THE PRE-DRIVE INSPECTION

Here are some points you should consider, before you get inside the car and start the test-drive:

• Do you like the exterior? If not, you should look at another vehicle.
• Do you like the interior, or is it just passable.
• Are the doors too heavy to handle? Are the handles awkward?
• Do the doorstops keep the door open easily?
• Can you lock and unlock the car easily from inside?
• Are you comfortable in the car? Do your feet touch the pedals?
• Test the seat in all positions. Can you get in and out of them easily? Are they easily adjustable?
• Do the seats have good back support?
• Does your head hit the roof?
• Can you easily read the gauges, radio and computer readouts, both day and night?
• Are there air bags on both sides?
  

THE MOVING INSPECTION

Here are things you should look for when you take a test-drive:

• Did the car start easily? Turn the car on and off several times.
• Is the steering column easy to lock and unlock?
• Does the radio work well? Is the sound good for you?
• Does the car maneuver easily at low speeds getting out of the parking lot?
• How is the turning radius? Can you make a U-turn in the road?
• Can you parallel park easily?
• How is the acceleration? Can you zip around in comfort and in control?
• Is there enough acceleration to easily fit into traffic - even freeway traffic?
• How does the car go uphill?
• Is the steering responsive at higher speeds? Does it understeer or oversteer around corners?
• Do the brakes work smoothly without needing a lot of pressure? Would you feel comfortable in a panic stop?
• Is the car quiet when stopped, moving and accelerating? Turn off the radio to really hear it.
• How is the wind noise at higher speeds?
• Is the car stable at cruising speeds?
• Is the ride too hard or too soft? Do you need a different suspension?
• Does the car bounce a lot when it hits bumps?

THE POST-DRIVE INSPECTION

After you have driven the car and are back at the dealership, look at the following:

• Will the vehicle fit in your garage?
• Is the trunk big enough?
• Is the backseat comfortable for sitting and reclining?
• Do both front seats recline?
• Can you open the hood easily?
• Is the motor easily set up for servicing? (This is especially important when you have to change the various body fluids).
• Are the oil, water, power steering fluid, etc. marked and easily accessible?