You can’t put it off any longer. There are too many good deals to pass up, and a trip to the car dealership is in your near future. But how can you be sure that hunk of metal, plastic, and rubber you’re 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 in your everyday life? A test drive, of course, and making the most of it is a simple matter of common sense, careful observation, and knowing what to look for. Read on for how to prepare yourself for this all-important experience and what to keep track of when taking a new car out for the first time.
Do Your Homework
Don’t wander onto the lot to see what cars are available. By the time you show up at a dealership, you should already know what model(s) you want and what options you are interested in. Do your research ahead of time—our online buyer’s guide is a handy tool—and make the initial trip solely for the purpose of getting behind the wheel. Additionally:
Drive your potential candidates back-to-back on the same day so you can make a proper comparison.
Consider bringing a friend along to keep the salesperson occupied and point out things you might overlook.
While you should press to take the vehicle home overnight—as many dealers now allow—to get comfortable with it and see if it fits in your garage, at least make an attempt to come back at night to observe how well the headlights perform and how well the interior is illuminated.
Getting Acquainted
Once you’re at the dealership, let the salesperson know you just want to drive the vehicle(s) you have in mind and that you’ll be comparing models and prices at other showrooms. Doing this should allow you to better focus on your prospective ride, while also communicating to the dealer that you’re prepared to take your business elsewhere if an attractive offer can’t be made.
Because certain options and powertrains can greatly alter the feel of a vehicle, it’s important to drive the particular model/trim level that you intend to purchase. If your dealer doesn’t have the powertain you are looking for, wait or find one that does. Take your time and thoroughly go over the car, taking notes and analyzing how it looks in the metal versus in photographs.
While turning the key and mashing the throttle may be your first inclination on a test drive, first walk around the vehicle and inspect it thoroughly.
Keep Reading: How to Test Drive a Car
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