When you buy a car at auction, what you see is what you get. That’s part of the thrill. But when you go the traditional used car-buying route, a good thorough test drive is one of the best ways to learn about a car before you make up your mind. The right car shouldn’t just look right on paper – it should feel right, too. Ask yourself the right questions and make the most of your test drive at Queens Auto Mall with our best tips for test driving a used car!
How To Make Your Test Drive Count
Pay attention to space and seats – Before you pull out of the lot, ask yourself: Is it easy to find a driving position that feels comfortable? If taller/shorter family members are going to be driving the car too, does the seat adjust far enough to accommodate all of them? If this is going to be a family car, smart test drivers will also take the time to sit in the backseat for a minute. Roomy enough back there? How about trunk space?
Get to know the audio system and the climate controls – Do the controls make sense and feel intuitive? Is your phone compatible with all the hands-free features? Don’t be afraid to ask questions about any tech features you don’t understand!
Read More: Choosing The Right Used Car For You
Try to match your actual daily driving — Do your best to find test drive conditions that mimic your regular daily commute. How does the new car feel when accelerating? Cruising? Braking?
Practice parking — Parallel parking is a good way to feel how maneuverable the car really is. If it’s agile and easy to handle, you’ll notice. On the flip side, if it feels too big and clumsy, you’ll know. Also, try backing out of a parking space. This will force you to pay more attention to the visibility.