Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
The majority of automobile buyers only give new or used cars a cursory test drive. But a thorough test drive is more crucial than ever, given the abundance of new technologies and amenities in today’s automobiles and trucks.
According to polls, only 32% of shoppers have a specific car in mind when they begin their search. However, 55% of people only test-drive the final vehicle they decide to buy. Even when they have your size, and you know it, you are likely to try on multiple pairs of shoes or hats.
In this article, you will learn tips on how to test-drive your new car, what things you should check, and how to create a test-drive checklist. Read on to learn more!
Overview of Buying a New Car
Buying a new car can be a significant investment, and it is essential to do your research beforehand. Start by determining your budget and need to narrow down your options. When selecting potential models, consider factors such as fuel efficiency, safety features, and reliability. You can also read reviews from experts and other customers to get a sense of each car’s pros and cons.
Once you have narrowed your options, it is time to test drive the cars you are interested in. By researching and testing driving, you can make an informed decision and find a vehicle that meets your needs and preferences.
Purpose and Its Benefits
Buying a new car means having reliable and safe transportation that meets your needs and preferences. Whether you need a car for commuting, family trips, or weekend getaways, having a new car can provide convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. Additionally, a new car can come with the latest safety features, technology, and warranties, making it an intelligent investment in the long run.
There are several benefits to test-driving a new car before making a purchase:
- It allows you to experience the car’s handling, comfort, and performance, which can give you a better understanding of how it will suit your needs.
- Test driving can help you identify any issues or concerns with the car, such as noise levels or uncomfortable seats, which may not be apparent from simply looking at the vehicle.
- Test-driving different vehicles can help you find the best vehicle that meets your needs, preferences, and budget.
You can make a confident and informed decision when buying a new car by test driving and researching.
Tips For Test-Driving
- Do your research. What kind of car best suits your way of life? For a 50-mile round-trip commute, a Lamborghini might not be the best choice.
- Make time to meet with the auto dealer. Make several appointments on the same day. You’ll be forced to test drive multiple vehicles and have a good reason to leave the showroom.
- Note the models and features, then look up the most recent automobile reviews on the major consumer websites. Your favorite brand’s quality has declined.
- Choose a day just for test drives. Never purchase a car the same day you test it out. The aroma of a brand-new automobile can be overwhelming.
- Create a list. Consumer Reports lists things to look at and consider before taking a test drive.
- Bring a friend and your belongings. When you enter a dealership, the salesperson aims to persuade you to purchase a vehicle. Your friend can help you stay calm and on task. Bring your bike or car seat as well so you can see how simple it is to load a passenger and baggauge into your vehicle.
- Comfort is crucial. Is it simple to enter and exit? Can you fit in the seat comfortably? In the future, consider your body and car. Will you still be able to get in and out of that red sports car in, say, five years? It might look cute today.
- Bring copies of your license that you made yourself. Most car lots will take a photocopy of your license so you can test drive. Bring your manuscript, request the return of any documents, and shred the copies. Auto-related identity theft is on the rise.
- Circulate the car. Look for rust, missing parts, scrapes, and other issues, even with a new car. Be cautious because cars can get damaged during transportation and test drives.
- Test the technology. Is it simple to connect your phone to Bluetooth? Do you understand what all the beeping sounds indicate?
- Identify the fuel efficiency. Does the car require special maintenance or premium fuel?
- Use the vehicle. Drive on the highway if that’s where you commute most of the time. Try driving over a rocky road or railroad track to test how it rides.
How to Conduct a Test Drive?
Here are some things to think about before your test drive. If at all feasible, ask your passenger to read these points to you or to remind you of them as you drive:
Comfortable Ride
It’s crucial to pay attention to the potholes, seams, and cracks in the road when riding because they can rattle your teeth and punch your kidneys. Soft suspensions make ruts, and holes feel pillowy, but they also let the car body wiggle around a bit after a big jolt. On the other hand, the greatest cars respond quickly to bumps and feel controlled and tight.
Sporty automobiles typically offer a rough ride, although when purchased in moderation, many customers who catch the sports car bug eventually regret it. A “busy” ride is when a car, especially a small one, causes the body to constantly move jitterily up and down or side to side. Better cars feature suspensions that absorb road imperfections without passing them to the occupants.
Acceleration
When driving out into traffic, acceleration is a feeling, but the engine feels hesitant or unable to produce. Try a rapid acceleration run from a stop and a rolling merge into heavy highway traffic to increase highway speeds. Check if the transmission downshifts smoothly by climbing a steep incline if the engine has to scream to get you up to highway speed.
A lower-horsepower engine can perform better when paired with a well-designed transmission since strong, dependable acceleration combines good engine and transmission performance. If available, experiment with various powertrains.
Braking
Without the aid of a professional, a complete evaluation of the braking system is recommended. With grabby brakes that suck out your eyeballs or make you feel like you are pushing into a bowl of oatmeal, braking should be gradual and smooth. Due to the combination of braking energy and battery capture, hybrid and electric vehicles will have a different braking sensation than conventional vehicles. Therefore, the braking reaction can be evaluated fundamentally.
Steering and Handling
Over the past few years, steering systems have developed quickly, with variable power steering adding additional weight and reducing steering effort at low speeds. On the other hand, more and more electric systems use hydraulic lines to assist in left- or right-wheel movement.
Marginal improvements in fuel efficiency are a benefit of this, but frequently the weight and feel of the steering are sacrificed. When driving, it’s crucial to consider how the vehicle handles sudden maneuvers and whether it tracks accurately when going straight ahead or needs minor, frequent corrections. Feeling at ease with how your car responds to sudden steering movements is also crucial.
Quietness
To ensure you can hear what is going on during a test drive, especially at highway speeds, it is crucial to switch off the radio and shut all windows. Four-cylinder engines are the noisiest while accelerating hard and cruising down the highway; a V6 engine should be chosen if available. Although excessive wind noise can be produced by side mirrors, roof rails, and tires, it is frequently inevitable, and those drawn to these vehicles are typically unconcerned. Test drives are a useful tool for determining tolerance levels.
Visibility
The size of the rear blind zone, the daylight visibility, and the rear visibility when backing up are the most crucial aspects to keep in mind concerning identical vehicles. Backup cameras shouldn’t have to adjust for big windows and hefty roof pillars. Driving the vehicle after dark to check that the headlights work properly and that the switches, gauges, and controls are lit for operation at night.
How To Create a Test-Drive Checklist?
Creating a test-drive checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you cover all the essential aspects of the car during the test drive. Here are the steps to creating a test-drive checklist:
- Determine what is important to you: Before creating the checklist, determine what aspects of the car are most important. For example, you may prioritize safety features, fuel efficiency, or cargo space.
- Research the car’s features: Research the car’s features, specifications, and options to identify the specific aspects you want to test during the drive.
- Organize the checklist: Organize the checklist by categories, such as exterior, interior, driving performance, and features. Within each category, list the specific items you want to test.
- Prioritize the checklist: Prioritize the checklist by listing the most important items at the top. This will help you focus on the critical aspects of the car during the test drive.
- Leave space for notes: Leave space on the checklist to write notes about the car’s performance and any concerns you may have. This will help you compare and contrast different cars you test drive.
Here is an example of a test-drive checklist:
Exterior
- Examine the vehicle for any dings, scrapes, or other damage.
- Test the headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers.
Interior
- Test the comfort and adjustability of the driver’s seat
- Check the visibility from the driver’s seat
- Test the air conditioning and heating system
Driving Performance
- Test the car’s acceleration and braking capabilities
- Test the car’s handling on turns and at high speeds
- Test the car’s noise level on the highway
Features
- Test the sound system
- Test the navigation system
- Test the safety features, such as lane departure warning or adaptive cruise control
By creating a test-drive checklist, you can stay organized and ensure that you cover all the essential aspects of the car during the test drive.
How Can Datamyte Help in Creating a Test-Drive Checklist?
DataMyte’s low-code capabilities can help create a test-drive checklist for buying a new car through its innovative form builder component of the low-code workflow automation known as the DataMyte Digital Clipboard. This tool allows users to quickly and easily create customized checklists for their specific needs, such as a test-drive checklist for a new car.
Additionally, DataMyte Digital Clipboard has built-in data validation and verification tools, ensuring that the data captured on the form is accurate and complete. This can be especially useful for a test-drive checklist, where accuracy and completeness of data are critical to making an informed decision on purchasing a new car. Do you want to know more? Book a demo with us now!
