What Should You Consider During a Test Drive?
Buying a car is a big purchase! For many, it will be their second biggest purchase ever (aside from a home), so you want to make the right decision. After combing over all your research and narrowing your list down, the test drive is where you get a better idea of what it would be like to own the vehicle. Visit Ontario Auto Center for the best trade-in value in Southern California!
Before Your Test Drive
Before you arrive on the lot, you’ll want to know that the dealership has the vehicle you’re interested in testing. Call and schedule an appointment with a representative and let them know which vehicle you want to test. If you have more than one car that interests you, try to schedule your test drives on the same day so that you can compare the vehicles easily. Also, if you have any questions write down a list so that you remember to ask everything at your visit.
During Your Test Drive
Turn the car off and on, let it idle
When they pull the car up for you to drive, it will likely already be on. Go ahead and turn it off and then on again and let it idle. Listen and make sure everything sounds good.
Different traffic conditions
Try the vehicle out in different traffic conditions. Do you like the feel of it on the street in stop-and-go traffic? How about the highway, does it have the pickup you need to merge into oncoming traffic? Pay attention to how it handles in both situations, as well as if there are any unforeseen circumstances on the road such as construction, uneven roads or wet roads. This is where you can test the acceleration, braking, steering and suspension.
Park it
A huge part of driving your car will be parking it. Take it to a nearby lot and pull into and back out of a parking space. Do this next to another vehicle if possible so that you can see the performance in everyday situations. If you have to parallel park often, make sure to test that as well.
Comfort
Your comfort is important. Consider how the seat feels and ask yourself if this is good for your daily commute. What about a road trip? Is everything easy to reach and use? How was it to get in and out of the vehicle? What about the back seat?
Get a tour
The sales associate will be able to share all the vehicle’s features with you. Don’t feel like you are taking up too much of their time, that’s what they’re there for! Let them show you how the seats move, the tech features and anything else that might be of interest. It will be worth the time and you might find something you really like about the car that you wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.
Drive On
Testing driving a new vehicle should be fun! By calling ahead and making an appointment, you’ll know that someone will be ready and prepared to help you with this important decision. Also, keeping the few things in mind above will help you feel confident in your final purchase decision.
Let us help
Do you already have some vehicles in mind for your upcoming purchase? Contact any of our dealerships to schedule a test drive and let us help you find your new car!