Shopping for a new car can be overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from. Once you have narrowed down the cars that you are most interested in within your budget, it is time to take a closer look. More importantly, you need to test drive the car to get a feel for how it handles and how comfortable it is. This is especially crucial if you are looking at pre-owned vehicles.
Whether you are in the market for an affordable compact vehicle or a luxury brand car, going for a test drive can tell you plenty about it. When you buy a car, you are likely planning on driving it for years to come. You will want that car to be a great fit for you and your passengers. Here are some benefits to giving a car a pre-purchase spin around the block.
1- Making Sure It Feels Good
Just like your clothing, your car has to fit your contours well. In other words, it needs to be comfortable and smart-looking. Before you even turn on the engine, sit behind the wheel and see if the seat and cabin feel comfortable with plenty of leg and headroom. Make sure the seat is adjustable to your needs and that you can reach the pedals. Are console controls easily reachable? Can you see the instrument cluster and touch screen? Adjust all the mirrors to ensure you have a clear view of the rear and side.
Check out the back seats as well. If you will have passengers often, you want them to be comfortable too. It is also a good idea to check the cargo area, especially if you need space for gear, groceries, or luggage. If it is an EV you are interested in, remember to open the frunk (front trunk) that will offer extra space that an engine occupies in a gas or hybrid vehicle.
2- Testing All Working Systems
A car is full of mechanical systems that rely on computers and electronically controlled components. This includes heating and cooling, mirrors, windows, seats, infotainment, lights, speedometer, emergency notifications, and much more, depending on the brand of vehicle. Turn on the engine and check all of these systems, including any amenities such as a moon roof and connectivity Everything needs to be working for your comfort and sense of security.
3- Lets You Know How It Drives
Now it is time to drive the car. Buckle the seat belt, making sure it has a good fit. Start the engine and listen to it. Is it noisy and clunky or does it purr? You don’t necessarily want the interior cabin to be rattling with excessive engine noise. Put the car in gear and drive on a real street with traffic, stop signs, and corners to turn. This will give you a better feel for how the car really drives rather than simply cruising the dealership lot.
While driving, test the brakes to make sure they aren’t sticky or too sensitive for your liking. Get a good sense of the turning radius and stability around corners and on curves. If the car comes with a safety and driver assistance suite, give those a try without doing anything reckless. While you are at it, ask about the number and location of airbags.
Researching different cars when you are in the market for a new vehicle doesn’t end with internet searches. Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important and advantageous to get behind the wheel and take the car for a test drive. This will give you a chance to feel the level of comfort, test all the working components, and get a sense of how the car handles.
