When you’re in the market for a new car, it can be tempting to simply head over to the nearest dealership and take one out on the road for a test drive to get an idea of how it feels and operates in real life. Unfortunately, this can also be very risky, particularly if you aren’t prepared beforehand with these five important points before your next car test drive!
Before you go through the below important points, first check if there are any good car test drive offers available with the dealers.
Fuel, is it premium?
Premium grade fuel isn’t essential, but it is recommended by most manufacturers because premium offers a richer air-fuel mix and more power. The only thing that doesn’t get better with premium? Your fuel economy. If you have a small engine like a 1.5-liter turbo, premium can also make it run hotter, which can shorten its lifespan. This is less of an issue with larger engines though, as they already use more fuel to produce more power than smaller motors do.
How much horsepower?
Horsepower is a measurement of power and refers to how much work a car engine can do per minute. It's measured in PS (the metric system) or HP (English units). A lot of horsepower doesn’t necessarily mean you'll be going fast - for example, a horse has more than 100 times as much horsepower as an average human being, but it can’t run nearly as fast.
Is the warranty good?
Car manufacturers provide a warranty on new cars that covers defects in manufacturing or materials. However, many used cars don’t have warranties—if you are buying one of these cars, be sure to do extra research. You can check with an independent mechanic about any potential issues with a used car, and you can also do a CARFAX report on it to see if it has had any problems in its past. This research can help reduce risk when purchasing a used vehicle.
Are there incentives?
If there are any incentives that could sway you toward a particular model or make and model, find out about them ahead of time. For example, if there is a lease deal being offered or a big sales incentive, see what it entails and what you would have to do to receive it. Many dealers offer good money on trade-ins if you are trading in your current vehicle. Make sure to inquire about all available offers so that you can get maximum value when selling or trading in your current car. Also, inquire about rewards for doing a car test drive as well.
How many miles are on the vehicle?
Mileage can tell you a lot about a vehicle. Cars that have fewer miles are more likely to be in better condition. It’s also worth considering how much a person typically drives. Does someone who commutes an hour to work on weekdays really need as big of a vehicle as someone who only takes road trips once or twice per year? Ultimately, remember that it is always best to research vehicles online and visit dealerships in person so you can take it for a spin yourself.
What other brands have you tried out?
When you’re shopping for a new car, be sure to take some time to get an idea of what type of vehicle fits your lifestyle best. Many companies offer test drives so you can get behind the wheel of one of their cars—even if it’s not in purchasing range just yet. If you really like how a particular model handles or how spacious it is, consider other cars from that company as well.