Estimated Time to Read: 2 minutes
A test drive gives a potential car buyer a short window to make some key discoveries. The goal from the moment the driver sits down should be to learn about this potential investment. The way to accomplish this task is to know what to look for before even considering which Honda dealers to visit.
Assessing the Interior
Assessing the interior is a critical step when testing a car. This analysis should begin before the key turns in the ignition and after an external examine of the vehicle. The driver needs to feel comfortable in the seats. The pressure of seams and gaps may affect posture over long drives. There should be ample headroom and leg space.
Consider safety aspects of the interior such as distance between the driver’s body and the steering wheel. It should be at least 10 inches. The seat must adjust to allow for that space. All controls should be functional and be within easy reach.
On the Road
Once the car leaves the lot, the potential buyer must focus on ride quality. This is why it is critical to get the internal and external checks out-of-the-way. Listening to how the car handles on the pavement will offer clues about the design quality. There should be no strange noises coming from the suspension system or under the hood.
Power is a strategic element to test during the drive, how well the car accelerates, for example. The driver should check the accessories while traveling at a normal speed. For instances, does the power remain static when the air conditioner is running or the lights are on? The transmission should shift smoothly with no power surges.
Tips for the Test Drive
The driver should select the route. This allows for an accurate assessment of the car’s capabilities as it relates to his needs. The route should cover terrain similar to what the driver encounters daily.
Consumers should test-drive the exact model and trim they are considering. A salesperson at one of the Honda dealers may try to save time by offering the test drive in a similar car. The driver should request the exact motor, transmission, suspension and features they are purchasing.
Both the driver and salesperson should remain quiet during the drive. Being caught up in a conversation may mask vital clues.
The test drive is a reenactment of real-life circumstances. A buyer cannot get an idea of how the car handles on a highway or going up a hill simply by driving around the block. The goal is to learn as much as possible prior to purchase. Knowing what to look for is the first step.
Featured images:
License: Creative Commons image source
Eric Regan is a member of a writing team who have written for many different news sites and blogs all over the internet. Follow him @Eric_Regan.
Related posts:
- Useful Tips for Preparing Your Car for a Long Trip The thought of going on a road trip sounds exciting because you are going to...
- Car Park Accidents: Facing The Facts Parking is part and parcel of driving, but there are can’t be many of us...
- Overheating is Overrated Cars are becoming more and more complicated as technology advances and a lot of things...
- Car Servicing – What You Need To Know To ensure that your car continues to work efficiently and run smoothly there are some...
- How Could Siri Change the Way You Drive a Mercedes? Motor enthusiasts don’t usually have much of a reason to get excited about Apple’s annual...
- Junk Car Removal Company Provides Service in Wisconsin Anyone living in Wisconsin and willing to get rid of his junk car will have...
- What Causes My Car Battery To Drain? Of course, it always happens on the busiest day of the week when we just...
- Off with the Learner Plates and on with the Petrol Rates So you finally did it, after months of driving lessons with that “L” plate stuck...
- When Do You Need an Expert Garage Door Repairman? For safety and security reasons, it’s really important to ensure that garage doors are working...
- Does Scrapping Your Car Help the Environment? We automatically assume that taking a car off the road will be good for the...