Making the Most of a Test Drive
When you’re shopping for a new car, always remember to do a test drive before purchasing. Not only does this let you get a feel for how the car drives, but it also gives you an idea of things like features, seat comfort, and vehicle size from the driver’s seat. Even if you feel already committed to a certain purchase, a test drive can save you from having to buy a new car in a year or two just because you overlooked important details.
To make the most out of the test drive, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Plan Ahead
To avoid feeling rushed or having to wait for an available associate, try to plan your trip to the dealership for a quieter time like a weekday afternoon or early morning on the weekend. Avoid going in too close to closing, as you may end up having to come back another day if you want to complete a purchase. You can even call ahead to see what vehicles they currently have available and also gauge how the employees are to work with.
Take Note of the Little Things
It’s easy to get excited about a car’s cool features like a sunroof or heated seats, but remember to look at the less obvious details too. Look around at the storage compartments available for items such as charging cords and sunglasses, check for the number and location of cupholders, and even see if your everyday water bottle or mug fits easily. Note how user friendly various controls are for things like heat and air conditioning, seat controls, and pairing your phone with the car’s audio. If you overlook these seemingly simple things now, you may have regrets later on.
Drive Like It’s Yours
During the test, drive the car like you would on a regular basis. See how quickly it stops and accelerates, how it handles around tight turns and parking spots, visibility when backing up, and how it maneuvers when driving on the freeway and making lane changes. This is also a good time to listen for any out-of-place sounds like squeaks and rattles, as well as interior noise while driving. If you enjoy listening to music or podcasts on the road, be sure to turn on the sound system and test the clarity at different volumes.
Remember Your Opinion Matters
When shopping for a new or used car, it can be easy to be swayed by online reviews, testimonials from friends, and the salesman at the dealership. However, the most important thing to remember is that your opinion matters most. Not every car fits every lifestyle and you shouldn’t feel bad for backing out of a purchase over details that others may deem insignificant. Cars are an important and costly investment, so taking the time to find the best fit for you will make you happier in the long run.
When in the market for a used car, stop by Carousel Preowned. Carousel Preowned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA, is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.