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Get the Most Out of Your Test Drive at the Car Dealership

2015 Honda Jazz - First Drive
By: NRMA Motoring and Services

Everyone loves heading to the car dealership to test drive his or her next vehicle. There’s nothing more fun than getting behind the wheel of the latest model and seeing all the bells and whistles while you take her for a spin. It’s easy to get caught up in a test drive, so it’s important to have a game plan before you go. Using this handy guide to getting the most out of your test drive at the car dealership will ensure that you really understand the vehicle you’re looking to buy, and can feel great about your purchase.
What You’ll Need
When you head to the car dealership, make sure you bring your drivers license and a copy of your insurance with you. The salesperson will need to make a copy of each to have on file before they let you get behind the wheel.
Choose Your Chariot
You will have done some research before you head to the car dealership, so you should have a good idea of what vehicle you’re looking to get into, and the price point you can afford. When selecting which one to drive, be sure to choose a model that is as close to what you will purchase as possible. If it has many of the same features like manual vs. automatic transmission, power steering, safety features and so on, you will have the best chance of understanding what you’ll get with your purchase.
Ask for a Demo
As tempting as it is to get behind the wheel and burn rubber, spending a few minutes before you leave the lot with the salesperson can be really beneficial. Ask for a quick demo of the vehicle’s features so that you can understand the finer points of how things like the stereo and Bluetooth connection work, and determine if everything is what you want and need.
Drive that Car
Once you’re ready to get behind the wheel, it’s time for the fun part! The salesperson will likely have a test drive route mapped out, but feel free to ask for anything you feel is missing during the drive. You’ll want to experience the same types of driving conditions you will have in your personal use for the vehicle. Be sure to test what the car feels like and how it handles at various speeds, including on the interstate. Test braking, accelerating, turning, the turn radius, parking, backing in, and so on.
Quiet Down
While you’re driving, turn off the radio and take a moment to listen to the vehicle. How loud is the engine? What other type of noise is there? Are you comfortable with that noise level?
Check for Comfort
During the test drive, be sure to pay attention to how you feel behind the wheel, and how the vehicle drives. Is it smooth? Does the suspension absorb holes and bumps, like railroad tracks or speed bumps? Is the ride comfortable? If you need to, feel free to park mid-test drive and adjust the seat and mirrors again to be sure you love the way you feel.
After a thorough test drive, you should feel comfortable with the capabilities of the vehicle, and be one step closer to making your buying decision. If you love it, your salesperson will be ready to talk with you more about pricing and financing options. Following these steps is a surefire way to know whatever you buy will be the wheels that are right for you.
To learn more about a car dealership, Bedford residents should visit http://www.ganleychryslerjeepdodge.com/.
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