What is the Best Way to Test Drive a Car?

When buying a new car, the test drive is a critical step in your decision making process. Before you go to the dealership for your test drive, take the following steps:

1. Research the cars that interest you.

a. Online: Check out dealer eCommerce web sites, dealer social media sites, automobile blogs (see what other consumers are saying), Edmunds.com www.edmunds.com, Car and Driver, www.caranddriver.com and others.
b. Read Consumer Reports. If you don’t subscribe, read it for free at the library.
c. Ask your friends

2. Make a list of how you use your car – commute, shop, take long drive vacations, etc. and from that build a list of ”must haves” for your new car.

a. What gas mileage do you need to target? If your commute is long, miles per gallon is crucial. Is a hybrid your best bet?
b. Do you want manual or automatic transmission?
c. Four-wheel drive?
d. What safety features do you want?
e. Do you require a lot of cargo capacity?
f. Will you be doing any towing?
g. Do you have a bad back and need flexible seating positions?
h. Will the car easily fit in your garage or parking space?

3. Build your list of “nice to haves:” your top color choice, sun roof, etc.

4. Take a hard look at prices.

• What can you afford? Use the Edmunds.com Calculator : http://www.edmunds.com/apps/calc/CalculatorController?pmtcalAction=...
• Check incentives and rebates.
• Check the Edmunds.com True Market Value Prices (TMV®).
• Take a look at the long-range economic impact of your decision by reviewing Edmunds.com True Cost to Own (TCO) figures.
• And remember, you will have to pay sales tax and DMV fees, then insurance, gas and regular maintenance costs.

5. Set up an appointment with the Internet Sales Manager. That salesperson may quote you a rock-bottom price right away!

6. Print out a check list of the following and bring it with you to each dealership when you test drive the cars.

Now you are ready to test drive the models that meet your initial criteria.

Sit in the car and ask yourself is it a good fit?

• Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your head?
• Can you get in without splitting your skirt?
• Is there enough head, hip and legroom?
• Is the driving position comfortable? Do you feel too low or too high in the car?
• Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel for a better fit?
• Is the seat comfortable? Is it easily adjustable? Is there a lumbar support adjustment?
• Are the controls easy to read and use?
• How is visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors. Can you see out the back window?
• Are the pedals situated to match your body type? If not, are they adjustable?
• Get in and out of the car several times and be sure to sit in the backseat, especially if you plan on carrying passengers.

Sometimes the salesperson will drive the car off the lot and then turn the wheel over to you. While he is driving, evaluate the car from the passenger's standpoint for noise, comfort and visibility.

Before you start driving, adjust the seat, the seatbelt and the mirrors. Turn off the radio so you can hear the engine and concentrate on driving. Don't drive with the radio on. Evaluate that separately.

Your test-drive route should replicate your normal driving routes and conditions. Tell the salesperson what kind of test drive you want and he will probably accommodate you.

• If you drive into the mountains, find a hill and see how the car climbs.
• If you have a highway commute, see how the car accelerates into traffic and performs in the 55-75-mph range.
• Drive the car in stop-and-go traffic, if possible.
• Find some bumpy roads with tight corners and see how the car handles.
• Find a safe location to test the brakes.

Put the car through its paces. Explore its limits. Evaluate these specific points:

• Acceleration
• Engine noise
• Passing acceleration (does it downshift quickly?)
• Hill-climbing power
• Braking (do the brakes "grab" suddenly?)
• Steering (does it have any play in the wheel? is it easy to place the car?)
• Cornering (does it "hug the road" or does it wallow about?)
• Suspension (how does it ride?)
• Seat comfort and ergonomics
• Rattles and squeaks

When you're back on the dealer’s lot, check the cargo space. Is the vehicle easy to load and does its capacity expand?

If you are interested in buying the car, copy the information off the sticker — the total sticker price and options. Write down the stock number of the car (a number posted in the windshield) so you can locate it again when you return.

Finally, make sure you view the car under natural light. Colors can look very different under streetlights.

Take a business card from your salesperson. Then, go drive the other cars you are interested in. You might like more than one car. If so, you will be in a stronger bargaining position when it comes time to buy. Price can be the deciding factor.