We unveil the secrets of a successful new car test drive and give you a checklist.

Friday, August 29, 2008

How To Do A Proper New Car Test Drive

That new car smell can keep you from thinking straight. Emotions left aside, here's what you need to look for when test driving a car.

The test drive should be the last step in a long car buying research process. Before you even set foot in the car dealership, you should narrow your options down to the type of car and characteristics you want. Test drive only the vehicles you're seriously thinking about buying.

First, open the door and start examining the look and feel of the car. Ask yourself:

Is it comfortable to get in and out of?
Is the seat comfortable?
Is there enough legroom? Even in the back seat?
Are the controls easy to reach and logically placed?
Can you reach the pedals comfortably?

Once you have the car keys, simulate the road conditions and route you'd normally drive and pay attention to:

How does it run?
Did it start right away?
How does the engine sound?
Is shifting easy?
Does it feel powerful enough?
Are there any rattles and shakes that might indicate suspension problems?
Do the brakes respond to sudden stops?
Are there any blind spots?

If you're considering other options try to schedule all test drives back-to-back, that way the experience will be fresh in your memory and you'll be able to compare the cars more accurately.

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