Buying a car involves many aspects, from researching and dealing with car dealers and sometimes customization. Yet, taking out the car on the road before settling in is equally important. This guide offers you four reasons to test drive a new car to get great value for your money.
1. Comfort
Of all buyers, 85% end up dissatisfied with their purchase. They credit this to costs, fear, and confusion. This is, in part, because car dealers can be intimidating and distrustful. Do not just take the salesperson’s word for it. At the end of the day, they make money from selling cars. Rather, take the car for a test drive. This is to ensure the ergonomics suit you. Poor driving posture leads to back pains. Other problems include sciatica, leg pain, and neck pain. Check the seat movements to ensure it goes high or short enough to accommodate your height. Ensure the backrest is comfortable. Some cars come with lumbar support. It is useful for people suffering from back problems as it provides an additional cushion for the spine. Also, consider the ease of getting in and out.
Check the comfort of your passengers, especially if you are considering buying a family car or a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). The room in the rear seats, headroom, and knee room. Check the center seats if you are ferrying three passengers in a five-seater regularly.
2. Space
Rather than ferry you around, the car should also be practical enough for your needs. Check the size of the boot to ensure it can accommodate whatever you may need to ferry around; it could be your dogs or even your sports gear. Consider the ease of lifting things in and out of the boot too. Also, see how easy it is to put the car into its largest low-carrying configuration.
If you have a child, bring along their car seat and check if it fits. Will the car fit in your garage or parking space? Because if not, you may have to park it out on the street. This increases the chances of vandalism or theft. You may need to bring a tape measure to confirm.
3. Control
Controls ensure the steering wheel is light because if it is too heavy, it will be hard to maneuver at low speeds. Go through the gears, ensure the shifts are smooth, the clutch is light, and it is easy to engage the biting point. If it is an automatic, make sure the gears blend seamlessly. And when you put your foot down, ensure the gear changes instantly, so you are not left floundering.
For the brakes, if you press ensure, they feel strong and not too sensitive as it can cause a jerking motion. This indicates braking system issues. If the brakes don’t function properly, it can result in a car crash. Every year in the U.S., 3 million people sustain injuries as a result of auto accidents. Enquire if the car has a recall since manufacturers issue one for faulty cars. You can also check on their website.
4. Refinement
When driving at high speed, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the car causes wind noise. Unless you have a sports car, test drive the car to ensure the noise levels are agreeable. Get the speed up and listen to the noise of wind, engine, or tires. When driving at high speed, engine vibrations show an underlying problem, and the dealer should repair it before selling you the car.
Test driving the car on and off the road. It could be great value for your money if it is handled well. Dependable cars tend to maintain a high percentage of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). According to Autoraptor, a web-based automotive dealership company, the Jeep Wrangler has a high resale price. Proper maintenance also contributes to this.
Before buying a new car, test drive it to confirm it suits you. Check various equipment and functionality from the noise levels to the size of the boot. The latter comes in handy when you have to transport things around.