You've done it many times before and will likely do so again at some point down the line. But the next time you do, try out these pointers. The following tips are things everyone should know about the important art of test driving.
No matter where you decide to shop, it is important to show the sales person that you are in control and that you know what you're looking for. The question is: Do you know what you're looking for?
Most of us have a few things in mind (safety, performance, features, even car color), but often people don't review these things in an effective manner. There are also many other vehicle attributes you might want to look for to determine if a vehicle is right for you, things you may not have thought of.
Start with a Checklist
Before you visit our Toyota dealership in Grapevine, TX, bring a checklist with you so you don't forget anything and a pen to take notes. It's as important as taking a shopping list with you to a grocery store.
The Test Drive
First, don't feel rushed, and don't let a sales person rush you. You need to take your time to get to know each vehicle that you try out.
Blind Spots - Find a nearby parking lot or shopping center. Park the car, then back up and check the vehicle's blind spots. Also make sure you can see everything on all sides of the vehicle clearly. If the car features a back-up camera, try it out. Ensure that it is easy to use, and that it has a clear screen and a wide scope.
Checking Brakes - Find a nearby side street that has little to no traffic and is fairly wide. When the street is clear, speed up the car to approximately 25 mph, then hit the brakes hard. This will help you gauge the vehicle's stopping power and allow you to see how well it would perform in an emergency braking situation. Also do a U-turn to assess the vehicle's turning radius.
Acceleration - If possible, find a nearby highway and hit the onramp. Check to see if the vehicle speeds up quickly, or if it has to work a bit. When on the freeway, don't be afraid to hit the gas pedal and see how the vehicle accelerates after being at an average highway speed. There may be times when you need to merge into a new lane with limited time by passing a slower car or truck, and this test will help you determine if the vehicle can safely pass others in this situation.
Checking the Interior
You will be spending most of your time on the inside of the car, so it is a must to check out the interior, both on a cosmetic and function-based level. Before the test drive, you can check the interior for the following.
Cabin Quality - Get a feel for things, literally. Touch the dashboard, seats, instrument controls and other surfaces. If you often carry sunglasses, a briefcase or other items, see if there are convenient storage areas for them. Look at the interior. If in your opinion it's not visually appealing, that's something to consider.
Features - If there are high-tech features, ask the sales person to show you how to use them. Figure out if they are easy to use, and if they are things you need or desire. Also think about if there are features missing that you would like to have on your next vehicle.
Trunk & Cargo Space - If you will regularly carry certain items that take up space, bring them along with you when checking out cars. This could be golf clubs, luggage if you travel a lot, strollers for parents with young children, and so on. Bring them along and make sure they fit in the vehicle easily.
Adjust Steering/Seating - If available, adjust the seating and steering wheel position to find your perfect fit. This will help you see if it's difficult to find a comfortable position or if the controls to adjust are hard to use. Make sure that you can easily reach the gas and brake pedals, while still maintaining a comfortable distance between yourself and the steering wheel. Also, get in and out of the vehicle a few times. You may not notice it at first, but upon doing it a few times you'll have a better chance of noticing if you bump into certain areas when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Along with doing research and learning about vehicle specs and awards, following these tips for every car, truck or SUV that you test drive will get you much closer to finding the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle!
