-
Step 1
Different options and powertrains can greatly change the way a car feels and acts on the road. It’s really important to drive the particular model and trim level you intend to buy. If your dealer doesn’t have the engine size and transmission you are looking for, wait until they do, or find a dealer that does. Take your time (this is a big decision!), ignore the small talk and chat from the salesperson and thoroughly inspect the car, taking notes and analyzing how the vehicle looks and feels in real life. Remember, this is pure unemotional analysis. You want the car that is going to fit you exactly.
-
Step 2
Take note of the vehicle’s fit, finish, and manufacturing quality. Examine how the doors, hood, and trunk fit and sound when you shut them. Is there a nice, solid “thunk” when you shut them or do they sound flimsy, and are there any rattles? Now look around the interior- do the sun visors, glove box, and upholstery, appear to be well made and designed?
-
Step 3
Check the vehicle’s safety features, such as the standard number of airbags, active-safety electronics, anti-lock brakes and adjustable seatbelts. This important to be aware of, especially when comparing different makes and models.
-
Step 4
Observe how easy the car is to enter and exit. Are the front doors easy to open and close, both from the outside and the inside? Now examine the ease of entry and exit for the rear seats. If the test drive is an SUV or crossover vehicle, also note the entry and exit to the third row of seats.
-
Step 5
Check to see if the rear seats are comfortable, fully adjustable, would they be easy to install a child seat? How about folding down the rear seats for greater flexibility in hauling odd and oversized cargo?
-
Step 6
If the dealership won’t let you borrow the car overnight, tell the salesperson you would get a better feel for it if you go for a test drive alone, without any distractions. If they insist on riding along, make sure they know that you want to drive the vehicle on your terms and drive it on a number of different road surfaces and at varying speeds—don’t be sooth-talked into a quick spin around the dealership on super-smooth roads.
-
Step 7
Are the controls easy to use? Now is the time to observe everything from the steering wheel, brake pedal, wiper controls, all the way to the radio buttons and the way your iPod connects to the car.
-
Step 8
Another factor to consider when behind the wheel is how well you can see out in all directions, especially through the rear window. Does the car have dangerous blind spots, and if so, are there blind-spot monitors?
-
Step 9
How much loud is the road noise in the passenger cabin? How much wind noise is there, especially around the doors and sunroof. When the windows are open does the wind enter the nicely or does it make a lot of noise and blow on you uncomfortably?
-
Step 10
See if the car has enough power to easily merge with highway traffic and if the brakes have a solid, stable feel as they bring the car to a stop. Take a few corners aggressively to evaluate the vehicle’s feel when changing direction over different surfaces as well as how smoothly the transmission shifts when driving vigorously.
-
Step 11
By the time you return to the dealership, you should now have a good idea if the car you are testing is a good fit for you and your needs and you are in an excellent bargaining position and less likely to be sold a car on an emotional level that may not be the best for you.
