If you’re thinking of purchasing a new vehicle, the test drive is one of the most important things you should do before the big purchase. A lot of people skip the test drive taking what they read on paper or what their salesman has said as the final word.

If you’re comparing two vehicles, they may seem the same on paper, but can drive completely differently. It’s important that you don’t take the test drive as a quality check. A new car is going to be of high quality or come from a very reliable brand. Don’t make the mistake of not test driving a car or test driving the car as a quality check, as that’s not the point of a test drive.

It is also important in a test drive to drive the car how you would normally drive it. That means no extreme accelerating or hard braking, as that can harm a new car that’s not “broken in” yet. When test driving a car, you should drive it like you own it. Meaning you should do everyday tasks, like getting on and off the highway, 3-point-turns, testing the parking features.

Another thing you should test out while on the test drive is driving at night. This can give you a chance to see how the headlights function and other night-mode features the vehicle might have. It’s also important to see how the vehicle drives on long stretches of road, to get a good idea of how the drivability functions. You should also ask to take the car home to test out more features and see how the vehicle fits in your life.

Don’t forget to check out the creature comforts a vehicle has to offer! It’s important to focus on how the car drives, but it’s equally important to test out what the car has to offer on the inside as well. Always test out the entertainment features and cargo space to see if the car you’re interested in is worth it. Try connecting to the Bluetooth, testing the cup holders and install a car seat and load a stroller.

When test driving a new car, compare it to your current vehicle. If you’re looking to upgrade, it’s important that the new vehicle you’re considering is better than your current vehicle. Also, take someone else with you on the test drive to gain a different perspective on the vehicle. Having someone else in your test drive can help you weigh the pros and cons of the vehicle from a passenger perspective.

And finally, before coming to the dealership for your test drive, always make an appointment! It is extremely important if you want to test drive a certain vehicle to secure an appointment for that vehicle. Dealerships see potentially hundreds of people a day, all of whom might be interested in the same vehicle you are. Once you make your appointment, come with a list of specifications. It’s best to show the salesman helping you with exactly what you’re looking for so that they can help you find something that matches your interests.

In conclusion:

  • Make an appointment for your test drive
  • Show up with a list of specifications you’re looking for
  • Drive the car like you would normally drive your vehicle
  • Test out the entertainment features
  • Take someone with you on your test drive

Get the most out of your test drive today! Visit Payne Auto Group and check out our inventory and schedule a test drive today!