Taking a car out for a test drive is a very exciting experience, but it’s also one that you should prepare for. A car is no small purchase and as a prospective buyer, you should have all the information you need before finalizing a deal.
Before going on a test drive, read through these 10 need-to-know tips to ensure that you’re fully prepared.
Bring the Required Documents
Talk to your dealer about what documents you would need before taking a car out for a test drive. Usually, this includes a photocopy of your license, if not the actual document.
Do Some Research
You might already have an idea of what brand and model you want to buy, but it’s always best to do some research first. Set your budget then look at the car specs within that range. Things like seating capacity, fuel consumption, and transmission type are just some examples of features you should look for.
Aside from the car itself, do research on nearby dealerships as well. Try to find out the dealer’s reputation by looking at its website and its reviews. You would be better off trusting an authorized Volkswagen dealership in Albuquerque, NM with its own website over someone you just met through a forum.
Know Your Needs
Make sure that the car that you’re planning on buying suits your lifestyle. You should also take into account where you’ll be driving most and who you’ll be driving with.
For example, if you’re a family man living in a city like Albuquerque, NM, then you’ll need a car with enough seats for your whole family and strong enough to take on the city’s rough roads.
Have a Checklist Ready
Once you’ve identified what you’re looking for in a car, list all of them down in a checklist. This makes it easy to remember what you’re looking for in a car so you don’t get distracted by features that you won’t need in the end.
Give It a Good Look
Once you have the car right in front of you, examine it inside and out. Look for dents, scratches, or other visible signs of damage. Take a look under the hood and check the engine, fluid reservoirs, battery, and radiator.
Feel free to ask questions as well. If you’re buying a used car, ask about its previous owner, where they drove, and how it ended up there. Additionally, ask yourself the question “How would this car look if it were mine?” Picture how it would fit in your garage or your designated parking spot.
Check the Fit and Feel
Once the car passes the checklist test and has everything or almost everything you’re looking for, try out how it feels to be in the driver seat. Examine the comfort of the seats and armrests, and test how far the driver’s chair goes back.
Buying a car isn’t purely about its features, but also its feel. Even if a car has all the features you’re looking for, it won’t be the ideal choice if it feels too cramped or uncomfortable for you to drive in for long periods of time.
Get a Second Opinion
When you’re test driving a car, bring a friend or relative with a working knowledge of cars. This is especially important if cars are not your particular area of expertise. They can help give you a second opinion on how the drive should feel or which particular parts and features you should choose.
Drive
Once you’re done examining the car, you’re then ready to give it a test drive. As an advanced tip, don’t just drive it around a regular road. Instead, try to incorporate some speed bumps or railroad tracks during the test drive and see how the car handles them.
Drive Another One
Consider taking another test drive, this time with a different car with similar features and within the same price range. You may find that the slightest change in height, feature set, or even color suits you better.
Wait But Not Too Long
If you’ve taken the car out for a successful test drive and you’re sold on its capabilities, take a step back and wait. The drive is fresh in your mind, and you may already be thinking about where to drive with it, so it’s better to go back another day and think about the car with a clearer head.
However, you shouldn’t wait too long. The market for cars varies every day, and another buyer could swoop in and buy your dream car right under your nose just because you took too much time.
You’re now ready for your first test drive. To put all of these tips into practice, check out Fiesta Volkswagen dealer in Albuquerque, New Mexico and see what they have for you.
