[Timgt5]

Step 4) Test Drive
The test drive is in many ways the most important step. I have never understood why anyone would pick a car out without this step. Surely you would take a few minutes to try on an outfit that cost 50-100 dollars, would you not sample something you could spend over $20,000 dollars for? A proper test drive can mean the difference between owning a car you love and brag about and one you hate and complain about to your family and friends constantly.
Make sure you schedule plenty of time for each car (at least 45 minutes an hour for each car) and that you are not stressed or rush. Wear comfortable clothes and if you are looking at a “family car” if possible bring the family along. Bring with you some notes based on the research you have done, so you can ask some good questions. Also bring a blank note pad and pen with you.
Think of the test drive as a first interview for a job. The car is auditioning to be parked in your driveway. I would not recommend at this point even thinking about price or any for of negotiation at this point, as a consumer you have the right to shop and compare. Be honest with the salesperson and tell them that you have not made your decision and that you are looking at several models. Let them know up front you are not ready to close. Pick the car, before you pick the deal.

Approach the car and the let the salesman do his “walk around” Then open the doors and close them, what do they sound like. If they close with anything less than a solid “thunk” then you have something that is not well built and rattles or “tininess” indicates less than solid build quality. Heavier cars will of course make more of “thunk” when you close the doors. Look closely at how the body panels line up, look for panel gaps. Bigger gaps between panels indicate potential for more squeaks and rattles down the road. Is the car easy for you to get in and out of, or are you struggling with exit and entry. Does your family fit comfortably in the car? Is it easy to get Child Seats in and out of the car? Are the door openings a good size for those that may ride in the vehicle? Check the back; will the trunk or other cargo space be sufficient for your needs? Once you are seated look around the inside of the car. Do the materials match? Are there noticeable gaps between the doors and the dash, around the glove box? Large panel gaps indicate bad build quality and potential rattles down the road. Are the seats comfortable? Can you adjust them easily, and do you feel cramped? Check the arrangement of major controls such as the HVAC and radio. Are they easy to locate? Do they fall right to hand? All cars are laid out a little differently but a well designed car should be arranged in a way that operates with little thought. Listen to the switchgear on the various knobs and buttons, if it clicks audibly that is an indicator of cost-cutting and a compromise on quality. Does the car have all the gadgets promised? Are windows and the sunroof (if applicable) noisy when activated? Make a few notes on your note pad while the information is still fresh in your mind, of things you liked and things you did not like. Then settle in, crank up the car and listen. How does it run? Is the engine quiet; are there any vibrations through the steering wheel at idle? Blip the throttle just a bit and see how smooth the car revs.

Now you get underway. Does the car ease off from a stop or do you have to step into it? How is the throttle response? If you are testing a manual, can I shift it easily and smoothly? If the car is an automatic, do I feel the gears changing? Some cars have firmer shift points than others. Does it struggle to downshift under hard acceleration? (Some GM 6 speeds and Toyota 6 speeds automatics have a tendency to gear hunt) Take it around stop and go traffic. Are the brakes touchy? Does the car stop with authority? You will want to include smooth and rough roads in your route to get an idea of how the car rides under different conditions. Pay attention to engine, wind and tire noise and see if those are acceptable to you. Head to your local interstate (unless you are sure your new car will never see a highway in its lifetime) and jump on. Does the car have a comfortable level of power and torque? Do I feel secure when I pass? Check the stability at 65-70Mph. and the response to change lanes.

Once you exit the freeway find some curvy side streets or roads. Am I comfortable with the cars cornering? Does it lean a lot in the turns when I push it? After all of that turn on the radio pop in your favorite CD and check the sound quality out. Have your “crew” make notes about the climate control if possible.

When you return to the dealership, get your pad out and make notes while memory of the drive is still fresh in your mind. Again write down likes and dislikes. Your conclusions may be different than those of the magazine test drivers but that is okay, remember, this is your car not theirs, so it really needs to fit your ideals, not theirs. Thank the salesperson and get his or her card. If they balk at the test drive ask them if the have confidence in the product they are selling.

Repeat this process for the other cars you are looking at. That way you can give all the cars a fair shot at going to your driveway. Compare your notes, discuss with your friends, your spouse or SO and get their opinions. Having their support can make the decision easier. If you eliminate several and are still stuck on 2, test drive them again back to back. Once you have gone through this take a day of two, pick a winner, call the salesperson and set up an appointment to discuss price.

[Timgt5]

I thought I would give this a quick bump for the weekend