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It's all very well kicking tyres on
a forecourt or shopping in the showroom but that's no substitute for
getting behind the wheel. A test drive is a vital part of the
decision-making process ¨C never buy a car without one. Here's how to get
the most out of your test drive.
• If you¡¯re comparing a wide range of cars, try to test-drive them back
to back, or with the smallest gap between each. It¡¯s difficult to
remember how one car compares with the last if you drive them two weeks
apart.
• Weekdays are a bad time for test drives if you¡¯re looking at a popular
car from a dealership. Test-drive when the dealership and the roads are
quiet.
• Once you¡¯ve decided on the best car for you, give it an extended test
drive. A dealership will probably resist but push for at least a
half-an-hour drive.
• Don¡¯t just drive around the block; make sure you cover a variety of
different road types. Try towns, country roads highways and a road to
get a feel for how the car handles.
• If you have a bad back or suffer health issues, make sure you can
easily get in and out of the car, and sit comfortably for a period of
time.
• If the car is to be used as a family vehicle, make sure they all fit
in the car, can easily get in and out, and check for cubby holes and
storage space if you need to.
• If you have a hobby, or a particular need from your car, make sure you
try it out properly.