If you’re in the market for a new car, you never want to buy something sight unseen. After all, a vehicle is a major purchase, even if you’re buying used. You need to make sure that any car you buy is right for you, and the best way to do that is to take it for a test drive. That being said, here are just six reasons why you should never purchase a vehicle without test-driving it first.
1. Testing a Car’s Performance
Test-driving a vehicle gives you the chance to see how well it performs on the road. You should take it out on side streets near the dealership, on the highway, and through any roads nearby that have a lot of twists and turns. This will give you an idea of how well it will perform in any given situation.
2. Getting a Feel for Its Features
Test-driving a vehicle can give you a better feel for its features. For example, if you’re looking for an SUV that can be used to take your family on road trips, you’ll want to make sure that it has plenty of cargo space. If you’re test-driving a car known for its state-of-the-art safety features, you’ll want to know how those features work. You won’t have time to learn everything about a vehicle in a short test drive, but you don’t want there to be any surprises a week after you’ve purchased a car.
3. Getting Questions About the Car
A test drive gives you a great opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about a car. The salesperson is sitting right next to you, and they will be able to show you any features you might overlook and explain how they work.
4. Getting a Better Idea of a Car’s Value
Test-driving a car can give you a better idea of whether or not it’s worth its asking price. You should always be willing to haggle over the price of a vehicle, and having some first-hand experience behind the wheel will give you a little more leverage in that department.
5. Feeling Comfortable While Driving
Physical comfort while driving is important. When you test-drive a car, make sure that the seat can be adjusted properly, that you can use the dashboard controls easily, and that you feel safe while you drive. Don’t assume that you can always live with a minor inconvenience that you notice during your drive, either. What doesn’t bother you that much during a 10-minute test drive is bound to annoy you during a cross-country road trip.
6. Making Sure You’re Making the Right Decision
A test drive is your last chance to decide whether or not a car really is right for you. Simply put, there’s no way to be sure about a vehicle until you’ve driven it. You might love the look of a car only to find that you don’t like driving it, or you might fall in love with a vehicle once you’re able to get it on the road. This is the best reason to test-drive a vehicle and why you should never buy a car before trying it first.
