How to Make the Most Out of Your Test Drive

Before making a big purchase you always want to be certain you’re okay with spending the money, right? The best way to do that would be to guarantee you’ll be happy with the purchase. So, when purchasing a car, you want to be completely confident you won’t regret your decision later, which means you may want to take it for a test drive. It’s the only logical way to determine if the vehicle is the right fit for you. How would you know how it drives if you can’t drive it yourself? Just make sure to be prepared when you go in for your test drive and make sure you work with a dealer you trust. They can really help out when it comes to test drives. Lucky for you, we’ve come up with the perfect tips to get you ready to find your perfect car.

 Read on to learn the tips of the trade when it comes to test driving cars.

 

Come Prepared

It seems obvious but the first thing on the list is to go into the dealership after doing some research on what you want in your car. That can eliminate some of the time it may take discussing different options with a sales associate. It’s also smart to do some research on the reviews and ratings of each car you’re interested in ahead of time, so you come in knowledgeable and serious about your purchase. This can go a long way with earning the respect of the sales associate who is helping you. If you are not exactly certain about the vehicle or options that best fit your needs, or your budget, expect a thorough, professional, salesperson to give you the information you need. They can help in educating you on how a test drive should be.

 

Before The Test

When you test drive a car, you need your license and proof of insurance. If you can, bring in a photocopied version of both. This saves time so the sales associate doesn’t have to go make their own copies and you won’t have to wait too long. After all, you’re excited about getting that vehicle out on the road.  The more time spent in the showroom, the more likely you are to want the newest model car available or change your mind about what you want. So be prepared for your test drive when you walk in the door.

Keep reading to hear a few more tips when it comes to test driving cars

 

Salespeople Are There To Help

You should always go to a dealership you know you can trust. When going on the test drive, don’t forget that they’re there to help. Ask them as many questions as you can, if something seems off about the car, tell them what you’re thinking. The sales associate should know the area surrounding the dealership well. Use their knowledge to your advantage and ask them to direct you through different types of neighborhoods. If you only go down smooth roads you don’t get to see how the vehicle handles on more difficult ones or the highway.

Now that you know what to do before you start the car, find out what to do when you start your drive.

 

What To Look For

This is going to be the car you’ll be in for hours in traffic and long road trips with friends and family, so you want to make sure you’re happy with everything it comes with. When you first get in, make sure it’s the right height for you. Adjust the seat to make sure you can sit comfortably, make sure to adjust the mirror so you’re sure you can see your surroundings, and finally, locate all of the accessories that come with the car. Make sure you’re happy with all of the features and how you feel at the wheel.

 

Bring a Friend

If bringing a friend or family member will help we suggest you do so. Friends can take notes about how the car is driving while you get more information from the salesperson, or your friend can ask the questions while you take mental notes. If you’re test driving a used car, focus on the way it drives, make sure the brakes are sturdy, find the blind spots, see how easy it is to maneuver, and check if the AC and heating systems work. This is a lot to look out for and having a friend there with you does nothing but give you an extra pair of eyes and ears.

These next two are straight from the experts.

 

Listen To Your Surroundings

A pro tip? If you’re purchasing a used vehicle, turn the radio off, stay quiet, and listen to the noises around you. Keep the windows closed for a while to listen to the inside of the car and turn the cooling system on and off throughout the ride, and then open the windows and listen outside when you’re taking sharp turns or accelerating. Make sure the car isn’t making unusual noises, whether they come from the hood or the cooling system, if you hear any weird or unfamiliar noises, ask a salesperson about them.

 

Make Sure You Have The Facts

Before you make this decision, make sure you get all the information. What’s included for the warranty? What’s the maintenance schedule? What are the charges for basic service? When you get your answers, think over the decision. Talk to a dealer you can trust. This is a big decision to make, so make sure the car you pick is exactly what you want. If you have all the information and loved your test drive, you could even walk out with that new car on the spot!

 

Buying a car can be a stressful decision to make, but test driving your choices doesn’t have to be. If you come into the dealership prepared and ready to go on your drive it can be a fun time. You get to spend the day driving cars and hopefully find one you can see yourself with. Happy car hunting and we hope these tips helped you find the perfect car! 

Did you know Nutley Auto Kia offers test drives on all our models? Visit our website at https://www.nutleykia.net/ or give us a call at 973-529-8415 and schedule your today!

 

 

Sources:

https://www.trustedchoice.com/insurance-articles/wheels-wings-motors/test-driving/

https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-tips-on-how-to-test-drive-used-cars.html

https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/on-the-road/auto-test-driving-a-car/

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/articles/5_things_to_do_when_test_driving_a_used_car

Tags: car test drive, cars, test drive, test drive tips, tips
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