Eventually you will need to ask them how the after sales service would like. At this point of time, you shuld also review your prospect car maintenance such as :

How long are the recommended oil change intervals?

What are the terms of the warranty, and what parts are covered?

Is replacing expensive performance parts something you’ll have to deal with while you still own the car? Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Once you are done with the test drive, go through again the process with other cars on your wishlist, leaving time afterward to reflect on each car and which one suits you best. Only after this should you return to the showroom and start the buying process. This level of preparation does not guarantee that you will love your new car forever, but it is due diligence for major purchase and will likely make you more confident in your finale decision.