The process of buying a new car can be initiated by desire or need. Either deciding factor requires adequate research and a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Even new vehicles have a basic checklist that should be followed to ensure the car is the right fit for you and does not have any faulty aspects, whether mechanical or cosmetic. A test drive should be at least 30 minutes and driven over a variety of road surfaces to get acquainted with the vehicle, according to Consumer Reports.
Interior
The interior aspects are just as important as how the new car performs. You should be comfortable behind the wheel of the vehicle, and your passengers should be able to ride with ease as well. Russ Heap of Bankrate.com suggests sitting in all of the seats in the car to get a first-hand feel of their comfort quality. He also recommends having the salesperson demonstrate the use of the features--windshield wipers, lights, stereo, etc.--so you will know where to access them while driving.
Exterior
An inspection of the outer elements of a vehicle should be done. Evaluate how the body components, such as the tail end or the step-up room on trucks, fit to your needs. Whether or not the styling of the car will interfere with proper backing up or being able to get in and out should be weighed. Ensure that your visibility is clear; the hood or trunk should not obstruct your view of traffic or blind spots.
The Ride
During the actual test drive, make careful observation of the ride. The vehicle's suspension dictates how smooth the ride is. Take notice of how much you can feel the road or bumps during the drive. Pay attention to the vehicle's control over uneven surfaces.
Steering
The steering is what controls a car's movement; therefore, being able to properly handle the vehicle is crucial. Measure how quickly the vehicle responds to your change in movement of the steering wheel and how much force you have to use to get the vehicle to coincide.
Performance
Ford Motor Company lists the assessment of the car's acceleration and braking as factors to check during the test drive. The vehicle should be able to accelerate with ease after a stop and continue to shift from gear to gear smoothly while driving. When applying the brakes, a stable vehicle will have good traction control and come to a steady halt.
Sound
Silence is partly required during a test drive. Turn off the radio to adequately hear the exterior noise during the ride. Russ Heap advises that you listen to wind noises around the window seals and the sound of the tires against the road surfaces. The engine noise dictates the quality of the motor. Heightened sounds would generally accompany a firm acceleration, but there should not be any excess whining or rattling.
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