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Top 10 Tips on how to get the Most from Test Drives
Buying a car is already a tricky issue and for a layman and the complexity is attached with numbers and terminologies. However, a few guidelines if followed can significantly reduce the hassles attached with a car purchase. Though not into much detail, test drive is one of the ways to get a prior idea about a car’s performance. A casual test drive may not provide all the information that a buyer needs but still helps choose a car that meets his/her requirements. Let’s browse through some of the necessary tips to get most from a test drive.
Tips on how to gain meaningful inputs from a test drive:
Research
Do a complete research about the vehicle intended to be test driven. Research on internet will give access to feedbacks from existing owners who have already driven the vehicle for years. Collect information about the engine, power output, interior and exterior design, safety features, and mileage. This will give a brief idea on the car’s capabilities as well as the look. The research will help you not to get carried away by the salesman’s sugar coated talks.
Enjoy a Quite Test Ride
Ask the accompanying salesman to keep quite during the drive. This will allow you to focus on the driving experience. Do not let the salesman mar the experience with his sales pitch. Give extra stress on things like - an engine noise, wind noise in the cabin, feel of the steering wheel, braking power, and handling. Ask questions to the salesman only when needed. Request the salesman firmly yet politely to give precise answers to the questions. This will give you a good idea about the car by the time the test drive has ended. And at the end, you are ready to hear the salesman and finalise the deal accordingly.
Take a Long Ride
A long test drive will provide more information than all the talks blurted by the salesman. It is best to take the longest route possible and get a complete exposure of the car’s features. Go for a test drive with an ample time in hand. A short test drive will leave you with many unanswered questions and a clever salesman or a dealer could use it to settle a deal you never wanted.
Cruise on Different Terrains
Often driver’s in India drive on rough terrain or potholed roads. Test drive on urban roads will not completely prove beneficial to a buyer who is buying the car for long distance travel. Driving over different terrains will give you a picture on how the car behaves under various conditions. A buyer could test the car’s suspension, handling, power, and braking on different roads.
Drive on Curvy Roads
Car’s handling and precision is best tested on curves. Drive the car in crowded traffic to test the navigation skills of the vehicle. This exercise will also test the braking system and feel of the clutch. It will also give you a feel of the body roll during sharp turns. Accelerate hard to check the vehicle power. Satisfy yourself completely on these points during test drive to avoid surprises after owning it.
Try Stop/Start Activity
Check the vehicle for any starting problem. Brake hard while stopping to get an idea how efficiently its works during emergencies. A vehicle performance has to be gauged under stressful conditions. Frequent breakdowns or malfunctions can result in huge repair bills.
Check Visibility
Front view visibility is of high importance. It has to be tested under different conditions- bumpy roads, curvy roads, highways, and city roads. Also check if the side mirrors give a clear visibility of the rearview. Try changing lanes and catch a glimpse of the rearview in the side mirrors. Improper visibility of the mirrors hampers the driving.
Inspect the Interiors
Pay attention to the interior designing with regards to enough leg room, comfortable driver seat, and easy-to-operate instrument panel. Test all the warnings and indicator thoroughly. Check all the facilities in the car like stereo quality, air conditioning, and seating upholstery. Operate the air conditioning and find out how quickly it peaks. Also check the seat adjustments, whether they can be easily operated or not. A few small details like these will go a long way in providing years of comfort.
Check Safety Systems
Check various safety details like the child door locks, air bags, braking, and seatbelts. Try the seatbelts on you and check out how easy it is to operate and comfortable it feels after fastening.
Take a Second Test Drive
Before settling a deal, it is best to go for another test drive and re-check all the details again. Make sure that the car meets most, if not all, of your needs. Take a partner along with you to get a second opinion on car’s features and facilities. A mechanic or a knowledgeable friend will help you make a good decision.
