= =The Secrets of a Test Drive = =
#1
04-29-2016, 06:57 AM
= =The Secrets of a Test Drive = =
Hi Member's, I know many people that didn't really check out their new or use car before they purchased it and later had buyer's remorse. Below are some decent tips. Please add to them...`Thanks
The Secrets of a Test Drive
By New Car Test Drive
The test drive is one of the most time-honored of American car-buying traditions-and also one that gets far less attention that it should. Most test drives are little more than a preamble to going back inside the dealership and signing the contract.
This suits sales consultants just fine, but it shouldn’t suit you. It goes almost without saying that your new car, truck, minivan or sport-utility is going to account for a substantial chunk of your monthly outgo. So you’d be pretty unhappy if the car of your dreams turned out to be a bundle of irritating quirks and unforeseen shortfalls.
A thorough test drive doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your ownership will be unmitigated bliss. But it can help you avoid disappointing little surprises.
You’ve been attracted by some combination of styling, features, price and image. Now it’s time to find out if the image measures up to reality.
Selections
Even though you may have been seduced by what you’ve seen, read and heard about a particular vehicle, it’s a mistake to limit your test-driving to just that one. Develop a list of two or three alternatives in the same general size and price range. The idea here is to see how your favorite compares to some of its key competitors. That’s why it’s important to confine your alternatives to vehicles of the same type. You won’t get much comparison value from a list that includes, say, a sedan, a couple of coupes and a sport-utility.
Shopping lists like that are common these days. Thanks to our new love affair with trucks, we find ourselves cross-shopping different vehicle types, as well as price segments. If that’s true for you, the process will just take a little more time. One approach is to take a short spin in the different types to narrow the field to one. Then you can work up the list of alternatives and go from there.
You may be surprised by the results, and drive home in a new vehicle that was an also-ran in your original thinking. At the very least you’ll have a much better idea of how your choice stacks up versus the competition, and know that you’ve made the best choice in terms of your budget and priorities.
The Dealership
Once you’ve purchased your new vehicle, you’re probably going to be returning to the dealership at intervals for service and perhaps adjustments. So before you get down to the definitive test drive of the vehicle, it’s a good idea to test drive the dealership first.
Here are some suggestions.
What’s the reputation of this dealership? You can check with friends who may have had some experience with the store, and your local Better Business Bureau may have a file on it if it’s been guilty of sharp practices.
What’s your impression of the sales staff? Do the consultants really know the products? Do you get the impression that they really want to put you in the vehicle that’s right for your needs? Or do they just want to sign you up with something that’s not quite right and move on to the next customer?
Cruise the service department. What does it look like? Neat, clean, well-organized? Or? Do the service representatives seem genuninely concerned with making customers happy? Check with some of the folks waiting to pick up their cars. Do any of them have horror stories? If you hear more than one litany of frustration, or bad reports from the Better Business Bureau, you might want to think about going to another store, even if it’s not conveniently located.
The Drive
The critical element here is taking your time. The sales consultant may want to hustle you through a short course that consists of a few blocks, which won’t really give you much information beyond the car’s ability to move under its own power. Try to spend at least 20 minutes with the vehicle, and don’t be afraid to come back for more than one drive. It may be their time, but it’s your money. Try to make sure your route includes some freeway, as well as surface streets.
Here’s a short test drive checklist.
Quality. Walk around some of the vehicles in the showroom and check the quality of the paint and assembly. Are the seams straight and uniform? Do exterior trim panels match up precisely? Does the paint have “orange peel”-a slight pebbling on the surface? Give the same eyeball test to interior fit and finish as well.
Adjustability. Before you drive, get in the vehicle and see how it fits you. Once you’ve got it adjusted to your preferred driving position, check the relationship between the pedals, seat, steering wheel and shifter. Can you adjust everything exactly as you like it, or do you have to make compromises? Can you reach and adjust all the controls easily? Are the gauges easy to read?
Roominess. Get in the back seat. Is there enough room back there for adult passengers? If you’re shopping small sport coupes, the answer is likely to be no, and the same applies, to a lesser extent, to small sedans. However, far too many new car buyers sign on the dotted line and then complain for several years about the lack of rear seat space. It takes only two or three minutes to find out what you’re dealing with back there, and it’s one of the contrasts that could move you into one of your alternate choices.
Engine response. Be sure you’re driving a vehicle equipped with the powertrain you want in your own car. Is acceleration satisfactory to you? How about 50- to 70-mph passing response? Does the engine produce uniform power across its rpm range, or only at higher engine speeds? Obviously, it’s important to drive competing vehicles to develop a sense of perspective in this and subsequent test drive categories.
Transmission. If your choice has a manual transmission, check the action of the shifter. Is it stiff? Vague? Does the clutch engage smoothly, or is it tricky? If the vehicle is a sport-utility with 4-wheel drive and a separate shifter for the transfer case, check the action of this feature. If it’s an automatic, check the kickdown for extra passing power by pushing the throttle down hard. Is it slow to respond? Does the transmission “hunt” between gears on uphills? How does it compare with competitors?
Noise. Most new vehicles sound quite civilized at urban speeds, but what happens when you apply full throttle? How are the engine and wind noise levels at highway speeds? Will the interior noise level be satisfactory over the long haul? Compare and contrast.
Handling. It’s hard to get a definitive idea of how a car responds to quick maneuvers in a short drive. That’s why it’s important to make contrasts with other vehicles. But you can make a couple of basic tests. Hurry the car around a couple of corners to check body roll. Try some abrupt lane change maneuvers, to gauge responsiveness. Does the car change directions quickly? Is there undulating or wallowing as you make your maneuvers? A car that’s slow to respond may not be your best ally when you’re trying to avoid an accident.
Braking. Try at least two or three really hard stops. Does the front end dive excessively? Is directional control good, or does the car skew to one side or the other? If the car has antilock brakes, try braking hard and maneuvering at the same time. When you stamp hard on the brake pedal, you’ll probably feel some pulsing, which tells you the system is working. Pronounced pulsing, however, tells you that the test vehicle’s ABS system may not be quite as advanced as some others.
Ride quality. This is a very subjective area, but trust the seat of your pants. If the ride seems extra firm, and small bumps transmit sharp little jolts through the wheel and seat, it may be too stiff for your all-around comfort. Keep asking yourself the key question: Is this something I want to live with on a daily basis for several years?
That’s a relatively short checklist, but it covers a lot of ground. Again, the more time you can spend putting the vehicle through its paces, the more likely it is that you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
The Secrets of a Test Drive
By New Car Test Drive
The test drive is one of the most time-honored of American car-buying traditions-and also one that gets far less attention that it should. Most test drives are little more than a preamble to going back inside the dealership and signing the contract.
This suits sales consultants just fine, but it shouldn’t suit you. It goes almost without saying that your new car, truck, minivan or sport-utility is going to account for a substantial chunk of your monthly outgo. So you’d be pretty unhappy if the car of your dreams turned out to be a bundle of irritating quirks and unforeseen shortfalls.
A thorough test drive doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your ownership will be unmitigated bliss. But it can help you avoid disappointing little surprises.
You’ve been attracted by some combination of styling, features, price and image. Now it’s time to find out if the image measures up to reality.
Selections
Even though you may have been seduced by what you’ve seen, read and heard about a particular vehicle, it’s a mistake to limit your test-driving to just that one. Develop a list of two or three alternatives in the same general size and price range. The idea here is to see how your favorite compares to some of its key competitors. That’s why it’s important to confine your alternatives to vehicles of the same type. You won’t get much comparison value from a list that includes, say, a sedan, a couple of coupes and a sport-utility.
Shopping lists like that are common these days. Thanks to our new love affair with trucks, we find ourselves cross-shopping different vehicle types, as well as price segments. If that’s true for you, the process will just take a little more time. One approach is to take a short spin in the different types to narrow the field to one. Then you can work up the list of alternatives and go from there.
You may be surprised by the results, and drive home in a new vehicle that was an also-ran in your original thinking. At the very least you’ll have a much better idea of how your choice stacks up versus the competition, and know that you’ve made the best choice in terms of your budget and priorities.
The Dealership
Once you’ve purchased your new vehicle, you’re probably going to be returning to the dealership at intervals for service and perhaps adjustments. So before you get down to the definitive test drive of the vehicle, it’s a good idea to test drive the dealership first.
Here are some suggestions.
What’s the reputation of this dealership? You can check with friends who may have had some experience with the store, and your local Better Business Bureau may have a file on it if it’s been guilty of sharp practices.
What’s your impression of the sales staff? Do the consultants really know the products? Do you get the impression that they really want to put you in the vehicle that’s right for your needs? Or do they just want to sign you up with something that’s not quite right and move on to the next customer?
Cruise the service department. What does it look like? Neat, clean, well-organized? Or? Do the service representatives seem genuninely concerned with making customers happy? Check with some of the folks waiting to pick up their cars. Do any of them have horror stories? If you hear more than one litany of frustration, or bad reports from the Better Business Bureau, you might want to think about going to another store, even if it’s not conveniently located.
The Drive
The critical element here is taking your time. The sales consultant may want to hustle you through a short course that consists of a few blocks, which won’t really give you much information beyond the car’s ability to move under its own power. Try to spend at least 20 minutes with the vehicle, and don’t be afraid to come back for more than one drive. It may be their time, but it’s your money. Try to make sure your route includes some freeway, as well as surface streets.
Here’s a short test drive checklist.
Quality. Walk around some of the vehicles in the showroom and check the quality of the paint and assembly. Are the seams straight and uniform? Do exterior trim panels match up precisely? Does the paint have “orange peel”-a slight pebbling on the surface? Give the same eyeball test to interior fit and finish as well. Adjustability. Before you drive, get in the vehicle and see how it fits you. Once you’ve got it adjusted to your preferred driving position, check the relationship between the pedals, seat, steering wheel and shifter. Can you adjust everything exactly as you like it, or do you have to make compromises? Can you reach and adjust all the controls easily? Are the gauges easy to read? Roominess. Get in the back seat. Is there enough room back there for adult passengers? If you’re shopping small sport coupes, the answer is likely to be no, and the same applies, to a lesser extent, to small sedans. However, far too many new car buyers sign on the dotted line and then complain for several years about the lack of rear seat space. It takes only two or three minutes to find out what you’re dealing with back there, and it’s one of the contrasts that could move you into one of your alternate choices. Engine response. Be sure you’re driving a vehicle equipped with the powertrain you want in your own car. Is acceleration satisfactory to you? How about 50- to 70-mph passing response? Does the engine produce uniform power across its rpm range, or only at higher engine speeds? Obviously, it’s important to drive competing vehicles to develop a sense of perspective in this and subsequent test drive categories. Transmission. If your choice has a manual transmission, check the action of the shifter. Is it stiff? Vague? Does the clutch engage smoothly, or is it tricky? If the vehicle is a sport-utility with 4-wheel drive and a separate shifter for the transfer case, check the action of this feature. If it’s an automatic, check the kickdown for extra passing power by pushing the throttle down hard. Is it slow to respond? Does the transmission “hunt” between gears on uphills? How does it compare with competitors? Noise. Most new vehicles sound quite civilized at urban speeds, but what happens when you apply full throttle? How are the engine and wind noise levels at highway speeds? Will the interior noise level be satisfactory over the long haul? Compare and contrast. Handling. It’s hard to get a definitive idea of how a car responds to quick maneuvers in a short drive. That’s why it’s important to make contrasts with other vehicles. But you can make a couple of basic tests. Hurry the car around a couple of corners to check body roll. Try some abrupt lane change maneuvers, to gauge responsiveness. Does the car change directions quickly? Is there undulating or wallowing as you make your maneuvers? A car that’s slow to respond may not be your best ally when you’re trying to avoid an accident. Braking. Try at least two or three really hard stops. Does the front end dive excessively? Is directional control good, or does the car skew to one side or the other? If the car has antilock brakes, try braking hard and maneuvering at the same time. When you stamp hard on the brake pedal, you’ll probably feel some pulsing, which tells you the system is working. Pronounced pulsing, however, tells you that the test vehicle’s ABS system may not be quite as advanced as some others. Ride quality. This is a very subjective area, but trust the seat of your pants. If the ride seems extra firm, and small bumps transmit sharp little jolts through the wheel and seat, it may be too stiff for your all-around comfort. Keep asking yourself the key question: Is this something I want to live with on a daily basis for several years?That’s a relatively short checklist, but it covers a lot of ground. Again, the more time you can spend putting the vehicle through its paces, the more likely it is that you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
#2
04-29-2016, 07:16 AM
- How to Test Drive a Car
GO BEYOND KICKING THE TIRES TO SEE IF THAT NEW RIDE IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
- JUL 2015
- BY MIKE SUTTON
- PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOALTO/ALE VENTURA/GETTY IMAGES
Feature
You can’t put it off any longer—a trip to the car dealership is in your near future. But how can you be sure that hunk of metal, plastic, and rubber you’re eyeing is right for you? How can you best acquaint yourself with what will be not only one of your largest investments but also a trusted, long-term companion in your everyday life? A test drive, of course. Making the most of it is a simple matter of common sense, careful observation, and knowing what to look for. Read on for how to prepare yourself for this all-important experience and what to keep track of when taking a new car out for the first time.
Do Your Homework
Don’t wander onto the lot to see what cars are available. By the time you show up at a dealership, you should already know what model(s) you want and what options you are interested in. Do your research ahead of time—our online buyer’s guide is a handy tool—and make the initial trip solely for the purpose of getting behind the wheel. Additionally:
• Drive your potential candidates back-to-back on the same day so you can make a proper comparison.
• Consider bringing a friend along to keep the salesperson occupied and point out things you might overlook.
• Although you should press to take the vehicle home overnight—as many dealers now allow—to get comfortable with it and see if it fits in your garage, at least make an attempt to come back at night to observe how well the headlights perform and how well the interior is illuminated.
Getting Acquainted
Once you’re at the dealership, let the salesperson know you want to drive the vehicle(s) you have in mind and then you’ll be comparing models and prices at other showrooms. Doing this should allow you to better focus on your prospective ride while communicating to the dealer that you’re prepared to take your business elsewhere if an attractive offer can’t be made.
• Because certain options and powertrains can greatly alter the feel of a vehicle, it’s important to drive the particular model and trim level you intend to purchase. If your dealer doesn’t have the powertrain you are looking for, wait, or find one that does. Take your time, and thoroughly go over the car, taking notes and analyzing how the vehicle looks in the metal versus in photographs.
• Although turning the key and mashing the throttle might be your first inclination on a test drive, instead walk around the vehicle and inspect it thoroughly.
• Observe how certain features might become irritating in day-to-day use, such as inadequate storage cubbies and cup holders, as well as a trunk that is difficult to operate or has an opening that is too small or too high. (Are the running boards necessary, or are they just going to dirty your pant leg for more money?)
• The driver’s and front passenger’s doors may be large and easy to open and close, but also examine the ease of entry and exit for rear-seat occupants, including ingress and egress to the third row of seats, if applicable, and how difficult it is to install a child seat.
• Are the rear seats adjustable, comfortable, and sufficient in size, and do they fold down for greater cargo capacity?
• Remember to review the vehicle’s safety features, such as the number of airbags, active-safety electronics, and adjustable seatbelts.
• If children will be riding in the vehicle, bring them along and let them evaluate the separate controls and amenities in the back seat (if they’re old enough to drive themselves—and you’ll actually let them—you probably should get them behind the wheel, too).
• Take note of the vehicle’s fit, finish, and general build quality. Examine certain items that serve as bellwethers for overall craftsmanship, including the quality of the sun visors, glove box, and seat upholstery, as well as the operation of the shifter and how soundly the doors close.
• Find out if the vehicle takes premium or unleaded gasoline—or if it’s a diesel and requires unique maintenance procedures.
• If it’s a convertible, how easy is it to raise and lower the top, and how much storage room is sacrificed when the top is stowed?
• For larger vehicles, you’ll probably want to review towing features and capacities and trailer-hitch type and height, as well as ensure that the proper trailer-electrical connectors are preinstalled at the factory or can be handled by the dealer.
• For pickup trucks, how heavy is the tailgate, and what options are available to improve the usability of the bed?
Going for a Spin
Now you’re ready to climb behind the wheel. Get situated, and take stock of how well the primary controls are laid out. Ergonomics can make or break a good car, and because we spend most of the time inside our vehicles, automakers are putting ever-more effort into differentiating interiors with more style, the latest technologies, and unique layouts.
• Are the primary controls easy to use (is the clutch too hard or the steering too heavy?) and adjustable enough for you and other potential drivers to be comfortable? A telescoping steering wheel and adjustable pedals can be a big benefit in this regard, as driving position is determined by not only the driver’s physique but also things such as the height of the dash and seats, the driver’s distance from the steering wheel—which should be about 12 or more inches—and the ease with which the infotainment system can be operated.
• Are the front seats comfortable and supportive (not too soft or hard)?
• Are there sufficient gauges, readouts, and display screens that are easy to view and operate?
• Don’t forget to check the climate-control system and how effectively it pumps out hot and cold air.
• As electronic gadgets play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, the vehicle’s human-machine interface should be scrutinized. Bring your iPod along to check how good the stereo sounds, along with how easy it is to control the device once it is in sync with the entertainment system.
• Are Bluetooth wireless, Wi-Fi connectivity, and voice activation offered, and how well do they function with your mobile device?
• Is there ample room to conveniently place your gadgets while driving?
• Is the navigation system intuitive to operate and accurate in its directions?
• If the dealership won’t let you borrow the car for the night, tell the salesperson you’ll get a better feel for it if you go out alone, without any distractions. If he insists on coming, make it clear that you want to drive the vehicle on your terms and experience it on multiple road surfaces and at varying speeds—don’t be coerced into a quick jaunt around the dealership on ultra-smooth roads. Here are someadditional tips if the dealer questions your motives for wanting to drive the car.
• See if the vehicle has enough power to safely merge with highway traffic and if the brakes have a solid, reassuring feel to their operation—but forget about doing your Sebastian Vettel impression for the salesperson.
• Take several corners to evaluate the vehicle’s composure when abruptly changing direction over rough surfaces as well as how smoothly the transmission operates when driving spiritedly.
• Take the time to learn how to park the vehicle. Can you exit with the doors only partly open? How tight is the turning radius? Is the front end so low it scrapes on parking curbs? How difficult is it to parallel-park?
• Visibility, or lack thereof, is another factor to consider when behind the wheel. High-style sheetmetal often means a higher beltline with small, gun-slit windows and compromised outward visibility. Observe how well you can see out in all directions, particularly through the rear window. Does the vehicle have dangerously large blind spots, and if so, does it have blind-spot monitors for assistance?
• How much road noise protrudes into the cabin? Do the tires drone so much they could lull you to sleep on a long road trip? How much wind noise is there, and does the air buffet and rush into the cabin with the windows open?
Reflect On Your Drive
The salesperson knows the best time to make a deal with you is when you return from a test drive, when the new-car smell is still fresh in your nose. But don’t be swayed. Kindly avoid the salesperson’s attempts to lure you back to his or her desk, and instead go see what the rest of the dealership experience is like. As you’ll eventually have to return for service and/or parts, see how well these departments work with you and what the prices are for basic services. At this time you also should review your prospective vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
• How long are the recommended oil change intervals?
• What are the terms of the warranty, and what parts are covered?
• Is replacing expensive performance parts something you’ll have to deal with while you still own the car? Many cars now come standard with upgraded performance brakes and high-performance or run-flat tires. Although these features may be a critical element to a vehicle’s dynamic personality, they are expensive to replace and might require frequent maintenance. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Once you’ve finished the test drive, go through the process with the other vehicles on your list, leaving time afterward to reflect on each vehicle and which one suits you best. Only after this should you return to the showroom and start the buying process. This level of preparation does not guarantee that you’ll love your new car forever, but it is due diligence for a major purchase and will likely make you more confident in your final decision.
\
- Click above for a test drive & watch the passenger's face
Last edited by BeachBumMike; 04-29-2016 at 10:53 AM.
#3
04-29-2016, 07:18 AM
>More Infor just 4 U<
https://www.fightingchance.com/test_driving.php
You shouldn't buy or lease a new vehicle without driving it first, either. ... I am considering a few other cars, all of which I am going to test drive before making my ...
www.consumerreports.org/cro/...test-drive/index.htm
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
You've already done a big part of the test drive without even leaving the ... trading in your car, financing, closing the deal and more in our new car buying guide.
www.dmv.org/.../taking-test-drive.php
The Unofficial Guide to the DMV
The Unofficial Guide to the DMV
Here is a guide to help you get the most out of the test drive experience. ... you are at the test drive part of your search for a new car, and buying today would be unlikely. ... system from muffler to tailpipe, before it is heated up from the test drive.
www.fool.com/car/car07.htm
The Motley Fool
The Motley Fool
At last! It's time to test drive. But before the rubber meets the road a burning question needs to be answered: "Once on the lot, just what is the salesperson going ...
Last edited by BeachBumMike; 04-29-2016 at 10:54 AM.
Funny Prank Vid
Is this your Mother ?