Do you find yourself phoning it in when it comes to going on a test drive? You go through the motions, and as long as the vehicle doesn’t fall apart, you’re going to buy it. You’re rolling the dice and hoping that the vehicle lives up to your expectations when you do that. Fortunately, you can take luck out of the equation by following these test-driving tips. Then you’ll know if the car is the right choice for you.
See if Your Gear Fits
You need to make sure the car fits into your lifestyle, so bring the gear that’s usually in your vehicle with you. For instance, if you like to load up your bicycle and drive to the trails, haul it along to see if it fits in the new ride. Also, bring car seats and other bulky items. After checking the fit, make sure it’s easy to get the gear in and out of the vehicle. You might end up moving your bike, car seat, and other items in and out of your car hundreds of times over the years, so you want it to be easy.
Inspect the Car’s Exterior
Next, take a moment to walk around the car, checking for imperfections. You might feel like skipping this step if the vehicle is new, but that would be a mistake. While rare, cars can get damaged during test drives or shipping, so it’s a good idea to give a vehicle a once-over before purchasing it.
Make Sure It’s Comfortable
Once the exterior has your seal of approval, check out the interior. Make sure you can get in and out of the car easily and that you feel comfortable in the seats. Also, check the leg and headroom. You want to have ample space in the car. If the interior feels too tight, ask the dealer for another option.
Test the Technology
Cars have tons of technology these days, so give yourself a moment to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s offerings. Try the various features to make sure you know how to use them. If you need help, the staff can demonstrate the features for you. Then watch the technology in action to ensure it meets your expectations.
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Hit the Road
Finally, it’ll be time to hit the road. Instead of making a standard loop, see how the car performs in different situations, including the highway and side roads. In addition, evaluate its performance when accelerating, braking, turning, traveling over bumps, and more.
Now you’re ready to take the next step by test-driving a vehicle. You can get the process started by scheduling a test drive at Doug Henry Buick GMC in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Schedule your test drive online or come in and pick out a vehicle. Then we will show you the features and let you take off on the road. When you return, we can help you finalize the purchase or show you other options.
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