Car Buying Secrets

The Test Drive - Where You Take Control

By: Roosevelt Gist

An integral part of car buying is the test drive. The time when you take control of the drive. Before you make your next new or used car purchase take it out for the all important road test or test drive. During this time you will either love or hate that new ride.

Have the salesperson demonstrate the location and operation of all instruments, i.e., lights, stereo, remote mirrors, steering column tilt and seat adjustments, etc. before leaving the dealership. For safety reasons make all your driving adjustments prior to taking the test drive. The salesperson will make a copy of your drivers license and leave the copy with management. This has become a common safety procedure because of auto hijackings of salespersons while out on test drives. The salesperson will also drive the car first off the lot.

Take the test drive in several types of terrain and driving conditions. Test the cars roll in curves, how much you lean vs. the car compensating for the force of gravity in curves. Listen for wind noise around the doors, side windows, front windshield and sunroof, if there is one. Listen for road noise created by the tires and transferred to the driving compartment. Perform a high speed merge. Does the car accelerate quickly enough to get you out into traffic safely? Find an area with no cars to perform a panic stop. Does the car swerve or come to a stop in a straight line?

When driving over rough roads, speed bumps, railroad tracks, etc., do you hear any unwanted rattles, squeaks or other annoying sounds. By now you should also determine if the shoulder safety belt still feels comfortable. Did the belt rise up under your neck? If so, see if it can be adjusted from the mounting on the car’s frame. How are the seats feeling at this point? Do you need to readjust the steering column tilt? Can you see all the necessary instrumentation? If you’re into music, how is the sound system performing? Can you hear all the speakers?

Pull over and let the salesperson drive for awhile and you sit in the back. Check for seating comfort, noises, head and leg room, controls that your children may operate, windows, doorlocks, etc. Take over driving again and this time pull into a parking lot. Test parking straight in, at an angle and parallel. Did you notice any blind spots? Could you easily determine the front and rear distances to the next car?

Your test drive should be as close to your every day driving conditions as possible. Take 45 minutes or more to really learn the feel and handling of the car. Remember, you’re going to spend a considerable amount of time in your car. So, it’s very important that you take as much time to thoroughly test the car to be sure it will meet your expectations and needs.

Questions to ask the salesperson: Does this car have a donut or full size spare tire? Where are the hidden compartments for spare change, cup holders, etc.? How do I set the clock? How do I set the radio? Where is the fuse box?