Test driving is an incredibly important facet of the car-buying process. You want to know what you're getting before you invest some serious cash into anything, and in order to do that, you need to know how to get the most out of a test driving experience. It isn't as easy as just hopping behind the wheel, driving around for a few minutes, and driving back. Test driving means focusing on the details that matter most, along with your comfort levels. Down below we'll be discussing some of the most important aspects of a test drive to get you better prepared when the time comes. You never want to walk into a situation without a clear idea of what you're going in to do. Keep reading below to find out about our tips!
Make a list: Before you go into a dealership, it's important that you have a very clear picture in your mind as to the vehicle that you're looking for. This means figuring out whether you want a sedan, an SUV, or a pickup truck. Are you looking for something for the family? Is a minivan the solution to your problems? Beyond the type of vehicle, what about the features that you desperately want? Are you big on tech? Does comfort reign supreme? These are all questions that you need to answer, as they will be the outline to every test drive that you go into. Make sure you mark off things that you believe to be a necessity, and other things that are perks, but not deal breakers.
Bring a friend: You've scheduled your day and it's the morning of. While going alone might be something that happens due to scheduling conflicts, you should always try to go with another person. They don't necessarily even have to be car experts, but they serve as a way to balance out your feelings, and to bounce ideas off of. While bringing a friend, you might also want to bring your stuff. This way you can get a proper idea of how things fit in the vehicle.
Give it a walk around: You're in front of the vehicle, and thinking about hopping in right away. We're here to tell you that, whether it's brand new or used, you should be giving the car a good walk around. Check underneath, listen for any noises, check out the paint. Make sure everything looks how it should before you even open up the car door.
Get comfortable: Hop on in! Now is the time to get situated, adjust the seat, connect to Bluetooth, change the mirrors, do it all! You need to pretend like the vehicle you're test driving is your own, so don't feel shy at changing anything inside to better make yourself comfortable. Throughout this process, check the A/C and heat, mess around with the speakers, and check out all of the technology. This could include going through different menus to see gas mileage, and what other smart options the vehicle offers. As you drive, listen out for noises and how the vehicle rides.
This is just a few tips that should help you make the right decision when buying a car. Be comfortable and confident in your decision, and stick to the list of items that you need in a vehicle. If you want to check out a new vehicle inventory, check out ours! We have the best inventory of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles around.