06/13/2019
Tips on how "Smart Drivers" test drive a car:
Every used car is different. Some have been driven more miles and have more wear and tear. But, in general, you want to make sure you're choosing a car known for dependability. You want to test drive a car for many reasons, but comfort should be foremost in your mind. In addition to comfort, here are some tips on how to cleverly test-drive a car from beginning to end.
Before The Drive:
• Inspection: Walk around the vehicle and inspect it thoroughly.
• Color: Does it look good in person? Paint colors can sometimes differ from how they appear in photos.
• Cargo Space: Do you have a child seat in your current car? Bring that in and test out how much room you have to install it in the new car. Similarly, if you regularly have to carry a large item for your job (musical instrument, massage table, real estate signage, etc.), bring it with you to test how well it fits. Is there a pass-through in the trunk opening for long items?
• Seating and driving position: Is there enough head-, hip- and legroom? Is the driving position comfortable? Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel? Is the seat easily adjustable? Do the pedal positions work for you, based on your height and the length of your legs?
• Ergonomics: Are the gauges easy to read? Can you easily reach all the gauges and controls.
• Visibility, or lack thereof: Can you see out of the car? Check the view from all the mirrors and turn your head to see the view from the rear window.
During The Drive:
• Ride Comfort: Does the car ride smooth and quiet? “You don’t want to drive a car too harshly, especially if you’re going to buy it,”
• Engine and road noise: How does the car sound? Is there a lot of noise from the tires? Is the cabin quiet? Allow yourself some quiet to hear the noises of the car itself.
• Braking: How does the pedal feel? Do they respond quickly enough without being jerky?
• Steering and Handling: Is it easy to maneuver and does it have a good reaction time? Is the vehicle responsive? Can you feel the road through the steering wheel?
• Suspension: Is it stiff or soft? Does the vehicle ride comfortably?
• Climate Control: How effectively does it pump out hot and cold air.
• Entertainment: See how the radio, bluetooth, and displays work while you are driving: are they user-friendly? Do you like the way the music sounds?
• Windshield wipers: Even if your test-drive is on a beautiful sunny day, give them a try to see how well they function.
• Transmission: If you are testing driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission, make note of how smoothly it upshifts and downshifts.
After The Drive:
• Take the time to learn how to park the vehicle.
• Is there ample room to conveniently place your gadgets while driving?
• Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your head?
• Find out if the vehicle takes premium or unleaded gasoline—or if it requires unique maintenance procedures.
• Examine the quality of the sun visors, glove box, carpet, seat upholstery, and how soundly the doors close.
Final Word: Have you ever bought a pair of shoes that looked great in photos but weren't quite right once you actually tried them on? Car buying is a lot like that, only the stakes are higher given that the return policies aren't nearly the same. This is why the test drive is one of the most important aspects of choosing a car. This level of preparation does not guarantee that you’ll love your new car forever, but it is due diligence for a major purchase and will likely make you more confident in your final decision.
Come Test Drive our 2007 Kia Sorento LX!
Take it Home and Upgrade Your Driveway Today!
Cash Price $3,500.00
