How to Test Drive a Car

Buying a new or used car should always involve a test drive. It is not enough to think you are getting the right car but you should know you are getting the right car. The only way to do that is checking it out for yourself. Always test drive a car before buying it. The following will help you the next time you need to test drive a car. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Go to a car dealer. You need to look for a car before you do anything. You may not find the right car at the first car dealer. Make sure you check out as many as you need to find the right car.

2. Check on the price. The next step in buying a car is to make sure it is in your price range. You can test drive many cars, but they should be in your price range. Wasting time doesn't help anyone.

3. Test drive the car you have selected. Be sure you have plenty of time when you decide to test drive the car. You don't want to rush the procedure. Although you may want to go at a time when you have a limited time, such as your lunch hour, try to do it when you can give it your full attention and take it more than just around the corner.

4. Make sure you concentrate on the drive. You don't want to let the salesperson distract you while you are driving the car. Although he may have plenty of good information to give you, you can hear it after you're done driving.

5. Let the salesperson know you don't want to drive it where he wants you to drive it. Try it on the highway as well as city streets. Drive it around curves to test the steering. Check out how it handles when starting and stopping. See what happens when you change lanes. Check the air conditioning, the turn signal and the windshield wipers as well as the interior and exterior of the car.

6. Choose someone to accompany you. It never hurts to have an extra pair of eyes checking out things. There may be something you miss that your companion will see. In addition, with him sitting in the back he will be able to tell you how comfortable it is back there.

7. Try more than one car. You can make comparisons and find out if your first choice is really the best choice. Sometimes you will learn things about your first choice by testing other cars.

Tips & Warnings

• Always decide where you want to drive the car. You need to see how it performs in different road conditions.
• Salespersons tend to talk while you are driving thereby destroying your concentration. Be polite, but tell him to talk later.
• Try to bring someone with you--two pairs of eyes are better than one.
• Don't forget to check the spare tire. You don't want to end up with a donut for a spare.

Resources

• How to test drive a car.
• How to test drive a car.
• The feel of the wheel--how to test drive a car.

[nftech]

on 5/6/2008 What's wrong with a donut spare? Lots of cars have them these days. They save weight and space. I'd check the spare for wear and general condition, but it doesn't matter if it is a full size or a donut.