What to Look For When Test Driving a Car
So you’ve done your research, read the reviews, and you’re heading to the dealer with a good idea of what kind of car you want to buy. Good job! But understanding a car on paper and understanding it in person are very different things. The last thing you want is a highly-rated vehicle that causes back pain because of how the seat is designed. When you take a car for a drive, make sure to look for these potential issues.
Comfort is Huge
When you set up a test drive, one of the most important things you should pay attention to happens before you even start the vehicle up: comfort. You’ll be spending a lot of time inside that car over the years, so make sure the seats are comfortable and adjustable to your liking. Make sure you have enough leg and foot room (both in the front seat and back), and make sure all the controls are placed in a way that you can adjust them easily.
How Does it Handle?
Take the car on a thorough drive that simulates all the conditions you’re likely to put it in. Does the car downshift smoothly? How does it feel at higher speeds? Is it noisy? Bumpy? What do the brakes feel like? Make sure you know exactly how the car will handle in any situation so you don’t get any nasty surprises later on.