You’ve decided that it’s time to purchase or lease a new or used vehicle. You’ve made your checklist of needs and wants, and now it’s time to test drive the models on your list. Let us offer 4 tips for a successful test drive.
What to Do When You Test Drive a Car
Bring a Friend
When you are shopping for a car, you want to be able to focus on every aspect of it. Having a friend interact with the salesperson frees you up to closely examine the exterior and interior features. He or she can also provide you with a third-party opinion of the vehicle from driving it to riding in other seats of it.
Take a Walk Around
Before taking the vehicle for a spin, walk around the outside of it to give it a good look. Do the tires have sufficient tread and are the wheels clean? Open and close every door, the hood, and the trunk or liftgate to ensure they operate smoothly. You can even bend down to look underneath the car for any damage or to look for possible dripping fluid. Note any items of concern to speak with the salesperson about.
Inspect the Interior
Climb into the driver’s seat to get an idea of how the cockpit feels. Can you comfortably reach the dashboard? Is the seat comfortable? Can you safely see out of the windows and windshield?
While you’re inside the vehicle make sure to test all of the features, switches, and knobs to ensure everything is working the way it should. If you have small kids, you can also install any and all car seats to make sure they fit.
Take It For a Spin
Map out your own test drive route prior to your visit to the dealership. You want to get a clear picture of how the vehicle drives on everyday situations, so creating a route with varying road conditions will give you an accurate representation.
Listen to the engine as you turn it on, shift into gear, and move forward slowly while listening for any noises that could indicate an issue. Take the vehicle onto the highway to get it up to highway speeds for at least 10 miles. During this time, any issues will begin to emerge, such as trouble shifting while accelerating, applying the brakes, or if the car drifts to one side or the other.
Shop for New and Used Cars at Zimbrick at Fish Hatchery Road
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, check out our inventory of pre-owned and new cars for sale in Madison, WI. Our new and used car dealership offers a wide variety of makes and models with the amenities you’re looking for.
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