Five Steps for the Best Test Drive

what to look for when test driving a used car

When you get behind the wheel of a car you are interested in purchasing at Drive Now, there are a few important things to consider. When you come in, you may already have an image in your head of the perfect car for your family, but you should take the time to really get to know an automobile during the test drive before you commit to buying. Once you’ve taken a vehicle for a test drive, you’ll be ready to sit down with one of the buy here pay here Phoenix experts of Drive Now, and be the proud owner of a new car!

1. Listen to the Car During The Test Drive 
You need to be aware of any rattles, squeaks or thumps that occur when you start the car, brake, and turn. Of course, you’ll want to test out the stereo system as well, but keep it off at first until you are confident that there are no errant sounds.

2. Sit Back and Relax?
Are you comfortable? Are the seats supportive enough? You’ll likely spend a large portion of your day in your car between the commute, dropping the kids off and errands, so you want to feel at ease in it. Are the controls intuitive and easy for you to reach?

3. Size it Up
Some shoppers are looking for economy and high gas mileage, while others need space. No matter your preferences, make sure you get a feel for the size of the car you’re driving. When you are test driving, maneuver the car like you would if you were driving around doing all your daily errands and make sure you’re confident with your new proportions.

4. Perform a Safety Check
Depending on your height and the model of the car, driving can either be a quick glance, an over the shoulder check, or a neck-craning, guessing game. Don’t compromise your safety or the safety of other drivers on the road by buying a car that doesn’t provide ample visibility for you. Adjust the mirrors during the test drive and be sure you are able to merge, reverse and change lanes with ease.

5. Push it to the Limits 
Well, maybe don’t push it to the limits, how does the car handle, is the steering responsive enough to suit your driving habits, do you have to push the brakes harder than you’re used to? Take the car for a real-world drive and test the acceleration to see how it rides on different surfaces as well as how it handles at your usual driving speeds.

Follow these tips and in no time you’ll be handed the keys to your new-for-you car. For your Arizona car auto loans, and the largest selection of quality used trucks, cars, vans, and SUVs, visit Drive Now today.