Buying a New Car — How to Make the Most of the Test Drive | GBTI

When it comes to buying a new car, there are all kinds of things to think about and plan for. Fortunately, securing financing doesn’t need to be one of your worries. GBTI, Guyana’s leading indigenous bank, makes purchasing your new vehicle convenient with its standard Automobile Loan Plan with great rates, fast approvals, and numerous other benefits.

Some other matters related to your vehicle purchase, however, will require a bit more research and planning. Taking your new car for a test drive, for example, is something you’ll want to prepare carefully for in order to make the most of it. Skipping the test drive altogether is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a new car, but being poorly prepared for the test drive or not knowing what you’re looking for can be almost as unfortunate.

To help you make sure your test drive is as effective and informative as possible, read on for a look at some of the top tips to follow before, during, and after the drive.

Before the Test Drive

Listen to the salesperson’s pitch.

When you arrive at a dealership for your test drive, you’re probably eager to get in the car and drive away. Take the time to listen to the sales pitch and other information that the salesperson will be very keen to give you. This is a good opportunity to see whether their description of the car and its features matches up with what you’ve learned doing your own research, and to ask any relevant questions.

Do a walkaround.

Even if you’re purchasing a brand-new car, be sure to walk carefully around the vehicle checking for flaws like scratches, rust, or missing pieces. Cars can sometimes be damaged during shipping, or even as a result of previous test drives, so don’t skip this step. You’ll also want to do the same level of pre-drive checking inside the cabin.

Bring any special gear.

If you’ll be using your car frequently to transport any special gear, such as a car seat or a bicycle, feel free to bring those items to your test drive and try them out on the vehicle you’re considering. If you like how a car handles but not how challenging it is to get a car seat in and out of it, for example, it’s probably not the car for you.

During the Test Drive

See if you can go solo.

Some dealerships prefer to have a salesperson accompany you on your test drive, but many will allow you to take the car out on your own. It’s worth asking if a solo test drive is possible. Driving the car by yourself allows you to get the best feel possible for the vehicle, and minimizes distractions so that you can concentrate on the driving experience.

Choose your own route.

Whether you’re driving with or without a salesperson, be sure that you’re choosing your own driving route. Some dealerships have pre-set, smooth routes that will showcase the car at its best. However, the purpose of the test drive is to see how the car performs under a variety of conditions. Make sure you have the opportunity to drive a number of different roadways, including some highways and some poorly maintained roads, so you get a better overall sense of the vehicle.

Know what you’re looking for.

Making a checklist of the specific performance features you’re evaluating during a test drive can help make sure you don’t miss anything important. Your list should include:

Acceleration. The vehicle should downshift quickly and easily.

Braking. The brakes should be responsive and activate quickly. You’ll also want to check whether they feel firm or spongy.

Handling. Making turns at various speeds will give you a feel for how well the vehicle responds when you steer.

Visibility. Can you see properly in all directions, especially out of the rear window? Check for any blind spots or other issues which could obscure your view.

Engine noise. Listen carefully to the sound the engine makes when you accelerate rapidly; the louder it is, the more the car is straining.

Cabin noise. Some cars have poor sound barriers, so make sure that the noise of tires on the roadway isn’t too overpowering.

After the Test Drive

Don’t seal the deal immediately.

The most important tip to follow after a test drive is to not purchase the vehicle immediately. The salesperson will likely pressure you to sign on the dotted line when you’re enthused and excited after the drive. However, it’s best not to rush into an agreement, even if you really liked the car. You’re unlikely to get the most favorable terms at that moment.

Drive other cars.

Another helpful thing to do after your first test drive is more test drives! Even if you think you know which car you want, driving two or three others for comparison is always a helpful step. Ideally, you should arrange to do all your test driving on the same day so that it will be easier to tell how the different cars stack up against each other.

Originally published at https://gbtiblog.com on February 4, 2020.