Does it have everything I need?
Unless you’re looking for that fun and sporty 2nd vehicle, it’s always a great idea to get something that is practical for your lifestyle. If you have 4 kids and travel all the time, maybe a coupe is not the best idea. In this case, maybe an SUV with integrated navigation? Need a simple commuter car? Maybe a basic car is better for you. When you’re spending thousands of dollars on one purchase, it’s crucial to make sure it fits you and your lifestyle.
Does everything work? And how does it drive?
All of our vehicles in our Speck inventory receive a multi-point inspection before you buy, but it’s always important to listen and feel everything before making your decision. Anything you may find during your drive, our service team is always happy to review with you.
Before you get in the vehicle, do a walkaround. Usually, your sales representative will go through this with you. A walkaround gives you the opportunity to check out the paint quality, lights, tires, and more. If you have a car or booster seat, this is a great time to see if your seat fits into the vehicle. This is also a good time to get in some extra questions that can help you decide which vehicle works best for you.
Does this vehicle:
Have enough room for people and cargo?
Come with a warranty option?
Have All Wheel Drive?
Anything you absolutely require, it’s important to ask about. Once you’re in the car, test all the systems on the inside. Make sure you test all your seat and mirror adjustments to ensure a comfortable and safe drive. Turn on the interior lights, and test the trunk and gas cap buttons if applicable. Regardless of the weather outside, it is important to test out the heater and the air conditioner and make sure all the buttons are doing their job. Switch the radio, and tune through the channels with both the control on the radio itself as well as the steering wheel controls. Plug in your phone, if applicable, to see if you can connect to your vehicle. You can do this through USB input, Auxiliary, and/or Bluetooth. If you’re interested in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, now is a great time to test your ability to use that feature. If your test drive comes with a back-up camera and/or sensors, give that a test as you pull out on your drive.
Most dealerships have a pre-planned route for test driving vehicles. Sometimes these routes don’t have left turns, hills, speed bumps, or anything that you may run into during your daily drives. See if it is possible to go through these to see how the car runs in these situations. Does it rattle on a speed bump? Does it make a noise when turning? Are the brakes stopping properly, without noise? How does the vehicle react when going up a hill? All of these questions are great to ask yourself while test driving.
At the end of your drive if you’ve decided this is the vehicle for you, make sure a dealer mechanic performs the necessary inspections to confirm there are no leaks, recalls, or faulty systems.
Now that you are informed on what you should look for on your next test drive, why not schedule one? View our inventory at Speck Motors today!
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
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