Try Before You Buy

Test-driving a new or used vehicle does not obligate you to buy anything or even to make an offer, but you can get the most value out of your time spent test driving by sticking to a routine and thoroughly checking out the vehicle. It is a critical part of buying a car. When you've picked out the car you want, naturally you're going to want to take it on a test drive. Here are some tips to remember when you head out on the road.

1. The actual driving part of the test drive should be brief but thorough. Check the Engine, Suspension, Steering and Cornering, and on-board amenities including the heating and air conditioning. The test drive should also include stop and go street driving as well as highway driving.
2. When you're on the streets, make sure you pay attention to the steering ability of the car while taking a left and right turns. This will give you an idea of the brakes, transmission and engine behavior.
3. While driving on the highway, go ahead and check the vehicle's acceleration. Make note of how smoothly the car rides when it's accelerated. Also, make note of the noise from the engine and exhaust.
4. After some highway driving, head back to the seller's location and preferably get more street driving in to ensure the car doesn't run hot or rough after highway driving. You should also find a place to check the cars stopping power by hitting the brakes hard.
5. Drive the car long enough to get the engine to regular operating temperature. The street and highway driving should include running in all gears and going in reverse at some point.
6. Run the heat to ensure that it emits hot air and check the air conditioning for cold air. Be sure to run the air conditioning longer so you can check the impact it has on the engine
7. Make sure you allow the car to sit idle for at least five minutes after driving to ensure it doesn't run hot or rough after any type of driving.

Be sure to take advantage of your test drive and come up with some questions or additional information about the car or it's performance. You should feel comfortable that you have thoroughly tested the vehicle before buying and a test drive is the best way to do it. Don't forget to have fun!

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