Imagine going wedding dress shopping and never actually trying on the dress before you buy it. That doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it? You’d be taking a gamble with your hard earned money before you even knew if the dress was the right fit! This same rationale rolls over onto car-buying. Don’t buy a car until you know that it’s the perfect fit for you! This is where test driving comes in. Now that you understand the importance of a test drive, here are some simple tips to help you out!
DO: Come prepared! Show up to the dealership knowing what models you’re interested in and what exactly it is that you’re looking for. Do some homework on the cars you want to drive first. That way, your test drive can just confirm or deny your interest!
DON’T: Get distracted. Go into your test drive with a goal, and complete it. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible. For you, maybe this means driving alone without your entire family chattering in the back seat. Or, maybe bringing a confidant with you to help observe your test drive can help you to stay on track! Stay focused so you can get the most out of your drive!
DO: Inspect the interior AND exterior of the vehicle. More often than not, shoppers get so excited to finally get behind the wheel that they completely bypass inspecting the exterior of the car. Once you’ve inspected the outside, be sure to stay observant of the inside. Make a list ahead of time of what is most important to you, and be sure to take note of it on your drive! Maybe you care about having tons of headroom, or maybe the size of the cupholders is important to you–whatever it is, be sure to inspect it and stay observant throughout your test drive!
DON’T: Rush your test drive. Maybe you talk fast when you get nervous, or perhaps the salesperson is on a tighter timetable than you. This is your hard-earned money you’re gearing up to spend, so take your time! From testing out varying speeds to driving on different terrains, take your time during the drive, and take time to reflect on it.
These do’s and don’ts seem simple, but they are imperative to getting the most out of your test drive! I hope these little tips and tricks help increase your confidence in your car-buying process.
No Comments