New Car Test Drive
How do you normally drive? That's exactly how you should test drive a New or Used Car. Although we suggest not driving over 55 mph to conserve on gas and improve your MPG, the quickest way to gauge if a car's drivability meets your standards is to handle it the way you would handle a car you've owned for years.
So, go beyond the block. Go forward. Go backward. Go fast. Go slow. Just go! Of course, we don't recommend anything unsafe, like weaving in and out of rush hour traffic (remember, it's not your car yet). But you should drive like you would on any given day. After all, if you do happen to purchase the car, that's exactly how you'll be driving it then.
Here's a 10-point checklist of things you should pay attention to during your New Car Test Drive:
- Parallel park a couple times (successful or not). Then, back out of a driveway two more times. How is the car's peripheral visibility?
- Drive along a rough road. Note the smoothness of the ride and if you maintain complete control.
- Drive over a few dips and speed bumps. Do the shocks help the car to recover? Or does it continue to bounce?
- Take a somewhat hard (that's somewhat) left and right turn. Again, gauging the quality of the car's shock absorbers, does the car recover well?
- Pay attention to the car's alignment by allowing the car to steer itself. Check if, while in motion, the car pulls one way or the other.
- Pay attention when you apply the brakes. Check their firmness or if they are "spongy." Listen for squeaking – this means they need to replaced. Check for a forward lunge during breaking – this indicates worn suspension components.
- Get on the highway and accelerate into traffic. Check the car's power, transmission, and noise.
- Test cruise control. Are all functions – acceleration, deceleration, and resume – well, functional?
- Pay attention to seating. Is it comfortable enough for a long trip? Is it safe enough? In other words, are you stable during turns?
- Note the headroom. Hard to miss, but important. Make sure there's enough room to enter, exit, and remain seated in the car. Likewise, make sure there isn't too much room. Not possible? Maybe. But never forgo safety for lavish comfort.
If there's anything unsatisfactory about your New Car Test Drive, best to walk away. Or at least, know that the car you're purchasing could require substantial work. And in a mechanic's garage, substantial work requires substantial fees.
Harbor Credit can help! Once you've finished your test drive, make sure the car's history is clean too, with a Vehicle History Report.
Car Loan
Get a Car Loan»
|
