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After studying all the prices, specs,
photos, and other vital information of
various vehicles, you have decided on
the vehicle you are interested in
purchasing. But, as you know, a new car
purchase is a major decision and one
that you'll be living with for many
years. So, you can't rely completely on your vehicle research - you must test drive the car!
The new car test drive is perhaps the most crucial point in your decision-making process. Most of the time, the new car test drive stands up to your research and your pre-conceived idea of the vehicle.
However, sometimes the "ride" is not
what you expected. So, making the most
of the test drive phase of the purchase
is extremely important. Before you put
the vehicle in drive and take off,
adjust the driver's seat, the rear view
mirror, and both side view mirrors.
Then, take the time to familiarize
yourself with all the controls. Are you
comfortable, not only in your seat, but
where everything is located in the car?
Turn off the great sounding stereo
and concentrate on the acceleration and noise
level of the engine, on the braking
system, on the way the vehicle steers,
and on the way the vehicle handles bumps
and corners. Make sure you drive down
some bumpy streets to test the
suspension. You should, if possible,
test drive the vehicle on both
residential streets and expressways. Are
there any "blind spots" or areas where
vision is obscured? Do you feel safe and
secure? Do you feel you have complete
control of the vehicle?
Now, you can test the quality and
performance of the stereo, the
air-conditioning, and other power
accessories. Make sure they don't drain
all the engine power. If you're not sure
whether you want the 4-cyl. or the
6-cyl. engine, test drive both of them.
If you're not sure whether you want the
SE or the GL, test drive both of them.
Remember, during your test drive, it
is essential that you be very critical
of the vehicle. If you are not satisfied
with the performance of the vehicle at
this stage, we would recommend that you
pass on that particular vehicle.
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