Buying a car, whether it’s your first or fifth, is always a big decision. With so many factors involved and mistakes you can make, the purchasing process can sometimes feel more like a harrowing obstacle course than a pleasant journey to your next car. You might wonder how you can be sure you’re making the right decision.
While you may never be 100% certain, there are ways to help you figure out what you want and become more confident in your decision. One of the easiest and best methods is to take your potential next car out for a test drive.
Why Test Driving A Car Is Always A Good Idea.
You can do all the research you want online and take whatever time you need to thoroughly examine a vehicle on the lot, but you still won’t get a feel for what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a car.
The test drive is where you can get a feel for how the car performs and how you feel in the driver’s seat. You might not like how it accelerates, or the seats might be too uncomfortable. You might not like the dashboard or discover it has too many blind spots. Or you might find that it fits you like a glove. But you won’t discover any of this without taking it out for a spin.
Do You Need Insurance To Test Drive A Car?
A test drive is not required if you purchase a car from a dealer. Every dealer is required to ensure its inventory, which means you’re covered.
How Old To Test Drive A Car?
You may assume that if you can drive, you can test drive, but that isn’t necessarily true. Drivers 18 and older can test drive cars, but if you’re younger than that, you will need a parent present.
How To Test Drive A Car
If you’ve never test driven a car before — or you have but didn’t feel like you got anything out of it — there are some things you should be aware of to ensure you’re making the most out of it.
The test drive doesn’t begin when you get behind the wheel but when you sit in the seat. Before starting the engine, put the car into accessory mode. This will light up everything on your dash and get the radio going. Ensure everything lights up and your car’s entertainment system operates correctly.
Adjust the seat and mirrors to your preference and get a good sense of the buttons’ locations. You may find you like certain placements, or you may find specific choices annoying. Pay attention to how the engine sounds when you turn the ignition key (or press the start button). If anything seems amiss, make a note of it. You’ll want to bring it up with the dealer or do some research on your own.
From there, you can get started driving. How do the gears feel, shifting from park to drive? How does the car perform when speeding up and slowing down? Are the brakes responsive enough? Are all the lights and blinkers working? Does the car feel cramped or too big for your liking?
Paying close attention to every detail is the key to a successful test drive. If you have strong preferences, consider whether the drive matches those preferences. While there might not be a car out there that gives you everything you want (especially within your budget), it’s up to you to decide which things are deal-breakers and what you can live with. The test drive can help you figure that out.
Make Sure To Take Your Time
Driving a car off the lot you haven’t bought can feel strange. You might feel like a teenager driving your parents’ brand-new car, worried about getting into trouble if anything happens to it. You might even be tempted to take it back quickly as a result. But you should take the time to relax and enjoy the drive. It’s the only way you’ll truly understand what it would be like to own it. Many dealers even let you take a car overnight to put it through its paces.
If this all sounds overwhelming — or if you’re ready to hit the road with a new test drive, our experts are here to help. Give us a call today.
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