Test drive a car personally is imperative for all car buyers because this gives firsthand experience of how well the car adapts to the road. It also makes decision making easier as the driver has closely scrutinized everything in person.
But people often make mistakes!
What is the best method to test drive a car and decide if it suits you or not? Let’s explore:
Research comes first
If you are planning to buy a car it is very important you do some initial homework. Sit down with your laptop and perform extensive online research. Visit official websites of different auto brands, and also study our online portal. This will largely help in improving your knowledge and make it easier for you to choose a car.
Take a Friday appointment
Since Friday is public holiday in the UAE, it is better to request a test drive on this day or any other day you are completely free. Spend time in the car till you feel you have tested everything. Taking an hour or two out of your busy schedule is not advisable, because the salesman may take advantage out of your lack of time.
Test drive different landscapes
To better understand the car’s handling, speed and suspension you should drive the car on different terrains. Spend time on curvy and bumpy roads and also take a ride along one of the highways.
Drive roughly
Driving a bit roughly will help you understand how well the car responds in various situations – a leisure drive won’t expose everything. Accelerate hard to test the car’s ability at higher speeds. Similarly brake hard suddenly to observe its stopping time.
Test the air conditioner
It’s usually very hot in the UAE, so a fully functional AC is a must in every vehicle. When you take the car for test driving, turn on the AC and take note of the time it takes for the cabin temperature to reach its maximum.
Take your family
When buying a car for your family, it’s better to take the folks along for the test drive. Drive the car with everybody seated so they can voice their opinions about the feel of the ride. Surely, you do not want to bring home a car your kids don’t like.
Check seatbelts and other features
Fasten and unfasten the seatbelts a couple of times to see if they have any defects. Similarly, check the radio and all the knobs to ensure they are in good working order. Latest cars come with lots of safety, techy and comfort features; you need to understand if every function works properly. Check the car reviews before you head on to test it to better understand its features.
Finally, sit in there for a few minutes
Once done with test-driving, sit inside the car and absorb your surroundings and see how everything feels. Moreover, sit down in the rear compartment to know the seats are comfortable and the legroom is sufficient.
If everything satisfies you in the end, consult with a mechanic to take his views on the technical aspects. Good luck with your car buying!