Five Things to Do when Test Driving a New Car

The average American buys 12 cars in a lifetime, so it isn't an experience you should take lightly. Besides, you are going to have to live with this new car for at least the length of your lease or loan. So, you had better be sure you know what you are getting into once you sign the paperwork.

Before you head into the dealership finance office, always keep these five things in mind during your test drive with a new car. And as always, be sure to take your time. Even though the car salesperson may be eager to get his or her commission check, never allow yourself to be pressured.

Pick Out a Test Drive Route Before You Go to the Dealer

Don't be afraid to tell the car salesman that you already have a test route picked out for your initial drive. You know best what city streets and highways you use most often so be sure to map out a route that will give you optimum input as to how the vehicle will handle your usual driving habits.

Always be sure to drive the vehicle on the freeway without the radio on to see how much wind, tire, engine and road noise can be heard in the cabin. And take the car to a crowded parking lot to see how easily it maneuvers, turns and parks. You'd be surprised how many new cars are difficult to park in strip mall parking lots.

Never Buy a Car on the Day You Test Drive It

When you test drive a car, your mind needs to be focused on how this vehicle suits your specific needs. All you should be thinking about is whether or not you could drive this car for perhaps the next 10 years. The pressure of dealing with the whole sales experience will distract from that.

The best way to handle this is to tell the salesperson you are just there to drive the car that day and you will come back if you are pleased with the experience. This will oftentimes set the bar higher for that salesperson as they know they will have to work harder to earn your business.

Ask the Salesperson about the Warranty and Vehicle Safety Ratings

In addition to your driving impressions, be sure to ask the salesperson about the warranty lengths and restrictions. For instance, Hyundai/Kia offers a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty but that drops to 6 years/50,000 miles for the second owner. That can affect residual values and competitors like Suzuki offer powertrain warranties that are transferable.

Also, ask the salesman how the vehicle ranks in NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) crash tests. If he or she doesn't know (the tell tale signs of a bad salesperson), the NHTSA ratings are on the window sticker as is warranty information.

Ask the Service Department about Routine Maintenance Costs

After your test drive, walk into the service department and ask about service intervals and service pricing for your particular model. This is important to keep in mind for your budget as you will be responsible for these costs as long as you own the car. There are some brands, however, like Mini, BMW, VW and Jaguar that offer free servicing for a set period of time.

Make Sure the Interior and Level of Utility Fits Your Needs

If you are shopping for a family car, be sure to bring the whole family along (even the dog) to ensure there is plenty of space for everyone. Also, if you are a parent, bring along car seats, baby strollers and all the usual stuff you need to carry to ensure the vehicle's cargo area can accommodate you.