Getting the most from your test drive

Jen helped you research the many choices you have out there. Now that you've narrowed your choices down you'll need to test drive them to find the best fit. That means -horror of horrors- coming into a car dealership!


I'm going to try to make this process a little easier for you -knowing how things happen will take some of the uncertainty out of the picture. Hopefully this info will save you some time and help narrow down your final purchase.

• Call ahead for an appointment. If you've dealt with the dealership internet person don't be surprised when they have a salesperson take you out for a ride. Larger dealerships have a dedicated internet department that only handles internet making it quicker for you to get answers online and salespeople who are familiar with the cars.



• Ask that a car be ready when you arrive and set an appointment. If you do arrive and the salesperson has to go get the car from another lot, jump start it, put gas in it - you might want to consider how you'll be treated after the sale if this is how it starts.



• For everyone's safety there are some procedures that are common in a dealership. One is filling out a "worksheet" jotting down your name, address, phone number and email address.



• At this stage of the game NEVER give out your social security number - they only need to run your credit when you decide to buy the car- and how can you make that decision before driving the car? Besides, more hard inquiries on your credit bureau lower your score.



• We'll also require a copy of your driver's license - our insurance companies need to know you have one!



• Your salesperson should walk you around the car and point out features that make the car special then make sure you're comfortable in the driver's seat. How was the ease of entry into the car? Before driving off make sure you've adjusted first the seat, then the side and rear view mirrors. Does the steering wheel tilt or telescope?


• Things to notice in the driver's seat include - visability - are there blind spots? How far in back of the car can you see? Are you comfortable with the view over the hood?


• Are the controls accessible? Radio controls, heating controls? Is there any control you know that you use a lot that's not easy to reach without taking your eyes off the road? Are they easy to see from your driving position?


• If you use an Ipod is there a connection? Does it interface with the radio? Is there BlueTooth?


• How comfortable is the seat? Do you have plenty of headroom and legroom? What about shoulder room and is there an armrest? How about rear seat room?


• Coffee drinker? Check out the cupholders- will they hold your cup? Does the position of them interfere with any controls?

• Is there adequate storage for the belongings you usually leave in the car?

Now that you're comfortable - ask for a nice long test drive. While you can usually tell right off if a car is not the right one somethings only become apparent on a longer ride. Request highway and back roads.

• How is the acceleration? Does the car seem to strain or can it handle it? Can you safely pass another car on the highway? Does the transmission shift smoothly?
• How does the steering feel? Is the wheel comfortable for you to grasp? When you take the car into an empty parking lot how is the turning radius?
• How do the brakes handle?
• How does the car feel on a bumpy road? On curves? Does it strain going up a hill?
• How do the air conditioning and heat work?

Once you've completed the test drive you've hopefully found the car that will bring you many years of driving pleasure.