The average test-drive lasts somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes. Yet, statistics show that the average Canadian spends 12 days a year commuting. A test drive is an important step of the buying process that can help you understand whether you’ve picked the right vehicle. Keep in mind these key points to avoid common mistakes. It’s not much different from buying a new suit or dress!
1. Quality
There are telling signs of quality when inspecting any vehicle. First, take a look at the paint. Keeping the price point of the vehicle in mind, it’s important to look for signs of orange peel. A high quality paint job results in a perfectly smooth surface under the clear coat, whereas orange peel resembles the dimples on an orange.
How wide are the gaps between body panels and are they well-aligned? The best spots to tell are usually around the front wheel, where the front bumper is joined to the rest of the body. If the gap is too wide (it is hard to stick even a credit card in between two body panels on a well-constructed car), that is a sign of poor workmanship and design.
When you get a chance to sit in the car, inspect the interior switches and buttons. Don’t try to break them, but don’t go easy either. Buttons, dials and switches have to last the life of the car, and they’re often extremely expensive to repair and replace. If it feels like they could break, they probably will. Make sure they convey a sense of durability and can take some abuse.
2. Size
Just like a suit or a dress, it’s hard to work with something that doesn’t fit. Nobody knows better than you how the car will be used and what it will be used for. If you’re buying a four door car because you’re expecting a newborn, make sure doors open wide enough to load a car-seat. Would it be easy to load and unload your giant hockey bag? Is there enough leg-room for your 6-foot tall 15 year-old? Most importantly, don’t assume you can live with certain inconveniences. With the average life of a Canadian car exceeding well beyond 5 years, these inconveniences can become major pain points in the long run.
3. The Road Test
Now that you have made sure the quality and type of vehicle is fit for your needs, it’s time to take the car for a spin. If possible, ask the salesperson to remain at the dealership during your test drive. It’s a more valuable experience to have people you regularly drive with in the passenger seat. There are enough things you should be paying attention to. You don’t need a salesperson talking away when you’re trying to see if you’re driving the right car for you. Don’t ignore any problems that occur during the road test. Demonstration vehicles are often relatively new. Any problems during your road test could be signs of future problems to come with your own vehicle.
Here’s a list of tips for your next test drive:
- Check gaps between body panels and the fit and finish of interior components
- Check the paint for signs of orange-peel or inconsistency
- Check buttons and switches for quality and durability
- Remember how the car will be used and what it will be used for, make sure your vehicle meets those needs. (ex. Backseat legroom, trunk space, visibility in reverse)
- Don’t be afraid to let the salesperson demonstrate some of the features of the car, but leave the salesperson at the dealership when you go on your test drive
- Make sure you get to test drive the vehicle you are looking to buy. Don’t let the salesperson convince you the V-6 you’re testing will feel the same as the car with a smaller engine.
- Listen for excessive noise during your test drive. Problems that occur during the test drive can be a sign of problems in the future
- Make sure to test your vehicle on the highway. It’s a great opportunity to test the acceleration, noise levels at high speeds and gear changes
