Are You Planning To Get A New Car? Take The Test Drive Seriously.

Test driving a car is one of the most important steps in the car buying process. However, most people make a car-buying decision based only on a quick drive down the street during a test drive. How your new car drives and will suit your long-term driving needs is critical to determine before you purchase your new vehicle. Planning and careful attention to details on the test drive can make your decision easier and prevent buyer’s remorse later.

Choosing your next new vehicle goes well beyond what color you want or if you want a moon roof or not. You’ll be spending tens of thousands of dollars to buy your new car and spend thousands of hours behind the wheel over the years that you’ll own your vehicle. You want to be sure that you’re going to be happy with your choice.

Before you even start shopping for a new car, you should have answers to the following questions:

• How much do you want to spend?
• What safety features and other options do you want?
• What type of vehicle do you need for most of your driving?
• Which vehicles on the market meet your needs and offer the options and features you want?

Heading To The Dealership

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few models, you can head to the dealerships to start shopping. You may want to schedule an appointment ahead of time to meet with a sales associate. If the sales associate knows you’re coming, they can allocate the time needed to tell you all about the vehicles you’re interested in and answer any questions you may have. When making your appointment, be sure to mention that you want to take the car out for an extensive test drive – that way they will make sure to save enough time for a thorough test drive of your new vehicle.

Before you head to the dealership, there are a few things to be prepared for. First, plan for plenty of time — at least a couple of hours (more if you want to drive more than one vehicle.) That way you won’t feel rushed and end up making a decision you may regret. Bring a trusted friend that you can talk honestly with and bounce ideas off of. If nothing else, having a friend or family member with you offers you an opportunity to step out away from the salesperson and give you some time to make a decision.

When going to the dealership, be sure to bring your driver’s license and a copy of your auto insurance card — most dealerships will ask you for these items before letting you test drive their vehicles. Don’t be surprised if the dealership asks for a photocopy for their records.

Third, if you use any electronic devices or have larger accommodations you need, like child car seats or larger pet carriers, bring those with you. Nothing would be worse than buying a new car and finding out your phone is hard to sync with the Bluetooth or your very necessary two car seats don’t fit in the backseat.

When you think you’re ready to start your test drive, take a few extra minutes before you get started to make sure the vehicle is what you want. Walk around the car, check out the trim and the fit and finish. Look for blemishes or door dings that may need to be repaired before taking delivery. Make sure your car seats fit and are easy to buckle in. Sit in the driver’s seat and check the view, especially in your blind spots and behind. Check the technology, make sure your phone pairs easily and the controls you use the most are within easy reach. Adjust the seat, make sure you can get comfortable and stay comfortable for as long as your daily driving routine requires. Ask the sales associate to walk you through the car’s features so you know where everything is before you start your test drive.

Once you start your test drive, leave the radio off for the first few miles. Listen to the sounds the vehicle makes, note any rattles, squeaks or annoying road or wind noise that may turn you off to the vehicle. Feel how the car accelerates, shifts, corners and stops — both at lower speeds and at highway speeds. Don’t be afraid to put the car through any paces you would encounter on your daily drive. Any unexpected handling or performance issues may be a minor inconvenience on a test drive but can turn into major buyer’s remorse later.

Be sure to check the car on a variety of driving surfaces and conditions. Many dealerships will have you follow a set route, that often consists of nice smooth roads and little traffic. Ask the sales associate to vary from the route and find roads that simulate your daily commute and allow you to test out the vehicle’s performance and comfort.

Don’t forget to try out the technology. From adaptive cruise control to blind-spot monitoring and lane placement, don’t be afraid to try them out so you learn how they work and what to expect. Your sales associate should be happy to show off the car’s features. Pull off in a parking lot and make a call, check the rear cameras, and any other features the car may have.

If you have a question or if something bothers you about the car, ask the sales associate right away (if he is accompanying you) or when you arrive back at the dealership. This is also where having a friend with you comes in handy – so she can jot down any thoughts or questions you have so you can remember to ask them later. If you ignore any issues because it’s the car of your dreams, you could end up making a very expensive mistake.

When your test drive is over, the sales associate will want to close the sale. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the vehicle or ask any questions you may have. This is also the time to talk about the deal and find out your trade-in and financing options, but don’t feel pressured to “sign” that day. Be ready to walk away or take a break if you feel too pressured or if you need to think about your purchase. You don’t have to be rude, simply explain to the sales associate that you just need a day to think it over. Again, this is where having a friend along can give you support if you feel you need it.

Are You Ready To Test Drive Your Next New Car?

Our highly trained and knowledgeable sales experts at Neil Huffman Volkswagen are ready to help you out with your new Volkswagen purchase. We understand that buying a new car is an important decision, and we won’t pressure you. Plus, you can buy with confidence at Neil Huffman Volkswagen, where you get a 110% Price Protection Guarantee and our Seven Day Like it or Exchange It Program. You have seven (7) days or one hundred and fifty (150) miles (whichever comes first) to kick the tires and test the radio to make sure you love your new Volkswagen, or you can exchange it for another vehicle of equal or greater value.

Contact us today to schedule your test drive!

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