Financial Blog

Getting a new car is one of the biggest decisions that you’ll make in life. But before you get your new auto, make sure that you sit inside it and feel it on the road.

Read more: 5 Used (But Nice!) Cars Worth Buying

Always remember: What looks good on paper may not be as good in person. A car may look perfect for you, but once you sit inside and drive it, you might feel different about it. Here are some things to take note before, during, and after a test drive.

Before going to a showroom, know what you’re getting into by doing some research. Do a background check on the dealer/seller, read some reviews of the cars, and try to narrow down your choices to 3.

Don’t limit yourself. Keep your options open and try out other vehicles from different brands.

Having trouble to find the right car? Read here: Find the right car in 7 steps

Take down notes! Assess the car on a purely aesthetic level first: Is the color on the website the same in person? Do you like the finish? The texture?

Try opening all the doors, then close them. Does it make a satisfying thump? Or does it go off in a disappointing thud?

Go inside the cabin. Did you bump your head on the ceiling? Is your knee comfortably placed? Does your back hurt, or does it feel like sitting on a cloud? 

Run your hands on the dashboard and get a feel of the interior. For a more hands-on approach, bring some of your daily essentials and check if they fit in the luggage space. If you have kids, check if safety/booster seats are properly installed.

Lastly, push every button you can! Turn knobs, press switches and check if they’re responsive.

Your test drive should mirror regular driving conditions. It’s even more important for those who go on off-road trips. Try going up parking ramps or uphill streets, or run over some road bumps and potholes.

To get a feel of acceleration, try the car on the highway. Does it speed up and switch gears smoothly? Can you easily merge lanes?

Take note of the steering and handling. Is it responsive enough? How about the brakes? Does it stop the car abruptly, or does it take some time before you halt?

Lastly, turn off the audio system and listen to the engine. Do it while traveling in both low and high speeds. Does it produce an abnormal sound?

Review your notes. Now’s also a good time to ask questions to your agent and discuss your likes and dislikes. He’ll most likely try to win you over with some sales talk. Remember to remain impartial until you’re done with all your test drives. Even if you really like a certain car you have driven, try to take the day off to make a final decision.

Don’t take test drives for granted. After all, you’ll be spending a good part of your life inside it.

If you think you already want the car you have test driven but is still short on money, you might want to know more about car financing: Bank Vs Car Loan Dealer Financing

Ready to buy a new auto? Use our Car Loan Calculator below to see how much you can borrow: