How to Test Drive Your New Car

Mar 15, 2015

You need a car, so you evaluate your budget and begin doing research. You’ve picked out some cars that interest you, and now you plan to visit local Kia dealerships. There are many cars for sale in Bismarck, ND, but properly test driving possible choices will help you decide which one is right for you.

Make an Appointment

This step will save you from waiting around for a salesperson to be free. It will also give you the chance to check with the salesperson to verify the car you’d like to drive is on the lot.

Check It Out

Walk around the car, and make sure everything looks okay. Check under the hood and take a look at the fluid levels and conditions. This will give you an idea about the vehicle’s health. Try the door handles and open the doors. Do the doors open easily? You should feel comfortable with how they open. Move on to the trunk and check its space. If you need to place any large or unusually sized items in your trunk, you should bring them with you to make sure everything will fit. If you have children, inspect the back seat. Is there enough room? Will your car seats fit properly? Try to consider every scenario, to make certain the car will fulfill all of your needs.

Get Comfortable

Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with the car, it’s time to get behind the wheel. Don’t drive off right away. Adjust the driver’s seat. Does it feel comfortable? Can you find a position you like? Change the stations on the radio and test out the climate control. Try the headlights, signal lights, and windows. Is everything within reach? Are you content with the seating positions and controls? Consider the electronic gadgets as well. Do they suit your needs?

Drive It Like You Mean It

Pay attention to how the car feels and your comfort as you drive off the lot. Take plenty of turns and access the handling. Try out city driving, and get a feel for how the car performs from stoplight to stoplight. Does it keep up with the cars around you? Do you like the acceleration? Test the braking for responsiveness and smoothness. Drive the car the way you normally drive, since you won’t get an accurate feel for the car by being overly delicate. Take the car through a variety of terrains, and drive both on the highway and in the city. Try some hills rather than just flat open roads. Remember, you want to know how the car will handle under the best and worst of circumstances.

Don’t Rush into Things

Remind yourself that this is just a test drive. There’s no need to rush into anything. Ask the salesperson every question you can think of. Bring a notebook so that you can write down your thoughts. Test drive other cars so you can compare the features and handling. Most importantly, go home and think about it. Taking the time to think about your decision will equal long-term satisfaction, rather than short-term gratification.

Your new car could be just a test drive away. Call Bill Barth Kia at (701) 663-9564 to make an appointment today.